Dudhai Shiva (Lesser Surang) Temple, Uttar Pradesh

Address

Dudhai Shiva (Lesser Surang) Temple, Dudhai, Uttar Pradesh 284403

Diety

Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu.

Introduction

Dudhai, a small village in the Lalitpur district of Uttar Pradesh, holds historical significance with its ruins and protected monuments. The village’s notable site is the Dudhai Shiva Temple, also known as Lesser Surang, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Here are some key details about this temple and its historical background:

Dudhai Shiva Temple (Lesser Surang):

This temple is referred to as Lesser Surang because its spire or shikara does not reach as high as another temple in the vicinity known as Larger Surang. However, in terms of its plan and dimensions, it may be larger than the latter.

Temple Design and Shrines:

The Dudhai Shiva Temple is a tri-kuta temple, consisting of three shrines or cells. These cells are dedicated to the deities Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu.
Only two of the cells have survived the test of time. The one dedicated to Vishnu is no longer intact.
While there’s evidence to suggest that it may have been dedicated to Brahma, the overall design and orientation of the temple strongly indicate its dedication to Lord Shiva.

Common Mandapa:

The three cells or garbha-grhas were connected to a common mandapa, a pillared hall. Unfortunately, the roof of the mandapa has not survived.

No Antarala (Vestibule):

There is no antarala or vestibule in front of these cells, meaning they open directly into the common mandapa.

Lintel Details:

The lintels above the garbha-grha doorways are adorned with various images, including representations of Nava-grhas (nine planets) and Sapta-matrikas (seven mothers), along with the images of the temple’s dedicatory deity.

Deity Details:

The lintel of the cell dedicated to Brahma depicts Lord Brahma on the central lalata-bimba, with Gayatri and Savitri on its terminals.
The lintel of the Shiva cell shows a dancing Lord Shiva at the central lalata-bimba, flanked by images of Vishnu and Brahma on its terminals.

Shivalinga and Towers:

Inside the cell dedicated to Lord Shiva, a Shivalinga is placed, while the cell dedicated to Brahma is empty.
Originally, there would have been individual towers above each of the three individual cells. However, only the tower above the Brahma cell has survived, albeit in a very deteriorated state of preservation.

Platform and Inscriptions:

The temple was constructed on a high rising jagati or platform, which was approached via a flight of steps.
Six inscriptions are found in this temple, which suggest that it was built during the Chandela period in the first decade of the eleventh century. The construction is attributed to Prince Devalabdhi, the nephew of Chandela King Yashovarman.

The Dudhai Shiva Temple (Lesser Surang) is a remarkable piece of ancient architectural and sculptural heritage, providing insights into the religious and artistic traditions of the Chandela dynasty during the eleventh century.