Chandpur Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Uttar Pradesh

Address

Chandpur Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Amau Khera, Chandpur, Jahajpur, Lalitpur Uttar Pradesh 284403

Diety

Lakshmi Narayan

Introduction

The Chandpur Group of Temples, situated in Chandpur Village in Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, is a collection of ancient temples dating back to the Chandela era. These temples are dedicated to various deities, including Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Jain Tirthankaras.

Dedication to Lord Vishnu:

The Lakshmi Narayan Temple Group primarily comprises temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in His various forms, particularly as Lord Narayana.
These temples reflect the artistic and religious significance of Lord Vishnu in the Chandela dynasty’s cultural and religious expressions.

Largest Group of Ruined Temples:

The Lakshmi Narayan Temple Group is recognized as the largest group of ruined temples within the Chandpur temple complex.
The ruins are a testament to the rich architectural and cultural heritage of the Chandela dynasty.

Structure of the Temples:

The group includes two temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. One of these temples comprises a sanctum and an entrance porch, while the other temple features a mandapa (hall) only.
Unfortunately, the sanctum of one of these temples has been completely lost over time, but the remnants of the structures provide valuable insights into the architectural and artistic style of the period.

Hanuman Image:

Among the ruins of the temple complex, there is a colossal image of Lord Hanuman.
Hanuman, a devoted and revered figure in Hindu mythology, holds a prominent place in temple iconography.

Inscription:

An architrave within the ruins of one of the temples contains a short inscription. Such inscriptions can provide historical and contextual information about the temples and their builders.

Minor Shrines:

In addition to the two main temples, there are two minor shrines located to the south of the primary temples. One of these minor shrines consists of a sanctum and an entrance porch, while the other has a mandapa only.

Compound Wall:

The temple group is enclosed by a compound wall on all sides, which may have served both practical and symbolic purposes, demarcating the sacred space and protecting the temple premises.

The Chandpur Group of Temples, including the Lakshmi Narayan Temple Group, offers a glimpse into the artistic, architectural, and religious heritage of the Chandela dynasty. These ancient ruins, protected as monuments of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India, stand as a testament to the rich history and cultural diversity of the region.