Fatehpur Twin Brick Temples- Uttar Pradesh

Address

Fatehpur Twin Brick Temples- Sarahan Bujurg, Fatehpur district, Uttar Pradesh 212631

Diety

Lord Maheshwara Amman: Behari Mata, Devi Mata

Introduction

Twin Brick Temples is dedicated to Maheshwara, located in the Sarahan Buzurg Village, Amauli Block, Fatehpur District, and Uttar Pradesh. Fatehpur district is home to many stunning temples dating back to the ancient times. A pair of these lesser-known architectural gems is found in Sarahan Buzurg village. The temple complex that has been immaculately maintained by the villagers, one will see a centuries-old Hanuman shrine on the right corner of the premises. The fragments of the original structure are still visible though the shikhara has fallen off and replaced with a basic structure.

Puranic Significance

The two ancient brick temples sit majestically on a low plinth. Though both temples have been built on the same plan, over time the temple dedicated to Behrai Mata. The idol of Behrai Mata in the sanctum sanctorum bears marks of great antiquity and is revered by all. The entire brick structure has been reinforced and modifications to strengthen the shikhara are visible from inside. The external facades of this temple are adorned with exquisite repetitive architectural patterns, niches that are now bereft of sculptures and iconography typical of the late 8th century. The curvilinear shikhara and other embellishments have fallen off. The other temple is square in plan and has an idol of Lord Maheshwara and Devi Mata in the sanctum sanctorum. The shikhara of this temple also has been lost along with the other intricate decorative elements. The brick moldings in the lower part of both temples have been damaged. There is very little information about when this temple was built and by who but locals opine it was built most likely by the Pratiharas dynasty from the mid-8th to the 11th century.