Kandariya Mahadeo Temple

kandariya-mahadeo-temple-khajuraho
Vital Information for Visitors
Address Temple:

Kandariya Mahadeo Temple, Western Group of Khajuraho Sevagram, Khajuraho, Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh.

Open & Close:

05 AM to 12:00 PM (morning)

04 PM to 09:00 PM (evening)

Entry Fees:

INR 10 – for Indians

INR 500 – for Foriegners

Free – for child below 15 years

Duration:

Approx 1 hour

Kandariya Mahadeo Temple: This 31-metre high temple is the biggest temple at Khajuraho. Built between 1025 and 1050, it marks the apogee of the Chandela era. It is dedicated to Shiva, and Sikhara 31 meters high, as the linga , phallic god symbolizes this way. Its symmetrical proportions, its magnificent carved ornaments and its architectural complexity make it one of the most beautiful temples on the site. The friezes on the outer base are elephants, horses, warriors, dancers, acrobats and musicians. The temple has 872 statues about 1 meter high, each with many erotic representations, among the most detailed and acrobatic of the site! Inside, the sanctum sanctorum houses a four-armed Shiva statue, surrounded by Brahma on its right and Vishnu on its left.

Among many interesting features of this temple is the statue of a hybrid monster pitted against a man. The exquisitely carved archway is adorned with the figures of musicians playing a variety of instruments, lovers in embrace, and winged gods and goddesses. The ceilings and pillars of the assembly hall as well as the main hall are adorned with beautiful carvings.

Kandariya Mahadev Temple is the largest temple of Khajuraho. Devoted to Lord Shiva, the length of this temple is 30 meters, width 2012 meters and height about 45 meters. According to the ancient gazetteers, this temple was constructed between 1025 to 1050. This temple is situated in front of the Vishwanath Temple.

Although the four temples that stand in the corners of the main altar are in ruins today. The main sanctuary has a finely carved entrance arch. These carvings and engravings depict a wide variety of subjects. The movements of celestial beings, lovers, serenades, musicians etc have been sculptured in stones ooze out warmth and thrill, frozen in time. The carved stone figures seem to have taken on life.

Behind the porch of Kandariya Mahadeo are six inner compartments - the portico, main hall, transept, vestibule, sanctum and ambulatory. The ceilings are particularly noteworthy. The pillars & capitals are finely carved. The transept of the outer walls has sculptures of groups of amateurs evoking a sensuality contest, vibrant with life. In the Kandariya Mahadeva temple, the largest of the group, details of bewildering complexity are massed together to form a perfectly balanced unity.

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