Vishwanath Temple Khajuraho

Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the finest achievements of Khajuraho. Vishwanath meaning the ‘Lord of the Universe’ is a title of Lord Shiva, and is most probably the original name of the temple, as there is a figure of Lord Shiva seated on his bull, Nandi, over the centre of the entrance to the sanctum, with figures of Lord Brahma on his goose, and of Lord Vishnu on his eagle, to the right and left. Inside the shrine also there is a lingam of Siva, and most of the principal groups, both of the interior and exterior, have reference to Lord Shiva and his consort. The Vishwanath Temple was surrounded by four small sanctuaries of which only two survived. It had once the symbol of Lord Shiva made of emerald. Inside the temple, an inscription refers two lingams, one of emerald, the other one of stone, allegedly sheltered by Vishwanath Temple. The corridors of the temple are guarded by the figures of lions and elephants. The figures of Lord Brahma, the Creator-God among the Hindu Trinity, and his consort on a wall, are impressive. It was built in the year 1002 AD by King Dhang Dev. Vishwanath Temple, part of Western Group of Khajuraho Temples, is constructed in Panchaytan style of temple architecture and layout.