Lakshmana Temple near Khajuraho – Timings, History, Best Time to Visit
One of Khajuraho’s best-preserved temples is Lakshmana Temple, which is located one kilometer from Khajuraho Bus Stand. One of the must visit places in Khajuraho, this temple is regarded as one of the Western Group’s oldest still standing temples.
Lord Vishnu is the object of devotion in Lakshmana Temple. The seventh ruler of the Chandela dynasty, Yashovarman, constructed the temple before to 954 CE. The temple’s construction is thought to have taken 20 years. It is one of the three biggest temples located in the Western Wing of the Khajuraho complex and one of the first beautiful buildings built there.
The temple is a Panchayatana kind of Sandhara temple. All of the components of Hindu temple building are present in the complete temple complex, which is elevated. It features garbhagriha, antarala, maha-mandapa, mandapa, and an entrance porch. The temple’s platform is exquisitely embellished with designs of elephants and horsemen performing a procession. In addition, the temple’s platform’s edges are carved with images of processions, hunts, and wars. The four subsidiary shrines at each of the four corners of the rectangular platform of Lakshmana Temple make it unique.
See More Places to visit Khajuraho
On the east side of the temple, there is only one entrance. A toran is located over the entrance on the porch. Two rows of statues featuring sensual themes and celestial figures adorn the porch wall. There are seven vertical panels in the sanctuary entryway. Lord Vishnu’s many incarnations are depicted on the middle panel. In the center of the lintel stands the goddess Lakshmi, with Lords Brahma and Vishnu on either side. The idol of Vaikuntha Vishnu, who has four arms and three heads, is kept in the shrine. The human head is in the center, while Lord Varaha and Lord Narshima are shown in the other two. Tibet was the original source of this image.
The temple sanctum looks like Pancha-ratha from above. The temple’s western side is exquisitely adorned with sculptures and full-bodied representations of various female forms adorned with elaborate jewelry. In front of the temple, two mandapas are open. The Varaha mandapa, which faces south, features a massive picture of the standing Varaha. More than 600 gods and goddesses are depicted with the sculpted idol of Varaha.
Complex Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Complex Entry Fee: Rs. 30 for Indians & Rs. 500 for Foreigners
