Vishvanatha Temple, Khajuraho: History, Timing & Tips
Situated among the Western Group of Khajuraho Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Madhya Pradesh, Vishwanatha Temple is a Hindu temple 500 meters from Kandariya Mahadev Temple and 1 km from Khajuraho Bus Stand. It is among the most stunning temples in Khajuraho and one of the greatest locations to enjoy Khajuraho tourism.
The ‘Lord of the Universe’, Shiva, also called Vishwanatha, is the object of devotion at the temple. The Chandela king Dhanga is thought to have ordered the construction of the temple, which was most likely finished in 999 or 1002 CE. It shares architectural similarities with the temples of Lakshmana and Kandariya Mahadev. Numerous sculptures of different gods, apsaras, lovers, and legendary animals may be found there.
One of the Khajuraho Temple complex’s architectural wonders is Vishwanath Temple. The temple, which is elevated, has a vestibule, sanctum, mandapa, maha-mandapa, and entrance porch. An ambulatory flanked by transepts encloses the sanctum. The sanctuary is covered by a tower with projections and little tower-like features, while the mandapa and porch have pyramidal roofs. Lions and elephants are depicted on the temple’s southern and northern steps, which enhance the shrine’s splendor.
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The exquisite marble Shivalinga is kept in the temple’s sanctuary. In addition to the primary deity, the temple is embellished with a six-foot-tall Nandi bull perched atop a broad platform and the idol of Lord Brahma. A lengthy inscription in the temple further claims that Dhangadeva placed an emerald linga there. At that time, the temple was called the Lord of the Emerald Linga, or Marakateshvara. When Cunningham visited the temple in 1864, this priceless linga was gone. The inscription identifies the architect as Sutradhara Chhichchha, who was knowledgeable with Vishwakarma’s architectural legacy.
Only two of the panchayatana-style Vishwanatha Temples remain today. The temple’s sanctuary wall and pillars are adorned with elegant apsaras. This enormous temple’s attractiveness and beauty are further enhanced by three painstakingly carved bands of equal sizes on its outside wall. The carvings of Lord Ganesha, seven Mothers, and Virabhadra are displayed in the basement pictures. It is also well-known for having the most proportional statues of amorous lovers and apsaras.
Timings: The temple remains open from 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM every day.
Complex Entry Fee: Rs. 30 for Indians & Rs. 500 for Foreigners
Location: Vishwanath Temple, Rajnagar Rd, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
Distance from Khajuraho Bus Stand: The temple lies 1 km away from Khajuraho Bus Stand.
