Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Khajuraho

Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India The Kandariya Mahadeva temple was built during the reign of Vidyadhara (r. c. 1003-1035 CE). At various periods of the reign of this dynasty many famous temples dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva, Surya, Shakti of the Hindu religion and also for the Thirthankaras of Jain religion were built. This is without any doubt the largest and most magnificent temple in Khajuraho. The elegant proportions of this building and its sculptural detailing are the most refined examples of this artistic heritage of central India. Kandariya Mahadev shares its high platform with the small Mahadev shrine and the medium - sized Devi The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, 31 metres (102 ft) in height, is in the western complex, which is the largest among the three groups of the Khajuraho complex of temples. This western group of temples, consisting of the Kandariya, Matangeshwara and Vishvanatha temples, is compared to a "cosmic design of a hexagon (a yantra or Cosmo gram)" representing the three forms of Shiva. The temple architecture is an assemblage of porches and towers which terminates in a shikhara or spire, a feature which was common from the 10th century onwards in the temples of Central India. The temple is founded on a massive plinth of 4 meters (13 ft) height. The temple structure above the plinth is dexterously planned and pleasingly detailed. The superstructure is built in a steep mountain shape or form, symbolic of Mount Meru which is said to be the mythical source of creation of the world. The superstructure has richly decorated roofs which rise in a grand form terminating in the shikara, which has 84 miniature spires. The temple is in layout of 6 square kilometers (2.3 sq. mi), of which 22 are extant including the Kaṇḍāriyā Mahādeva Temple. This temple is characteristically built over a plan of 31 meters (102 ft) in length and 20 metres (66 ft) in width with the main tower soaring to a height of 31 meters (102 ft), and is called the "largest and grandest temple of Khajuraho". A series of steep steps with high rise lead from the ground level to the entrance to the temple. The layout of the temple is a five-part design, a commonality with the Lakshmana and Vishvanatha temples in the Khajuraho complex. Right at the entrance there is torana, a very intricately carved garland which is sculpted from a single stone; such entrances are part of a Hindu wedding procession. The carvings on the entrance gate shows the "tactile quality of the stone and also the character of the symmetrical design" that is on view in the entire temple which has high relief carvings of the figurines. Finely chiseled, the decorative quality of the ornamentation with the sharp inscribed lines has "strong angular forms and brilliant dark-light patterns". The carvings are of circles, undulations giving off spirals or sprays, geometric patterns, masks of lions and other uniform designs which has created a pleasant picture that is unique to this temple, among all others in the complex.

The temple is built around an area of 6,500 square feet and has a height of about 117 feet measured from ground. All the temples including the Kandariya Mahadev faces the East, the exceptional being Chaturbhuja. The Kandariya Mahadev tempels has been built upon, adhishsthana which is a raised platform and which can be reached using a vertical steps. Inside the temple, the whole lot of chambers are connected to each other in a well organized fashion. There is a rectangular hall at the entrance called as ardhamandapa and which leads to a central pillared hall called Mandapa which in turn leads to the Garbhagrha, the darkest sanctuary. Above the Garbhagrha is the main spire. There is a Linga or the devotional marble image of Lord Shiva inside the sanctuary. The decorative artistic designs and the architecture throughout the building have been showcased in a certain Hindu iconographic pattern. Both on the exterior and interior of the temple walls, the pillars and the ceilings has the depiction of the four basic pursuits of life; Moksha, Kama, Dharma and Artha.

One of the best temples in India which is dedicated to Lord Mahadeva. A truly magnificient architecture which is so grand (pictures can't do justice) which reminds us of our glorious past and what a wonderful history we had. This temple has incriptions as well which can be read clearly jf you understand the scriptures. You will be amazed and break your head trying to understand how the temple was built at the time with so much precision and symmetry For aged people or people who have issues with thier knee walking up and down the temple can be a problem as there is no railing to hold on to Parking: outside the temple there is a parking but at some distance Timings: 6:00 till 18:00 Ticket: 35/- for indian and 450/- for foreigners booked online through QR code available at entry Food: outside the temple lot of options are available and good food served Renovation of ground is going on as of oct 2022 Enjoy the temple premise and avoid standing up on temple walls

The temples of Khajuraho are excellent example of finest detailing of various sculpture and stone carving. I visited there in the month of March. Luckily that day was very pleasant. Our guide Dr.Anand Tiwari has elaborated each and every aspect of temples. His information and stories changed our perspective for these temples. I have also seen world famous sculpture of David in Florence. Khajuraho sculpture are no less than David. In fact Khajuraho sculpture were made much before than this. I think every Indian should visit places like Ajanta, Ellora and Khajuraho to feel and experience our wonderful and rich heritage.

Absolutely magnificent and stunning architecture by mighty Chandela king, Vidhyadhar. The level of precision and details incorporated by Architects of that era is beyond imagination. It is beyond thoughts as to how such a huge and stupendous temple was built entirely of rocks by the civil engineers of that era. Be proud of our Sanatani ancestors.