Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho

The Lakshmana Temple is a 10th-century Hindu temple built by Yashovarman during the Chandela dynasty[2] located in Khajuraho, India. It is dedicated to Vaikuntha Vishnu - an aspect of Vishnu.[1] As part of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, and owing to its architecture and religious importance, the temple was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986.[3]

Lakshmana Temple
Lakshmana temple at Khajuraho
Lakshmana temple at Khajuraho
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictChattarpur, Khajuraho[1]
DeityVaikuntha Vishnu[1]
Location
LocationKhajuraho[1]
StateMadhya Pradesh
CountryIndia
Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho is located in Madhya Pradesh
Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho
Location in Madhya Pradesh
Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho is located in India
Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho
Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho (India)
Geographic coordinates24°51′7.7″N 79°55′18.1″E
Architecture
CreatorYashovarman,[1] (Chandella Ruler)
Completedc. 930 – c. 950 CE[1]
Temple(s)1 (+4 small temples on corners)

Location

This temple is located in the Western Temple complex in Khajuraho.[1] Khajuraho is a small village in the Chhatarpur District of Madhya Pradesh, India.

Architecture

It is a Sandhara[1] Temple of the Panchayatana[1] Variety. The entire temple complex stands on a high platform (Jagati), as seen in image. The structure consists of all the elements of Hindu temple architecture. It has entrance porch[1] (ardh-mandapa), Mandapa,[1] Maha-Mandapa,[1] Antarala and Garbhagriha.

Unlike other temples in Khajuraho, its sanctum is Pancharatha on plan (top-view). Its shikhara is clustered with minor urushringas (refer images of temple top i.e. shikhara).

The wall portion is studded with balconied windows with ornate balustrades. It has two rows of sculptures (refer images of temple's outer wall) including divine figures, couples and erotic scenes. The sanctum doorway is of seven sakhas (vertical panels).[1] The central one being decorated with the ten incarnation of Vishnu. The Lintel depicts goddess Lakshmi[1] in the centre flanked by Brahma and Vishnu. The sanctum contains four-armed sculpture of Vishnu. One of the niches has the image of the sculptor and his disciples at work.[4]

Sculptures

Main idol
Main Idol (Tri-Headed Vishnu), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho India

Main image is of three-headed & four-armed sculpture of Vaikuntha Vishnu.[1]

The central head is of human,[1] and two sides of boar[1] (depicting Varaha) and lion[1] (depicting Narashima).

Outer wall sculpture
  • Ganesha sculpture (outer wall), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
    Ganesha sculpture (outer wall), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
  • Sculpture (outer wall), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
    Sculpture (outer wall), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
  • Sculpture (outer wall), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
    Sculpture (outer wall), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
  • Sculpture (outer wall), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
    Sculpture (outer wall), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
  • Sculpture (outer wall), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
    Sculpture (outer wall), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India

Sculptures inside temple
  • Narshima sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
    Narshima sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
  • Damaged Varaha sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
    Damaged Varaha sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
  • Devi Killing Mahisasura sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
    Devi Killing Mahisasura sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
  • Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
    Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
  • Hayagriva sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
    Hayagriva sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
  • Vamana sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
    Vamana sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
  • Shiva and Brahma sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
    Shiva and Brahma sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India

References
  1. "Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) - Lakshmana Temple". Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Retrieved 21 March 2012.
  2. "Khajuraho Group of Monuments".
  3. "Khajuraho Group of Monuments". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization. Retrieved 25 June 2023.
  4. Ramakrishna, Lalitha (September 2018). "Grand temples of Madhya Pradesh". Tattvaloka. Sringeri: Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Mahaswamigal Educational Trust. XLI (6): 47–52. ISSN 0970-8901.
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