Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Khajuraho - The Great God of the Cave

The Kandariya Mahadev Temple in Khajuraho is also known as the “the great god of the cave’’ and it’s the largest temple in the Khajuraho temple complex. This place portrays the best example of the lives from the medieval era. The temple is constructed in the plinth of 4m height and it is made into a tall structure in a mountain shape. This structure is believed to be adapted from the symbolic Mount Meera and has a mythical source of creation. The temple is beautifully built on a raised platform by facing the east side and can be reached by steps. The temple can be reached by many interconnected chambers from the inside. The chambers are the Ardhamandapa, which is the rectangular entrance hall and it leads to the Mandapa and finally to the dark area called the Garbhagraha.

Important Information

Kandariya Mahadev Temple

Opening & Closing Time: 05:00 am - 12:00 pm, 04:00 pm - 09:00 pm, open all days

Entrance Fee: INR 10

Photography:

The Khajuraho Kandariya Mahadev Temple is a paradise for photographers. The beauty of architecture and sculptures are incredible captures via lively depictions. Each portions representing a different and unique story.

Location:

The Kandariya Mahadev Temple in Khajuraho is located in the Chhatarpur District of the Madhya Pradesh. The Khajuraho village is very famous for having the temple complex which is dedicated to the art of lovemaking and other passionate affairs. The area of the temple is around 6km (2.3 mi), and there is also a famous Vishnu temple in the western part of the village.

Carvings at the Temple

The image of the temple is located in the main tower and spire above garbhagraha. You will find the marble linga inside this place that denotes Lord Shiva. It’s interesting and surprising at the same time that there are over 900 sculptures carved on this sandstone temple made on thegranite foundation together.

The interior of the temple is something to admire because it is known for its exquisite carvings on the walls, pillars, and the ceiling. The most interesting part about the temple is that the carvings on this temple portray the four pursuits of life like the Kama, Artha, moksha, and dharma. The structure of these sculptures denotes the relationship between humans and animals.

Interesting Facts about the Temple

• You will find the Prasad available all day of the week from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
• Foreigners are charged an affordable amount to enter the temple
• The devotees offer dry fruits and other sweets as an act of worship
• Khajuraho also celebrates some festivals that are worth taking part in, like the dance festival between February and March.
• Mahashivratri is also celebrated as the marriage of Shiva and Parvati

Architecture

Amazing Carvings at the Temple

The architecture of the temple is something to be elaborated; here are some interesting things about the architecture of the Khajuraho Kandariya Mahadev Temple.

• The Kandariya Mahadev Temple in Khajuraho is built in an area of around 6,500 sq feet over a raised platform of around 117 feet with a steep flight of steps.
• The interior of the place connects the series of chambers and a visitor can approach the chambers in a sequence.
• You will come across a rectangular entrance hall with broad steps that will lead you to the central pillar.
• Throughout the temple building, you will find decorative art that is symbolic and follows a Hindu iconography.
• The carvings on the pillars, walls, and the ceilings are said to be the depiction of the pursuits of life like the Artha, Kama, Moksha, and Dharma.

The entire main building is made with sandstone along with the base constructed with a granite foundation. You will be surprised, that no mortars were used in the construction. The stones were cleverly connected with the mortis and tenon, held together with gravity.

The architecture at that time made with such engineering and technique are praiseworthy. Provided with the sculptures and the architecture that are still intact in shape and reflects the same charm as it did centuries back.

Sculptures

Some of the details about the sculptures and how they are prepared are interesting to know because it will make you love the art and craftsmanship of the artisans even more.

Tourists Appreciating the Exquisite Sculptures

Sensuous Sculptures of the Temple

• The sculptures in the Kandariya Mahadev Temple are done on huge stones that portray the matters of everyday life.
• You will find interesting carvings inspired by crocodile’s springing, it is intact with smaller figures and smaller carvings depicts some of the incredible styles of architecture,
• The exterior of the tower also has some repetitive friezes with some intricate carvings of human figures.
• The quality of the stones used in making the sculptures are superior which has made the depiction last centuries. It is also one of the reasons why the carvings are so accurate and real with manicured nails and detailed jewelry.
• The outside of the temple surface contains some of the most erotic scenes depicted on sculptures.
• The erotic figures depicted with the help of sensuous sculptures reflect the art of lovemaking and eternal happiness, which one finds in the physical and spiritual union with their beloved.

It’s not surprising how some of the archeologists from the past were deeply shocked by these sculptures and some of the guidebooks discouraged people from visiting this place. They feared moral corruption; however, the Kandariya Mahadev Temple receives tons of visitors throughout the year.

Keep some of the basic travel tips handy, and enjoy exploring the sensuous sculptures in the Khajuraho temple complex.