Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho

The Lakshmana Temple in Khajuraho was built by the Chandella Kings and it’s the first temple made by them in the capital of Khajuraho. The original patron of the Khajuraho Lakshmana Temple was known to be the leader of the Chandella Clan called Yashovarman who gained control over many territories in the Bundelkhand region at that time. There were around 80 temples in this place but now approximately 30 temples remains. You will love the art and spiritual vibe of this place; some of the temples were also built in the honor of the teachers of Jainism.

The shrine is exquisitely decorated and depicts over 600 gods in the Hindu Pantheon. The main shrine that faces east of the temple also has four freestanding shrines in four corners of the temple. The Lakshmana Temple is said to have some of the explicit sexual carvings to the southern side of the temple. Here are some important details that you need to know before visiting the place.

Glance Through

Features: Temple with erotic sculptures on the facade

Opening Times: Dawn to dusk, everyday

Duration: 30 min - 1 hr

Cost: INR 250

Traveled By: Foot

Address: Rajnagar Road, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India

Best Time to Visit: October - early March

Architecture

The architecture of Khajuraho Lakshmana Temple is a sight to behold. The first thing you will notice is the image of Lord Vishnu in the three-headed form known as the Vaikuntha. He sits in the inner chamber which is also known as the Garba griha, and this particular architecture portion of this temple is known as the heart of all the Hindu temples regardless of any size and location.

The core of the shrine is considered to be in the womb chamber of the temple. This portion is designed in a very different manner, with dark set-up inside the chamber; this part of the temple is windowless and specifically designed for intimate and individual worship of the divine power. This style of worship is much different from that of any other religion which practices congregational worship in mosques and churches.

The architecture style used in the Lakshmana Temple is done in the Nagara style. This style of the temple is known to have shrines are known as Vimana and the important flat-roofed entry known as the mandapa.

Lakshmana Temple done in the Nagara Style

The shrine in this temple includes a base-superstructure known as sikhara, and it is best seen by the viewers from a distance. If you are still in awe by the overwhelming sculptures and dark chambers of the temple and want to know some of these details again, then let’s give you the highlights.

Overview of Scenes Carved on the Exterior of Lakshmana Temple

• Musicians who are providing live entertainment for the court
• Couples drunk on liquor and love
• Horse-mounted hunters pursuing their prey
• Elephants engaged in a playful battle
• Lines of soldiers on the march
• There are female attendants fanning the king
• Couples keeping themselves occupied in pleasures

Strange Beliefs

The figure of Mithuna appears on many Hindu temples and Buddhist monastic sites throughout South Asia for centuries now. Some of the scholars have suggested that the sensuous structures are very much connected with the Kapalika tantric practices prevalent at the Khajuraho during the rule of Chandela. The practices boldly include wine drinking, eating fish, and using the human skull as a vessel for drinking.

Lines of Soldiers on the March

Exquisite Sculptures Carved on the Exterior

You will be able to find two main styles of architecture that includes the Nagara Style and the Dravida style. The temple is dominated by the Dravidian style of architecture but you will also love the other style of architecture which is more prominent in the south. The base platform is given much importance which is known as the Pitha ‘seat’. This structure of the Khajuraho Lakshmana Temple beats any other structure in the Khajuraho temple complex. Some of the interior details of this temple are unique as compared to any other surrounding temples.

Interesting facts

• Khajuraho Lakshmana Temple is one of the three biggest temples in Khajuraho as compared to any other Western Group of temples.
• The temple was contracted in the commemoration of a military victory during the Chandela dynasty.
• The construction was completed around 954 AD and the structure is said to be the earliest Chandela temples.
• The construction took around 20 years to build and was completed during the reign of Dhanga.
• It is believed to be one of the best-preserved from all the temples in Khajuraho
• The structure is equally high as its length.
• The maximum part of the temple is ornamented with various sculptures and carvings, which depicted the lifestyle and desires of the early people from the Chandela dynasty.

Exploring the Lakshmana Temple can be a memorable experience, don’t forget to carry your camera to capture the sensuous sculptures and stunning architecture of the Khajuraho complex.