Nandi Temple, Khajuraho
Khajuraho, the most fascinating destination of India, is frequently visited by tourists – both national and overseas. The stunning cluster of temples showcases the artistic traditions of Indian sculptors and artisans. The Khajuraho temple complex had close to 85 monuments in different sizes. Unfortunately only twenty of these temples are surviving today. This write-up focuses on an offbeat temple inside the Vishwanath Temple complex – one of the most famous shrines of Khajuraho – the Nandi Temple. Dedicated to the Vahana of Lord Shiva, the temple houses the shrine of Nandi the bull. As per the Hindu temple architecture, this monument is built just opposite the Shiva temple and houses a giant statue of a bull.Let’s check this interesting monument and uncover the unknown facts regarding the Nandi Temple, Khajuraho.
Keynotes on Nandi Temple, Khajuraho
Nandi Temple, Khajuraho
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Address: Khajuraho Airport Area, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606
Type of monument: Temple
Primary deity: Nandi Bull
Architectural style: Shikhara style
Opening time: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry fee: INR 550
Visit duration: Half an hour
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach: Buses and private taxis available
The Overview
According to historians, the Nandi temple was built around the early parts of the 11th century-long with the Vishwanath Temple. Being the part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the temple is heavily decorated with carved animals and human figures.
A part of the Western temple group, the temple stands on a high platform and has a huge statue Nandi statue carved from stone. One can see a great amount of detailing done on the primary deity, with special attention given to its ornaments around the neck.
Architecture
The Nandi Temple, Khajuraho is a beautiful pillared monument, covered with detailed carvings from top to the base. In the middle of the shrine, houses a statue of a bull – the symbolic representation of Nandi. Temple is built on a chaturbhuj or a rectangular-shaped platform, forming a cross quadrate structure. Interestingly, the temple has no walls and the primary deity of the monument can be observed from all the four sides. The colossal statue of Nandi sits over a platform is perfectly aligned with the Shiva Lingam inside the Vishvanatha Temple.
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This monument also houses erotic statues, but they are placed close to the roof of the shrine. Another important Shiva statue holding a trident could be seen here.
A Brief Introduction to the Vishwanath Temple
Located just opposite to the Nandi Temple, Khajuraho, the Vishwanath Temple is possibly one of the prime tourist attractions of the region. Constructed in the 11th century, during the same period as the Nandi temple, the place is covered in stunning human figures engaged in a passionate love-making.
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Vishwanatha - Opposite to the Nandi Temple
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According to the dedicatory plinth, this temple and the opposite Nandi temple was constructed by the Emperor Dhanga of the Chandela Empire. This shrine is dedicated to Shiva and houses several smaller shrines dedicated to different other important Hindu gods and goddesses.
The most talked-about figures in this temple are the erotic sculptures. However, apart from these figurines, you will find figurines of beautiful women or surasundaris standing in different poses. Especially, the statues around the circumambulation passage of the shrine reveal the excellent craftsmanship of the sculptors. Female figures found in this section are standing in different poses that highlight their bodies.
The trip to the Nandi Temple, Khajuraho is incomplete without heading towards the glorious Vishwanath Temple.
Some Essentials to Remember While Visiting Khajuraho
1. This small town attracts a large flow of vacationers from October to March. During those periods, the temples are swarming with tourists making the place excessively crowded. It might be overwhelming for tourists traveling with kids or the elderly. For a less overwhelming experience, visit the temple during the opening hours, when the area is deserted.
2. Also, carry adequate sun protection to prevent sunburns and heat-related health issues. For starters, pack good quality sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat in your India travel itinerary. Also, drink plenty of water, juices and other liquids to keep you hydrated.
3. The Nandi Temple, Khajuraho is located in the Western temple complex. Apart from this, the complex has Kandariya Mahadev temple, Jagadambi temple, Chausath Yogini Temple, Khajuraho and Lakshmana Temple.
4. Hire knowledgeable guides, to uncover the in-depth meaning of the monuments and the statues.
Khajuraho is one of the most iconic Indian temples full of architectural marvels and stunning sculptures.
Do visit the area, and savor the beauty of this region.