Vishwanath Temple, Khajuraho
A popular tourist destination of Central India, Khajuraho, is home to some of the finest and greatest piece of architecture in the country. The stunning Khajuraho group of monuments represents India’s heightened sense of artistic abilities and architectural advancements. Among these monuments, Vishwanath Temple in Khajuraho probably houses the biggest collection of these erotic figurines. Built during the reign of the Chandela Dynasty, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. However, the shrine dedicated to the vahana or carrier of Shiva, Nandi Bull, could also be found here.This write-up is meant to help you in uncovering the mysteries of this temple.
Let’s begin this tour.
Keynote on Vishwanath Temple, Khajuraho
Vishwanath Temple, Khajuraho
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Address: Rajnagar Rd, Western Temple Complex, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606
Type of Monument: Temple
Primary Deity: Shiva
Architectural Style: Nagara style
Opening time: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 550
Visit Duration: Almost one hour
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Reach: Buses and private taxis available
Overview of the Vishwanath Temple
The 11th century-built Vishwanath Temple is believed to be commissioned by Emperor Dhanga of the Chandela Dynasty. It was built in the style similar to that of Kandariya-Mahadev Temple and has related sculpture panels. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and has a beautiful marble Shiva Linga inside the sanctum sanctorum. It is entirely covered in carved figurines from the shikhara to the lower base platform. Sculptures like a woman doing a headstand, or voluptuous surasundari observing her in the mirror or cuddling babies could be found here. The imposing sculpture of Brahma could be found inside the shrine. Apart from this, miniature animal figures could be seen in the lowest frieze of the temple pillars.Inside the Vishwanath Temple, Khajuraho stands the huge statue of Nandi, the carrier of Shiva. The Nandi bull statue has its designated shrine along with its beautiful decorative figurines and designs.
One of the most visited landmarks of Khajuraho, the temple is simply the highest feat of architecture and art.
History of the Vishwanath Temple
According to the dedicatory inscription, this temple was possibly commissioned by the Chandela king Dhanga. There is an ongoing debate regarding the date of establishment of the temple among the historians. The inscription states that two Shiva Lingas - Marakateshvara and Pramathanatha – blessed the devotees. It possibly was written after the death of the King Dhanga and stresses that the Marakateshvara Linga was possibly made from emerald, while Pramathanatha was made from the stone.
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Architecture
The Vishwanath Temple, Khajuraho shares some of the similarities with the Lakshmana Temple and Kandariya Mahadeva Temple. Built exclusively from sandstone, according to some art historians, this monument is the epitome of the Khajuraho temple architecture.The shrine was conceptualized as a panchayatana complex – a typical Hindu temple floor plane comprising of one main temple surrounded by four smaller or subsidiary temples. Among these four subsidiary shrines, only two currently exist. Among the surviving subsidiary shrines, one is dedicated to Paravati – the consort of Shiva – and could be seen resting on an iguana.
The primary shrine of the Vishwanath Temple, housing Shiva, faces east towards the direction of the Nandi temple. Built-in the traditional Nagara style, the temple has Ardha-mandapa (entrance porch), mandapa and maha mandapa (small and large temple halls), and a garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) with a heavily decorated spire or shikhara. For the passage of light and ventilation, the architect has included three balconies on the three directions of the temple. To reach the temple, you have to cover a few flights of stairs – decked with animal figurines.
Inside the temple premise, you would only find the stone Linga. There are no traces of the emerald Shivalingam that could be seen inside the temple premise.
Sculptures
The temple’s base is adorned with the images of Paravati, Ganesha, and Saptamatrikas (Hindu goddesses). Celestial nymphs and surasundaris could be seen adorning the walls of the temple. The later idols represent the women of those times engaging in different activities like playing the flute or taking care of the children. Artisans have given special attention to the patterns in the garments of the women figures, and their facial expressions – showcasing the mastery of these sculptors.
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The erotic art panels could be found inside the northern and southern walls of the Vishwanath Temple, Khajuraho. Here you can witness couples engaged in serious lovemaking, and helping each other in having the most pleasurable experience.
Why These Erotic Sculptures?
There are several interpretations as to why these temples used erotic sculptures on their premises. According to few historians, they were considered to bring in good fortune for the temple, and ward off the evil from its premise. While European researchers believe that these figurines represented fertility and rebirth, or the union of the cosmic elements. Whatever be the interpretations behind these statues, they are truly a work of art and epitome of Indian sculpting. Built during the 11th century, the temple is filled with human and animal figurines that feel almost real.
Do make it a point to visit the Vishwanath Temple on your Khajuraho trip.
You will not be disappointed.