Chhatarpur

Lakshmana Temple

Lakshmana Temple

Jun 02, 2023

One of the oldest structures amongst the temple groups of Khajuraho, Lakshmana Temple was built by the Chandela kings. The divine trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva graces the entrance of the temple, though the temple is dedicated to the Hindu Lord Vishnu, and harbors a portrayal of Vaikuntha-Vishnu as its sanctum.

The exceptional architecture is enhanced by over 600 deities whose images are aesthetically showcased on the exteriors of the temple.

History of Lakshmana Temple

Lakshmana temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, was built from 930-950 AD during the reign of King Yasovarman of the Chandella kingdom. It houses a sacred image of Vaikuntha-Vishnu brought from Tibet. Though the temple is one of the oldest in the Khajuraho fields, it is also one of the most exquistely decorated, covered almost completely with images of over 600 gods in the Hindu Pantheon. The main shrine of the temple, which faces east, is flanked by four freestanding subsidiary shrines at the corners of the temple platform.

Architecture of Lakshmana Temple

Leave your shoes at the entrance and enter the interior through a simple Makara-Torana flanked by gladiators. The circular ceiling of the porch (Ardha mandapa) is a superbly carved open lotus blossom. In the hall (mandapa) is a raised platform possibly used for dancing and tantric rituals. At each corner of the platform are pillars with carved brackets with apsaras which are among the finest sculptures at Khajuraho.

There are eight figures on each column, representing the eight sects of Tantra. The sanctum (Garba-Griha) doorway has a panel showing incarnations of Vishnu while the lintel has Lakshmi with Brahma and Siva on either side. A frieze above depicts the nine planets including Rahu, while Krishna legends and innumerable carvings of animals, birds, and humans, appear on the wall.

The Pancha-Ratha sanctum (main shrine) was built to house the three-headed image of Vishnu as Vaikuntha, which features one human head and the head of two of Vishnu’s avatars (incarnations), a lion and a boar. Around it is 10 incarnations and 14 forms of Vishnu.

Near by Places in Madhya Pradesh

Read more Madhya Pradesh

More Tourist Destination in Madhya Pradesh

Heritage Place in Madhya Pradesh

Khajuraho Temples Sanchi Stupa Gwalior Fort Jahaj Mahal Jai Vilas Palace Bhimbetka Rock Shelter Rajwada Palace Asirgarh Fort Raja Mahal Rani Mahal Palace Lal Bagh Palace Hindola Mahal

Religious Place in Madhya Pradesh

Omkareshwar Temple Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Taj Ul Masjid Kandariya Mahadev Temple Sas Bahu Temple Matangeshwar Temple Teli Ka Mandir Duladeo Shiva Temple Bateshwar Temple Bada Ganesh Ka Mandir Kal Bhairav Temple Gadkalika Mandir Jami Masjid Moti Masjid Harsiddhi Ma Temple Javari Temple

Adventure Place in Madhya Pradesh

Wildlife Safari In Bandhavgarh National Park Wildlife Safari In Kanha National Park Wildlife Safari In Pench National Park Wildlife Safari In Panna National Park Wildlife Safari In Satpura National Park Wildlife Safari In Sanjay Dubri National Park Wildlife Safari In Madhav National Park River Rafting In Betwa River Dhoopgarh Trek Janapav Trek Kalakund Trek Bhairav Kund Trek Mehndi Kund Trek Mahadev Paani Trek Ginnorgarh Fort Trek Sagar Talao & Hathi Mahal Trek Rewa Kund Trek Barusot Trek Ralamandal Wildlife Trek Rock Climbing In Madhya Pradesh Camping In Madhya Pradesh Speed Boating In Madhya Pradesh Cable Car Ride In Madhya Pradesh

Ecotourism Place in Madhya Pradesh

Kanha National Park Panna National Park Pench National Park Madhav National Park Satpura National Park Sanjay Dubri National Park Bandhavgarh National Park Van Vihar National Park Fossil National Park Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary Bori Wildlife Sanctuary Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary Karera Wildlife Sanctuary Ken Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary Narsinghgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary

Leisure Place in Madhya Pradesh

Pandav Waterfall Bhoora Khon Waterfall Raneh Waterfall Bahuti Waterfall Kapil Dhara Waterfall Tincha Waterfall Patalpani Waterfall Dhuandhar Waterfall Rajat Prapat Waterfall Bee Falls Sultangarh Waterfall Chachai Waterfall Dhanora Waterfall Keoti Waterfall Sanakua Waterfall Pawa Waterfall Purwa Waterfall Gatha Waterfall Kapildhara Waterfall Dugdhdhara Waterfall