Kandariya Mahadeva Temple (Madhya Pradesh)

Located in Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh), Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is the largest and most ornate Hindu temple of medieval times. It was build around 1025-1050AD with great architectural style and has been listed in UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1986.

Key Points about the Temple

• Location : Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh- 471606
• Affiliation : Hinduism
• Entry Fees : Rs.10/- for Indians & Rs.250/- for Foreigners
• Festivals : Mahashivratri
• Deity : Shiva (Mahadeva)
• Photography : Prohibited

History of the Temple

Most of the temples in Khajuraho build by Chandela dynasty in 950 and 1050 AD. Though earlier there were around 85 temples spread over 20 square kilometers, today only 20 temples are still standing because many temples were desecrated under the Muslim rule.

Architecture of the Temple

The temple is built on an area of 6500 square feet, and a height of 117 feet from ground. Structurally, it has a rectangular hall called Ardhmandapa as entrance, a central pillared hall called Mandapa, and the the Garbhagriha. Above Garbhagriha is the main spire.

The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple has engraved shrines with over 800 images of women. The chief deity of the temple is Lord Shiva and has a shivalingam at the centre of Garbhagriha. The walls of both interior and exterior depict four basic pursuits of life- Moksha, Kama, Dharma and Artha.

The exterior of the temple features the highest point of the temple called Shilkara build in the form of Mount Kailash, the Hindu mythological home of Lord Shiva. The temple also depicts sculptures of matters of everyday life including sculptures of humans and animals.

Visiting Hours

• Entry fee is Rs.10/- per person for Indians and Rs.250/- for foreigners.
• Fees for light and sound show- Rs. 120/- for Indians and Rs.400/- for foreigners.
• Timings- 05:00 am to 12:00pm and then continues from 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm(all days of week)