Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishwanatha temple is situated among the western group of temples of Khajuraho. The inscriptions in the temple points to the rich history of the shrine through various eras. The architect, according to the inscription, was Sutradhara Chhichchha. The temple was built in 11th century by King Dhangadeva of the Chandela dynasty. It has a long inscription stating that it was Dhangadeva who installed an emerald linga in the shrine. The temple was then known as the Marakateshvara, the Lord of the Emerald Linga. The Lingam later went missing during the many foreign invasions. Like the other monuments in Khajuraho, Vishwanatha temple is also well known for its beautiful architecture and exquisite carvings.

Location Madhya Pradesh , Bhopal, Bhopal

Legend

The folklore of the origin of Khajuraho revolves around Hemvati who was the beautiful daughter of Hemraj, the royal priest of Kashi. It is believed that the Moon God, taken in by her beauty, descended to earth in human form and ravished her. Hemvati, who was a child widow, threatened to curse the god for ruining her life. To make amends Moon god promised that she would become the mother of a valiant son. He also asked her to go to to Khajujupura where the son would become the King and build numerous temples. The child, Chandravarman, later became the King and true to his father's words built many shrines of architectural wonder. He was the head of the Chandela clan. His successors of the clan continued to build beautiful temples at Khajuraho. After fall of Chandella dynasty, Khajuraho Temples suffered destruction by foreign invaders which forced local people to leave the area. From about 13th century to 18th century, Khajuraho temples remained in obscurity until it was re-discovered by British engineer T. S. Burt

Architecture

Vishvanatha temple is one of the temples known for its Nagara style of architecture. The temple includes  fleet of staircases which begins from the entrance. These lead the visitors to the main mandapa and the shikhara. The garbagriha of the temple has the shrine of Lord Brahma with three heads along with the shrines of Lord Shiva and Parvati. It has a beautiful marble Shivalinga as the main deity. There is also an attractive and huge structure of Nandi in front of the temple. Beautiful figures, carvings and sculptures adorn the exterior walls in panels that run throughout the temple.

Culture

Khajuraho is one of the most popular tourist spots in Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for its ancient temples that depict some of the finest art and architecture in the world.

Darsan Info

There is an entrance fee to the western group of temples temple -Rs 10 for Indians and Rs 250 for foreigners.The ticket price for the light and sound show are- Rs. 75 for adults and Rs. 25 for children (Indians)/Rs. 300 for adults and Rs. 150 for children (Foreigners)

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire.

Special Rituals

The  tourism department presents a  light and sound show in the garden of the western group of temples every evening at 19:30.

Additional Info

 

Raja Cafe, Sunshine restaurant, Gagan restaurant

 

Supermarket : Available