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Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho

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(Redirected from Lakshmana Temple) Hindu temple in Khajuraho, India
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Lakshmana Temple
Lakshmana temple at KhajurahoLakshmana temple at Khajuraho
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictChattarpur, Khajuraho
DeityVaikuntha Vishnu
Location
LocationKhajuraho
StateMadhya Pradesh
CountryIndia
Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho is located in Madhya PradeshLakshmana Temple, KhajurahoLocation in Madhya PradeshShow map of Madhya PradeshLakshmana Temple, Khajuraho is located in IndiaLakshmana Temple, KhajurahoLakshmana Temple, Khajuraho (India)Show map of India
Geographic coordinates24°51′7.7″N 79°55′18.1″E / 24.852139°N 79.921694°E / 24.852139; 79.921694
Architecture
CreatorYashovarman, (Chandella Ruler)
Completedc. 930 – c. 950 CE
Temple(s)1 (+4 small temples on corners)

The Lakshmana Temple is a 10th-century Hindu temple built by Yashovarman during the Chandela dynasty located in Khajuraho, India. It is dedicated to Vaikuntha Vishnu - an aspect of Vishnu. As part of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, and owing to its architecture and religious importance, the temple was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986.

Location

This temple is located in the Western Temple complex in Khajuraho. Khajuraho is a small village in the Chhatarpur District of Madhya Pradesh, India.

Architecture

It is a Sandhara Temple of the Panchayatana Variety. The entire temple complex stands on a high platform (Jagati), as seen in image. The structure consists of all the elements of Hindu temple architecture. It has entrance porch (ardh-mandapa), Mandapa, Maha-Mandapa, Antarala and Garbhagriha.

Unlike other temples in Khajuraho, its sanctum is Pancharatha on plan (top-view). Its shikhara is clustered with minor urushringas (refer images of temple top i.e. shikhara).

The wall portion is studded with balconied windows with ornate balustrades. It has two rows of sculptures (refer images of temple's outer wall) including divine figures, couples and erotic scenes. The sanctum doorway is of seven sakhas (vertical panels). The central one being decorated with the ten incarnation of Vishnu. The Lintel depicts goddess Lakshmi in the centre flanked by Brahma and Vishnu. The sanctum contains four-armed sculpture of Vishnu. One of the niches has the image of the sculptor and his disciples at work.

Sculptures

Main idol

Main Idol (Tri-Headed Vishnu), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho India

Main image is of three-headed & four-armed sculpture of Vaikuntha Vishnu.

The central head is of human, and two sides of boar (depicting Varaha) and lion (depicting Narashima).

Outer wall sculpture

  • Ganesha sculpture (outer wall), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India Ganesha sculpture (outer wall), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
  • Sculpture (outer wall), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India Sculpture (outer wall), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
  • Sculpture (outer wall), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India Sculpture (outer wall), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
  • Sculpture (outer wall), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India Sculpture (outer wall), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
  • Sculpture (outer wall), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India Sculpture (outer wall), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India

Sculptures inside temple

  • Narshima sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India Narshima sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
  • Damaged Varaha sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India Damaged Varaha sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
  • Devi Killing Mahisasura sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India Devi Killing Mahisasura sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
  • Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
  • Hayagriva sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India Hayagriva sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
  • Vamana sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India Vamana sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India
  • Shiva and Brahma sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India Shiva and Brahma sculpture (inside temple sanctum), Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho, India

References

  1. ^ "Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) - Lakshmana Temple". Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Retrieved 21 March 2012.
  2. "Khajuraho Group of Monuments".
  3. "Khajuraho Group of Monuments". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization. Retrieved 25 June 2023.
  4. Ramakrishna, Lalitha (September 2018). "Grand temples of Madhya Pradesh". Tattvaloka. XLI (6). Sringeri: Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Mahaswamigal Educational Trust: 47–52. ISSN 0970-8901.

External links

World Heritage Sites in India
Central
East
North
Northeast
South
West
^part of Mountain Railways of India
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
Western Group
Eastern Group (Hindu)
Eastern Group (Jain)
Southern Group
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