UNESCO World Heritage
ASI Protected
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
11th Century CE
The largest and most ornate of the Khajuraho temples, built during the reign of King Vidyadhara. It represents the pinnacle of Chandela Nagara architecture with its soaring sikhara composed of 84 miniature spires, and over 900 sculptures including the famous erotic carvings that represent perhaps 10% of the total sculptural program.
Source: Aitihasik heritage database. Use this as a field guide and verify sensitive historical claims before citation.
Details
- Dynasty
- Chandela
- Style
- Nagara
- Primary Deity
- Shiva (Mahadeva)
- Languages
- Hindi, Sanskrit
- Scripts
- Devanagari, Sanskrit
Historical Significance
Largest and most ornate temple at Khajuraho. Pinnacle of Nagara-style architecture. Features over 900 sculptures. The sikhara comprises 84 subsidiary spires symbolizing Mount Meru
Architectural Features
Soaring sikhara with 84 miniature spiresOver 900 sculptures in three bandsErotic mithuna figures on the exteriorThree-part plan (ardhamandapa, mandapa, garbhagriha)Elevated platform (jagati)