Vishwanatha Temple
The Vishwanatha Temple is one of the most magnificent and well-preserved structures in the Western Group of Khajuraho. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it was commissioned by the Chandela King Dhanga around 999-1002 AD. The name Vishwanatha translates to "Lord of the Universe," a fitting title for this arc hitectural marvel. It is a Panchayatana temple, meaning it originally had four smaller subsidiary shrines at the corners of the main platform, though only two remain today. The temple is famous for its intricate shikhara (tower) which is designed to look like the peaks of the Himalayas, specifically Mount Kailash. Inside the sanctum, there is a massive stone Lingam, and the temple complex also includes a separate shrine for Nandi, the sacred bull, located directly opposite the main entrance. The exterior walls are a riot of carvings, featuring some of the most famous erotic art of Khajuraho, as well as depictions of musicians, dancers, and gods. An inscription found here mentions two Lingams—one made of emerald and one of stone—though only the stone one exists today. The temple represents the pinnacle of the Nagara style, where every inch of stone is utilized to tell a story of life, love, and divinity. It remains a key highlight for anyone interested in the spiritual and artistic history of medieval India.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
1 to 1. 5 HoursPlace Type:
Religious / Shaivite HeritageSpecial Events:
Maha Shivratri is the biggest event, attracting thousands of devotees.
Khajuraho Dance Festival: The temple provides a stunning backdrop for classical performances in February. ...Maha Shivratri is the biggest event, attracting thousands of devotees.
Khajuraho Dance Festival: The temple provides a stunning backdrop for classical performances in February.Best Photo Spots:
Nandi Alignment: Shoot from behind Nandi looking towards the main temple entrance.
Staircase Guardians: Capture the stone lions and elephants at the base of the stairs.
Sunset Silhouette: The temple's jagge...Nandi Alignment: Shoot from behind Nandi looking towards the main temple entrance.
Staircase Guardians: Capture the stone lions and elephants at the base of the stairs.
Sunset Silhouette: The temple's jagged towers look incredible against a setting sun.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Admire the Nandi: Visit the dedicated Nandi Mandapa and see the polished stone bull.
Climb the Stairs: Walk up the entrance flanked by stone elephants and lions.
Circumambulation: Perform the 'Parikrama' around the sanctum to see the inner carvings.
Spot the Lovers: Look for the famous 'Acrobatic' erotic sculptures on the junction walls.
Study the Inscription: Find the stone slab near the porch that records the temple's history.
Attend the Light Show: The temple looks stunning when illuminated during the evening show.
Bird Watching: The surrounding trees often host various local birds.
Meditation: Sit on the high plinth and abso...
Information
-
Why Famous:
Famous for its grand Nandi statue, which is 2. 2 meters high and carved from a single block of stone.
Architectural Grandeur: Known for its perfectly balanced Nagara spire.
Inscriptions: Holds a historical stone tablet detailing th...Famous for its grand Nandi statue, which is 2. 2 meters high and carved from a single block of stone.
Architectural Grandeur: Known for its perfectly balanced Nagara spire.
Inscriptions: Holds a historical stone tablet detailing the Chandela lineage. -
Architecture:
It follows the classic Panchayatana layout with a central shrine and four corners.
Dimensions: The main shrine measures approximately 27. 5 meters in length and 13. 7 meters in width. The Shikhara rises to a majestic height, dominating the local skyline. The inte...It follows the classic Panchayatana layout with a central shrine and four corners.
Dimensions: The main shrine measures approximately 27. 5 meters in length and 13. 7 meters in width. The Shikhara rises to a majestic height, dominating the local skyline. The interior consists of an entrance porch, a mandapa, a maha-mandapa, and the sanctum. The platform is reached via a flight of stairs flanked by statues of lions and elephants. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Khajuraho Airport is 5. 5 KMS away.
By Train: Khajuraho Railway Station is 8. 5 KMS away.
By Road: Connected via NH-39.
By Local Transport: Cycle-rickshaws are the ... -
Near Tourist Places:
Kandariya Mahadev (0. 2 KMS), Lakshmana Temple (0. 1 KMS), Chitragupta Temple (0. 2 KMS), Matangeshwar Temple (0. 3 KMS), Vamana Temple (1. 5 KMS), Javari Temple (1. 7 KMS), Shantinath Temple (2 KMS), Raneh Falls (21 KMS), Ken Crocodile Sanctuary (23 KMS), Pandav Falls (35 KMS).
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety: The steps are steep; climb slowly if you have knee issues.
Packing: Carry a light shawl for temple respect.
Cash: The nearest ATM is about 500 meters away near the main market.
Reviews
Vishwanatha Temple Tourism:-
Information about New and Updated Locations(639+) of Madhya Pradesh Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Adinath Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ahar Protected Monument & Shiv Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Archaeological Museum
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Archaeological Site of Lakshmana Temple Complex (Beyond the Enclosure)
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Archaeological Site of Old Khajuraho (Bijamandal & Chausath Yogini Temple)
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Beejamandal Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Beejamandal Temple Remains (Revisited for Rituals and Local Significance)
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Beni Sagar Dam
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Brahma Temple (Oldest surviving, Eastern Group)
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Brahma Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities