Credit: vikasshivtare
Part of the western group of temples, Lakshmana Temple is one of the oldest temples in Khajuraho. If you want to explore the rich history of the region, then you should visit because the place is situated at a distance of 1 km from the Khajuraho bus stand.
History and Architecture of Lakshmana temple
The temple was constructed before 954 CE by the seventh ruler of the Chandela dynasty. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and took an impressive 20 years to complete this remarkable temple. Lakshmana temple is part of one of the largest temples in the western wing of the Khajuraho temple complex.
Designed in the Panchayatana style, Lakshmana temple follows the Sandhara style and is built in the traditional Hindu temple architecture style. The temple consists of a maha mandapa, Antarala (Vestibule), an entrance porch, and a garbhagriha. Elephants and horsemen are designed with intricate patterns that look beautiful on the platforms of the temple. Lakshmana Temple sits on a rectangular platform and has four subsidiary shrines at the four corners.
The entrance to the temple is from the east and is decorated with a toran and a decorative arch. The temple consists of a porch that has rows of sculptures featuring erotic scenes and figures of the divine. The sanctum doorway consists of seven vertical panels with various incarnations of Lord Vishnu. At the center, Lord Lakshmi, Lord Brahma, and Lord Vishnu look beautiful. Vaikuntha Vishnu is characterized by three heads and four arms. The lintel above portrays the goddess Lakshmi at the center, flanked by Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. Within the temple, visitors will find the idol of Vaikuntha Vishnu, characterized by its three heads and four arms. The central head represents a human, while the other two depict Lord Varaha and Lord Narasimha. Interestingly, this image was originally brought from Tibet, adding to the temple’s historical significance.
Architectural Grandeur: The Layout and Decorations
In front of the temple, there are two open mandapas; the outer one is known as the Varaha mandapa. This mandap hosts a standing idol of Varha that shows the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. More than 600 gods and goddesses are beautifully carved in temples.
Temple Timings and Entry Fee
Lakshmana temple is open to visitors from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry fees for Indian tourists are Rs 30 and for foreigners are Rs 500.