Devi Jagdambi Temple, also known as Devi Jagadambi Temple or Jagadambika Temple, is an ancient temple located in the western group of the Khajuraho group of monuments in Madhya Pradesh, India. Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its nagara-style temples and sculptures. Devi Jagdambi Temple was built by the Chandela rulers between 1000 CE and 1025 CE and is dedicated to the Mother Goddess, who is variously identified as Parvati, Kali or Jagadambi.
The temple is one of the most finely decorated temples in Khajuraho and is known for its exquisite carvings and sculptures that depict various aspects of life, such as worship, love, war, music, dance, and nature. Visit during Khajuraho Local sightseeing by cab
Devi Jagdambi Temple Location
Devi Jagdambi Temple is located in the western cluster of the Khajuraho group of monuments, which is about 9 km away from the Khajuraho Airport and 6 km away from the Khajuraho Railway Station. The temple is situated towards the north of Kandariya Mahadeva Temple and Nandi Temple on a raised platform (jagati) that measures about 30 meters by 20 meters. The temple faces east and has an entrance porch (ardhamandapa), a main hall (mandapa), a vestibule (antarala), and a sanctum (garbhagriha) with a tower (shikhara) above it.
Timing and Entry Fees Devi Jagdambi Temple
The temple is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The entry fee for Indian citizens is Rs. 40 per person and for foreign nationals is Rs. 600 per person. There is no entry fee for children below 15 years of age. There is also a light and sound show every evening at the western cluster that narrates the history and significance of the temples. The show timings are 6:30 pm to 7:25 pm in English and 7:40 pm to 8:35 pm in Hindi. The ticket price for the show is Rs. 250 per person for Indians and Rs. 700 per person for foreigners.
Things to Do / Must See Devi Jagdambi Temple
Devi Jagdambi Temple is a must-see destination for anyone who wants to witness the artistic excellence and cultural richness of ancient India. The temple showcases the nagara-style features, such as curvilinear spires (shikharas), ornate platforms (jagatis), interconnected spaces (mandapas), vestibules (antaralas), sanctums (garbhagrihas), circumambulatory paths (pradakshinas), projecting windows (jharokhas), and subsidiary shrines (urushringas).
The temple also displays a variety of sculptures that depict sacred and secular themes, such as deities, celestial beings, mythical creatures, warriors, musicians, dancers, animals, plants, erotic scenes, and geometric patterns.
Visitors can explore the temple at their own pace or take a guided tour that explains the history and symbolism of the temple. Visitors can also admire the natural beauty of the surroundings that include hills, forests, lakes, and rivers. Visitors can also participate in various cultural events and festivals that take place at the temple throughout the year, such as Shivaratri Festival in February-March that celebrates Shiva’s marriage to Parvati;
Holi Festival in March that marks the arrival of spring with colors; Ram Navami Festival in April that commemorates Rama’s birth; Dussehra Festival in October that celebrates Rama’s victory over Ravana; Diwali Festival in November that signifies the triumph of light over darkness; and Makar Sankranti Festival in January that marks the transition of the sun into Capricorn.
How to Reach Devi Jagdambi Temple
Devi Jagdambi Temple can be easily reached by air, rail or road from various parts of India. The nearest airport is Khajuraho Airport (IATA Code: HJR), which is about 9 km away from the temple complex. The airport has flights to Delhi,
- A: The nearest airport is Khajuraho Airport (IATA Code: HJR), which is about 9 km away from the temple complex. The airport has flights to Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Mumbai. From the airport, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple.
- The nearest railway station is Khajuraho Railway Station, which is about 6 km away from the temple complex. The railway station has trains to Delhi, Agra, Jhansi, Bhopal and Udaipur. From the railway station, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple.
- The temple complex is also well connected by road to various cities and towns in Madhya Pradesh and neighboring states. There are regular buses and taxis available from places like Jhansi, Chhatarpur, Satna, Panna, Bhopal and Indore.
Significance of Devi Jagdambi Temple
Devi Jagdambi Temple is one of the most significant monuments of Indian art and culture. It represents the nagara-style temple architecture and sculpture that flourished under the Chandela dynasty in the 11th century CE. The temple is dedicated to the Mother Goddess, who is variously identified as Parvati, Kali or Jagadambi. The temple is one of the most finely decorated temples in Khajuraho and is known for its exquisite carvings and sculptures that depict various aspects of life, such as worship, love, war, music, dance, and nature.
The temple is also significant for its historical and archaeological value. It is one of the 14 temples in the western cluster of the Khajuraho group of monuments, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also one of the four temples that contain a shikhara or spire above its sanctum, which is a unique feature of nagara-style temples. The temple also provides insights into the Chandela dynasty and its patronage of art and culture. The temple also reveals the influence of various regional and foreign styles and motifs on Indian art and architecture.
FAQs
Q: Who built Devi Jagdambi Temple?
A: Devi Jagdambi Temple was built by the Chandela rulers between 1000 CE and 1025 CE. The exact name of the builder is not known, but some scholars suggest that it was built by Vidyadhara or his successor Dhanga.
Q: Why are Devi Jagdambi Temple famous for erotic sculptures?
A: Devi Jagdambi Temple is famous for erotic sculptures that depict various forms of sexual union between couples. These sculptures are found mostly on the outer walls of the temple and constitute about 10% of the total sculptures in Khajuraho. There are various interpretations and explanations for these erotic sculptures. Some scholars suggest that they represent tantric practices that aim at achieving spiritual liberation through sexual energy.
Some others suggest that they symbolize fertility and procreation that ensure continuity of life. Some others suggest that they illustrate kama (pleasure), one of the four goals of human life according to Hindu philosophy. Some others suggest that they serve as a contrast to dharma (duty) and moksha (salvation), which are depicted inside the temple.
Q: What is the main deity of Devi Jagdambi Temple?
A: The main deity of Devi Jagdambi Temple is the Mother Goddess, who is variously identified as Parvati, Kali or Jagadambi. There is a huge image of the goddess in the inner sanctum, which was originally painted black to give it an appearance of Kali.
Conclusion
Devi Jagdambi Temple is a temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess that showcases the nagara-style temple architecture and sculpture that flourished under the Chandela dynasty in the 11th century CE. The temple is decorated with a profusion of sculptures that depict various aspects of life, such as worship, love, war, music, dance, and nature. The temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to witness the artistic excellence and cultural richness of ancient India.
