Vishwanath Temple is one of the most prominent and beautiful temples in Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Madhya Pradesh, India. Vishwanath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of Hinduism, who is also known as Vishvanatha, meaning “Lord of the Universe”. In this article, we will explore the location, timing, entry fees, significance, and other aspects of this magnificent temple. Visit Khajuraho in Local sightseeing By cab
Location of Vishwanath Temple
Vishwanath Temple is located among the western group of Khajuraho Monuments, which are situated in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. The temple is about 1 km away from the Khajuraho railway station and 6 km away from the Khajuraho airport. The temple can be easily reached by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or bicycle from any part of Khajuraho.
Timing/Entry Fees Vishwanath Temple
The temple is open for visitors from sunrise to sunset every day. The entry fee for Indian nationals is Rs. 40 per person, while for foreign nationals it is Rs. 600 per person. Children below 15 years of age are allowed free entry. There is also a camera fee of Rs. 50 for still photography and Rs. 300 for video recording.
How to Reach Vishwanath Temple
Khajuraho is well connected by road, rail, and air to major cities of India. The nearest railway station is Khajuraho railway station, which has trains from Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Jhansi, and other places. The nearest airport is Khajuraho airport, which has flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, Bhopal, and other places. There are also regular buses from Jhansi, Satna, Chhatarpur, and other nearby towns to Khajuraho.
Things to do/Must See Vishwanath Temple
Vishwanath Temple is a masterpiece of Nagara-style temple architecture and sculpture. The temple was built by the Chandela king Dhanga in the late 10th or early 11th century CE. The temple has a rectangular plan with a sanctum (garbhagriha), a vestibule (antarala), a main hall (mandapa), an entrance porch (ardhamandapa), and a platform (jagati). The sanctum houses a stone linga (symbol of Shiva) called Pramathanatha. The temple also had an emerald linga called Marakateshvara, but it is now lost.
The temple is adorned with exquisite sculptures of various deities, celestial maidens (surasundaris), erotic couples (mithunas), mythical creatures (ganas), and animals. The most striking feature of the temple is the massive image of Nandi (the bull mount of Shiva) on the platform facing the sanctum. The image is made of sandstone and measures about 2.2 m in height and 4.5 m in length. It is considered one of the finest examples of Indian art.
Some of the other notable sculptures on the temple walls are:
- A four-armed Shiva dancing on a lotus pedestal with his consort Parvati and son Ganesha on his sides.
- A four-armed Vishnu holding his attributes of conch, discus, mace, and lotus.
- A four-armed Brahma holding a rosary, a water pot, a book, and a lotus.
- A four-armed Lakshmi-Narayana with Lakshmi sitting on Narayana’s lap.
- A four-armed Saraswati playing the veena (a stringed instrument).
- A four-armed Ganesha holding a modaka (a sweet), an axe, a noose, and his broken tusk.
- A four-armed Kartikeya riding his peacock mount with his consorts Valli and Devasena on his sides.
- A four-armed Durga killing the buffalo-demon Mahisha with her lion mount.
- A four-armed Surya riding his chariot drawn by seven horses with his attendants Aruna and Pingala on his sides.
- A four-armed Chandra riding his chariot drawn by ten horses with his attend
Significance of Vishwanath Temple
Vishwanath Temple is a remarkable monument that showcases the religious and artistic achievements of the Chandela dynasty. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme god of Hinduism, who is also known as Vishvanatha, meaning “Lord of the Universe”. The temple is adorned with exquisite sculptures of various gods and goddesses, celestial maidens, erotic couples, and mythical beings. The temple also features a massive image of Nandi, the bull mount of Shiva, which is considered one of the finest examples of Indian art. The temple is a part of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their exceptional value and beauty.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the best time to visit Vishwanath Temple?
A: The best time to visit Vishwanath Temple is from October to March, when the climate is mild and pleasant.
Q: How much time do I need to explore Vishwanath Temple?
A: You need about half an hour to an hour to explore Vishwanath Temple, depending on your interest and speed.
Q: What are some other attractions near Vishwanath Temple?
A: Some other attractions near Vishwanath Temple are:
Lakshmana Temple: A splendid temple dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver god of Hinduism, located next to Vishwanath Temple.
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple: The biggest and most elaborate temple in Khajuraho, dedicated to Shiva, located near Vishwanath Temple.
Chitragupta Temple: A temple dedicated to Surya, the sun god, located opposite Vishwanath Temple.
Parvati Temple: A small temple dedicated to Parvati, the consort of Shiva, located near Vishwanath Temple.
Matangeshvara Temple: A temple with a huge linga made of sandstone, located outside the western group of temples.
Conclusion
Vishwanath Temple is a must-visit attraction for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and splendor of Khajuraho. The temple is a marvel of architecture and sculpture, and a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of India. The temple is also a place of worship and devotion for the followers of Hinduism. Visiting Vishwanath Temple will surely leave you awestruck and inspired by the ancient art and wisdom of India.
