Bhagawan Parshwanath Digambar Jain Mandir

4.6

Location: Eastern Group of Temples, Madhya Pradesh, India

Estimated Visiting Time: 1 to 1:30 hours.

In the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, a 10th-century Jain temple at Khajuraho is the Parshvanatha temple. Though it was possibly built as an Adinatha shrine during the Chandela period, it is now dedicated to Parshvanatha. Its exterior walls feature Vaishnavaite themes yet the temple’s Jain affiliation. With a most perfect magic square, the entrance has an inscription. It is also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples

Attraction

Among the Jain temples of Khajuraho, the Parshvanatha temple is the largest one. With projections at two ends, the temple structure has an oblong architectural plan. Eastern or the front projection forms the entrance porch, western projection is a shrine attached to the sanctum which is in the back.

Chain and floral patterns, and a pair of intertwined flying vidyadharas are featured on the ceiling of the entrance porch. In the door-lintel of the mandapa, the sculpture of Adinatha’s attendant-a ten-armed Chakreshvari riding a Garuda is placed.

History

The temple is believed to be constructed by a prominent Jain family, in the realm of the Chandela king Dhanga between 950 and 970 CE. In the temple, there are records of gifts and endowments of gardens by one Pahila and an inscription on the left door jamb. Pahila-vatika, Chandra-vatika, Laghuchandra-vatika, Shankara-vatika, Panchaitala-vatika, Amra-vatika and Dhanga-vadi are the names of the garden.Phila is stated as a devotee of Jinanatha in the inscription and states that was held in great esteem by king Dhana.

To the Archaeological Survey of India, as a Monument of National Importance, the temple has been classified.

Inside/Outside Views

There are three bands of sculptures on the outer walls. Surasundaris, flying couples, dancers, musicians, and celestial beings are featured in these sculptures. Including sculptures of Hindu gods and their incarnations with their consorts, the outer walls also depict Vaishnavite themes despite the temple’s Jain affiliation. Vishnu-Lakshmi, Rama-Sita, Balarama-Revati, Parashurama, Hanuman, Brahma, and Yamalarjuna legends of Krishna are included there. In modeling, proportions, and poise these sculptures are similar to those of the Lakshmana Temple. although one particular image appears to show a cross-legged apsara masturbating with an object, the Parshvanatha temple doesn’t feature explicit erotic sculptures, unlike the Lakshmana temple.

FAQ for the travelers of Parshvanath temple

Opening Hours

24 hours

Entry & Others Fees

It’s free

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

Clarks Khajuraho(1.5km away)
Ramada by Wyndham Khajuraho (1.7km away)
Hotel Chandela (2km away)
Hotel Isable Palace(1.9 km away)
Euro star inn (1.9 km Away)
Radisson Jass Hotel Khajuraho(2.1 km away)
Hotel Harmony ( 2.8km away)
Greenwood (1.7km away)
Greetoe Resort Khajuraho (3.1km away)
Syna Heritage hotel(3.8km away)

How to Reach

How to reach Parshvanatha temple from the nearest railway

The nearest railway station is the Khajuraho railway station in Khajuraho. From the station, one can hire a cab or rickshaw to reach the temple.

How to reach Parshvanatha temple from the nearest Airport

Khajuraho civil aerodrome is the nearest airport. From the Airport public and private transport are available through which one can easily reach the temple.