Kandariya Mahadev Temple

4.6

Location: Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh in Central India

Estimated Visiting Time: 1 to 2 hours.

In the medieval temple group found at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, India, Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is one of the largest and most ornated Hindu temples. The meaning of Kandariya Mahadeva is the Great God of the Cave”. From the medieval period in India, It is discussed as one of the best examples of preserved temples.

Attraction

For their exquisite sculptures and intricate carvings that depict various aspects of life, the Khajuraho Group of Monuments holds a special place. Kandariya Mahadev Temple is one of the most popular temples in the monument, among other stunning temples. With around a height of 31m, this stunning temple is one of the western group of temples, apart from Matangeswara and Vishwanatha temples.

Features of Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

History

In the Khajuraho complex, TheKandariya Mahadeva Temple is the largest of the western group of temples and was built by the Chandela rulers. In the temple deified in the sanctum sanctorum, Shiva is the chief deity.

During the reign of Vidyadhara, the TheKandariya Mahadeva temple was built. During several periods of the realm of this dynasty, many famous temples dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva, Surya, and Shakti of the Hindu religion and also for the Tirthankaras of the Jain religion were built

For the culture of the Chandelas that was popular till the country was invaded by Muslims in 1202, all the existing temples including the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple were inscribed in 1986 under the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites for their artistic creation.

Inside/Outside Views

It was built by Raja Dhandadeva who was a strong Chandela ruler. The temple’s main spire depicts Mount Kailash and stands at a height of 31 meters and is dressed with ornated carvings and sculptures. Hindu Lord Shiva has dedicated to the temple. In its boundary, there are about 646 statues that look even more appealing. This temple is provided with an east-facing facade.

There is a staircase in the entrance and also a porch that is adorned with garlands chiseled out of a single stone. It is calculated that, with a one-meter height, Kandariya Mahadeva has about 870 sculptures. The deity of Lord Shiva, holding a trident and snake, with the deities of Vishnu and Brahma are the inside scenes of the temple.

Opening Hours

Open from: 6:00am to 10:00pm

Prasad is available from: 12:00pm to 2:00pm

Sound & Light Show Timings

English: 06:30 pm to 07:25 pm
Hindi: 07:40 pm to 08:35 pm

Entry & Others Fees

To enter the temple foreigners are charged a nominal amount.

It is allowed for devotees to offer sweets and dry fruits to the deity.

Entry Fees for Foreigners: 250 rupees
Entry Fees for Children: free entry under 15 year’s
Fees of Sound and Light Show
Entry fee: For Indians, 120 rupees and
For foreigners, 400 rupees

Near Restaurants

Le Rose Cafe (0.2 miles away)
Lassi corner (0.2 miles away)
Blue sky Restaurant (0.2 miles away)
Bamboo Treat (0.2 miles away)
Madras coffee house (0.2 miles away)
The woods Cafe (0.2 miles away)
Indiana Restaurant (0.3 miles away)

Near Hotels

Saffron (0.2 miles away)
Hotel Isabel palace (1.0 miles away)
Hotel Harmony (0.4 miles away)
Hotel marble palace (0.2 miles away)
Radisson Jasshotel (0.7 miles away)
Ramada by Wyndham (1.0 miles away)
Hotel Surya (0.4miles away)
Lalita homestay countryside (0.2 miles away)
Yogi Ashram guest house (0.2 miles away)
Khajuraho Jungle Resort (0.7 miles away)

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is the Khajuraho railway station with about a distance of 5km from the temple. From the station, one can hire a cab or rickshaw to reach the temple.

How to reach Kandariya Mahadeva Temple from Nearest Airport?

From Kandariya-mahadev temple, Khajuraho civil prodrome is the nearest airport. The airport is located at a distance of3 km from Kandariya-mahadev temple. From the Airport public and private transports are available through which one can easily reach the temple.