Ghantai Temple

Ghantai Temple is a ruined Jain temple similar in style to the Parshwanath temple. This temple was a tenth century temple dedicated to Jain Tirthankara Adinath, ruined and looted by Mughals in fifteenth century. Historians say that Ghantai temple was one of the most prosperous Jain temples of Khajuraho having a big Ghanta made of the alloy of eight precious metals. Merchants of Jain community had built the temple in the reign of Chandela King Dhanga and many sculptures of Ashtadhatu were installed in the temple. The architectural design of the Ghantai temple is similar to that of Parshwanath temple, although the Ghantai temple is nearly twice larger in size as compared to Parshwanath temple. The temple is now in ruins; its walls have collapsed; only the pillars of the entrance porch and its mahamandap have survived. The mahamandap has an elaborate doorway, but the enclosing walls have collapsed. The surviving pillars feature a chain and bell motif after which the temple is now known. The door lintel of the mahamandap features Adinath’s attendant Yakshinis Chakreshwari having eight arms and sitting on a Garuda. The ceiling of the entrance porch features coffers. The oblong panels bordering the ceiling are carved with sculptures of dancers and musicians.