Lakshman Temple

Lakshman Temple is a tenth century Hindu temple located in the Western Temple complex of Khajuraho, built by King Yashovarman dedicated to Lord Vishnu assigned with name Vaikuntha-Vishnu. This is a Sandhara Temple having a square sanctum enclosed by a gallery of pillars used for Pradakshina; this is also a Panchayatana variety of temple means having four subsidiary sanctums around main sanctum. The entire temple complex stands on a high platform and has nearly all the features of architecture required for a Hindu temple. The temple has a beautiful entrance porch, Mandap, Mahamandap, Sanctum and Sanctorum. Unlike other temples in Khajuraho, its sanctum is Pancharatha on plan. Its Shikhar is clustered with minor urushringas means smaller shikhars. The walls of the temple are studded with balcony like windows with ornate balustrades. It has two rows of sculptures including divine figures, couples and erotic scenes. The sanctum doorway is of seven vertical panels, the central panel is decorated with ten incarnations of Vishnu. The lintel depicts goddess Lakshmi, in the center flanked by Brahma and Vishnu. The main sanctum contains four armed Vishnu idol, having three heads, the central head is of human and two side heads depicting Varah and Narshimha. Many complete sculptures and many damaged sculptures are worth seeing inside and outside the temple.