Vishwanath Temple

Vishwanath Temple of Khajuraho, located in Western part of the village, had been built by Chandela King Dhanga in 1002 AD. The Vishwanath temple of Khajuraho is an example of central Indian architectural style, begins with Lakshman Temple and culminates with Kandariya Mahadev temple. These three temples represent the most fully developed style at Khajuraho. The temple was designed as a Panchayatana complex, which comprises one main shrine surrounded by four smaller subsidiary shrines. However only two of the smaller shrines survive now, rest two had been destroyed by Mughal invaders. The main shrine faces towards east, and the shrine of Nandi faces towards the main shrine. The shrine in the south-west is dedicated to goddess Parvati, which had been partially damaged. The main shrine is an example of the Nagara style of architecture; it contains the entrance porch, a small hall, a large hall, a vestibule, a sanctum and a huge shikhar. All these have a foundation base with several sculptures. The stairs leading to the porch are flanked by lions on one side and elephants on the other. The sanctum has a stone Lingam, surrounded by a passage for Parikrama. The sanctum has balconies in three sides for light and ventilation. The base of the temple has several niches with sculptures of the Saptamatrikas, Parvati and dancing Ganesh. The exterior portion above the base has three bands featuring sculptures of various deities, female figures, apsaras and mythical creatures. Sculptures of women in different poses as facing mirrors, making up their face, wringing hair, taking bath etc. are evident. The north and south walls of the temple feature erotic reliefs.