Chaturbhuj, squareral Temple

One of the corner temples of the 4 corners of the Khajuraho group of temples - doesn’t see many people as it’s in a distant corner. But the beauty is totally worth visiting - from the main Shiva statue to the intricate stone carvings on the walls. A peaceful spot to explore without the crowds.

Chaturbhuj Temple in Khajuraho’s southern group, built around 1100 CE by the Chandela dynasty, honors Lord Vishnu. Unique for its west‑facing orientation and absence of erotic sculptures, it stands on a raised platform with a porch, mandapa, and sanctum. Inside is a majestic 9‑ft, four‑armed Vishnu idol.

Out of the tourist trail, a unique west facing temple. KM Dubey ji, the caretaker and the security, is a gem of a person and a free trove of knowledge. He even gave us a new photography trick. Come here for the temple, and KM Dubey ji.

This temple is situated at a distance of 600 meters in the south-west direction of Jatkara villge, about 3 km from Khajuraho. This temple is built on the Nirandhara style and it is situated on a high platform. This temple has main gate, mandapa, antarala, sanctum-sanctorum and simple shikhar etc. On the outer wall of this temple, decorated statues and Gandharvas etc. have been marked in 3 rows. This is one such temple in khajuraho which lacks Mithun figures. The Chaturbhuji- Dakshinamurti (2.7 meters) of Shiva installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is very picturesque. In this statue, Shiva is presented in a tribhanga posture and the expression of the face of the statue is very gentle which presents the culmination of idol art. River goddesses Ganga and Yamuna on their respective besides maker (crocodile) and kachchapa (tortoise) are depicted on either side of the sanctum. The construction period of this temple is believed to be 1100 AD.

Chaturbhuj Temple (1100 CE) Other than the Lalguan Mahadeva Temple, this is the only other west-facing temple. Similar in plan to the Javari Temple, the ambulatory, vestibule and the mandapa are missing and the entrance is really small. The conspicuous absence of erotic sculptures is quite unique. The sanctum has a sunken floor to accommodate the nine feet high massive image of four armed Dakshinamurti Shiva in such a way so that when the image is on the pedestal, the feet are on the same level as the doorway. One of the finest sculptures of Khajuraho, it is the only one rendered in the tribhanga pose. HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS Jayavarman The Chaturbhuja temple was constructed during the Chandela King Jayavarman’s time. In one inscription of Kalinjara, he voluntarily abdicated the throne and proceeded to the divine river to wash away his sins.

This is the farthest temple situated about 3 km. South of Khajuraho and 600 m south-west of the Jatkari village. It is a nirandhara temple of modest size similar to the Javari, and consists on the plan of a sanctum carrying a simple sikhara of heavy proportions, vestibule, mandapa and porch. The temple shows some notable features. This is the only developed local temple which lacks erotic sculptures. Although the temple is girdled round by the three usual bands of sculptures, all figures, except those of the vidyadharas in the top row, are stereotyped. The large (2.7 m high) image of four-armed enshrined in the sanctum, however is remarkable for its expression of transcendental clam and basis. The consort of Narasimha, figured in the northern niche of the sanctum façade, is also noteworthy. The temple anticipates the Duladeo in many features of plastic style and ornaments and is datable to circa 1100. (Information from ASI)

Chaturbhuj Temple is an incredible masterpiece of ancient architecture. The intricate carvings and peaceful surroundings create a divine atmosphere. A must-visit for anyone who loves history, spirituality, and art. Truly mesmerizing! 🙏✨

Chaturbhuj Temple in Khajuraho’s southern group, built around 1100 CE by the Chandela dynasty.