Lakshmana Temple

"The Lakshmana Temple in Khajuraho is an absolute masterpiece of Chandela architecture. The detail in the stone carvings, from the friezes on the high platform (depicting daily life and battles) to the exquisite panels of gods, goddesses, and Apsaras on the exterior walls, is breathtaking. Don't miss the sculpture of Vaikuntha Vishnu inside the main sanctum. The preservation is remarkable and the sheer artistry is a testament to ancient Indian skill. Highly recommend hiring a guide to appreciate the stories behind the sculptures."

1100 year old temple built by Chandela kings. Feast to eyes. Awesome.with all the technical advancements we can't build a replica of this grand structure. Design , verification,validation, project management, execution all need credit. Really a must see. Taj Mahal is over hyped. Try this and compare.

Lakshmana Temple This Lakshmana Temple is dedicated to the Vaikuntha form of Maha Vishnu. So called after Lakshavarman, the king who constructed the temple. The sanctum enshrines a three-headed and four-armed image of Vishnu as Vaikuntha with a human central head and the side-heads of boar and lion (Rajoguni, Varaha and Narasimha). Vishnu’s ten avatars and fourteen out of twenty four forms of Vishnu are also represented around the Vishnu Deity’s image. ARCHITECTURE This is the earliest best preserved temple of the mature Chandella architecture. The temple stands on a high platform and retains the powerful processional friezes. It is a Sandhara temple of the Panchayatana variety and consists of principal elements of a developed temple viz. mukha-mandapa (entrance porch), mandapa, and maha-mandapa with transepts. Antarala and grabha-griha enclosed by an inner ambulatory with transepts on the sides and rear. Unlike other temples. its sanctum is pancharatha on plan and its main sikhara is clustered with minor sikharas. The wall portion of the temple is studded with balconied windows having ornate balustrades. The jangha portion is decorated with two bands of graceful sculptures, which includes the divine figures, couples and erotic scenes adorning the wall surfaces. The sanctum doorway is of saptasakhas. The central one is decorated with various incarnations of Vishnu. The lintel depicts Lakshmi in the centre flanked by Brahma and Shiva. The upper lintel frieze shows the Navagrahas in niches. with a huge image of Rahu. The sanctum enshrines a three-headed and four-armed image of Vishnu as Vaikuntha with a human central head and the side-heads of boar and lion. The base platform depicts hunting scenes, soldiers armed with a wide variety of weapons, processions of elephants and horses, erotic images and other representations of domestic life. This is the only temple where the four subsidiary shrines stand intact and the only one to have such wonderfully preserved sculptures along the platform facades. Finest examples of medieval art adorn the walls of this temple with the apsaras and surasundaris, dancing, playing musical Instruments, adorning or attending to deities, the mithunas and the gods and goddesses like the dancing Ganesha are among the finest. The pillared hall leads to the Sanctum Sanctorum, whose doorway is richly carved with sculptures. The Circummambulation path/pradakshina has finely carved sculptures portraying scenes from the life of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS King Yasovarman (930 – 950 CE) was a Chandela Dynasty military genius. The Khajuraho records prove with an unchallenged authority over the whole of northern India from Ganga Yamuna doab to Dakhina Koshal. He was obtained the Vaikuntha image from Pratihara king Devapala. He constructured the Lakshman temple (dedicated to Vishnu) and installed Vaikuntha Vishnu image in it.

The Lakshmana Temple in Khajuraho is a stunning masterpiece of Indian architecture and a must-visit for history and art enthusiasts. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple stands as one of the oldest and most well-preserved structures in the Khajuraho complex. The intricate carvings and sculptures on the walls narrate stories of mythology, daily life, and culture with incredible detail and artistry. The temple's symmetry and design reflect the grandeur of the Chandela dynasty, leaving visitors in awe of its craftsmanship. Set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens, the temple provides a serene atmosphere, ideal for soaking in the magnificence of ancient Indian heritage. Whether you're a spiritual seeker or an admirer of historical treasures, the Lakshmana Temple is an unforgettable experience.

This temple dedicated to Vaishnava worship is a sandhara temple of the panchayatan, (five shrined) variety and is the earliest and best preserved of the evolved temples with entrance-porch, mandapa, maha-mandapa with transepts, vestibule and sanctum with an ambulatory and three transepts. This is the only temple which preserves intact all the subsidiary shrines and the jagati (platform) with its mouldings and friezes. It still displays the largest number of the fine apsaras brackets, which form a notable feature of the interior decoration of the Khajuraho temples. The sanctum doorway is of seven sakhas (vertical panels), the central one being decorated with various incarnations of Vishnu. The lintel depicts Lakshmi at the center. The jangha (wall) of the sanctum proper is decorated with two rows of sculptures of which the upper one is carved with interesting scenes from the Krishna legend, including the subjugation of the serpent Kaliya, the elephant Kuvalayapida and the wrestlers Chanura and Sala and the Killing of Putana, etc. The sanctum enshrines a three-headed and four-armed image of Vishnu as Vaikuntha with a human central head and the side-heads of boar and lion. An inscribed slab, dated in A.D. 953-54 in the reign of Dhanga, which was originally excavated at the base of the temple, says that king Yasovarman died in circa 954, the temple appears to have been built between 930 and 950, which fits in well with its architectural and sculptural peculiarities. (Information from ASI)

The Lakshmana Temple is a famous temple located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is one of the most significant temples in the Khajuraho group of monuments, which are renowned for their intricate architectural and sculptural designs. The Lakshmana Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was built in the 10th century during the Chandela dynasty. It is known for its beautiful carvings, including depictions of divine figures, celestial beings, and scenes from everyday life. The temple's architectural design follows the Nagara style, and it is well-known for its detailed erotic sculptures, which are a hallmark of Khajuraho temples. The temple is also celebrated for its elaborately carved walls and large central shikhara (spire) that towers above the sanctum. The Lakshmana Temple remains an important cultural and historical site in India, showcasing the brilliance of medieval Indian architecture and artistry.

prt of western group temples of khajuraho…. many erotic sculptures are there on the temple

This temple has a large complex and is located next to Khajuraho's only living ancient temple, the Matangeshvara Temple. It is often mistaken for a temple dedicated to Lord Lakshmana of the Ramayana, likely because it was built by a king named Lakshmana, even though it is actually dedicated to Lord Shiva. The architecture of the temple complements the other temples surrounding it. Given that the temple has the fewest stairs, it is the most senior citizen-friendly temple among the Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho.