Shree Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho

The Matangeshvara temple is a Shiva temple in the Khajuraho town of Madhya Pradesh, India. Among the Chandela-era monuments of Khajuraho, it is the only Hindu temple that is still actively used for worship. As part of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, the temple was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986 because of its art, architecture, and testimony to the Chandela culture. We attended Pooja at 6pm which stretched for 20 minutes and took Parshad at the end.

One of the biggest Shivalinga in North India. Temple is situated on the exit gate side of Westere temples. No tickets required but for parking local people will charge 50 Rs. From the temple one can witness view of Khajuraho western temples.

The Matangeshwar Temple is a Shiv Mandir situated in the Khajuraho town of Chattarpur district of Madhya Pradesh state of India. Among the Chandela era monuments of Khajuraho, it is the only Hindu mandir that is still actively used for worship. The temple was inscrbed on the UNESCO world heritage list in 1986. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National importance by ASI. The shiv linga is 2.5 metre high and among largest shivlings of North India. Matangeshwar ling is named from Matanga Rishi ( sage). The Matangeshwar Mandir is from 1000 CE period approximately. The Matangeshwar Mandir attract large numbers of people ( bhakts) during Hindu month Shravan and during Maha Shiv Ratri. Mandir timings are from 6.00 PM to 9.00 PM Har har Mahadev.

This temple enshrines one of the largest Siva-Lings of North India. The temple is worshiped and is holiest among Khajuraho temples. It stands on a lofty platform and shows a grand elaboration of Brahma temple on plan and design. Internally it is in square shape and externally cruciform and has a grand stepped pyramidal roof. The temple is devoid of the exuberant sculpture and ornamentation, which came to be a hallmark of the developed Khajuraho temples. Therefore, undoubtedly this is one of the earliest temples of Khajuraho, assigned to circa 900-925 E.

This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is known for its simplicity and beautiful architecture. Built in the 10th century, it houses a large Shivling still actively worshipped. Unlike other temples in the area, this one is less ornate but features intricate carvings of gods and goddesses. The atmosphere is calm and ideal for prayer and meditation. It’s located slightly off the main tourist route, making it a peaceful spot for those seeking a quieter experience.

Matangeshwara Temple This temple faces east, enshrines one of the largest Siva-Lings of North India. Shiva is called as Matangeshwara and one of the living temple of the Khajuraho temples. This is situated by south of Lakshmana Temple. This has one of the largest Shiva Lingam, of North India measures 2.53 m and one meter in diameter. ARCHITECTURE At the centre of the small sanctum hall, a huge pedestal supports a colossal Shivalinga. Symbol of the procreative energy of Shiva. The basement mouldings and the jangha have similar designs and are fairly plain. With a simple structure of a Vimana, A flag on its pyramid shaped roof Indicates that it is still in use for worship. It stands on a lofty platform and shows a grand elaboration of Brahma temple on plan and design. Internally it is in square shape and externally cruciform and has a grand stepped pyramidal roof. The temple has devoid the exuberant sculpture and ornamentation, which came to be a hallmark of the developed Khajuraho temples. HISTORY AND INSCRIPTION The temple is ascribed to the fifth Chandella ruler, Harshadeva. It is believed that he died before he could complete its construction and to commemorate him the structure was converted to that of a Vimana, indicating that it was a swargarohan (funerary) temple dedicated to Shiva.

Matangeshwar Temple in Khajuraho is a spiritual gem that beautifully blends simplicity and grandeur. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple stands apart from the other intricately carved monuments of Khajuraho for its understated elegance and living heritage. One of its most striking features is the colossal Shivalinga, about 8 feet tall, which exudes a divine aura. Unlike most temples in Khajuraho, which are preserved as historical sites, Matangeshwar Temple remains an active place of worship, drawing both devotees and tourists alike. The temple’s serene atmosphere is a welcome respite for the soul. Visiting during the early hours or evening gives a mesmerizing experience, especially during Mahashivaratri, when the temple becomes a hub of devotion and festivity. Matangeshwar Temple is a must-visit for those seeking spirituality amidst the artistic brilliance of Khajuraho. It is a symbol of India’s rich cultural and religious heritage, leaving visitors with a sense of peace and connection to the divine.

The Matangesvara temple is in active worship and is the holiest of the Khajuraho temples, besides being the plainest among the local sandstone temples. On plan and in design, it is a grand elaboration of the Brahma temple. While retaining its family- likeness to the Brahma temple, this temple anticipates the compositional arrangement of the mandapa roofs of the developed Khajuraho temples. Its pillars, however, are plain and the ceiling, formed of overlapping concentric courses, shows elementary ornaments of cusps and floral cusps. since both its exterior and interior are almost plain and devoid of the exuberant sculptured and carved ornamentation, there is no doubt that this is one of the earlier temples of Khajuraho, assignable to circa 900-925. The sanctum-floor is almost completely occupied by a large Gauri-patta (6.2m in diameter), supporting a stupendous polished linga (2.5 m high and 1.1 m in diameter). On the linga are written in indelible ink later Persian and Nagari inscriptions which are not of much significance. (Information from ASI)