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Kandariya Mahadeva Temple Darshan Guide, History, Darshan Timings, Entry Fee, Online Booking, Daily Pooja Schedule, How to Reach, Near By places, Stay
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is a part of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The exquisite carvings and sculptures of the Temple are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple History
The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple was built in the 11th century during the reign of the Chandela dynasty. The Temple is said to have been constructed by the Chandela king Vidyadhara to celebrate his victory over the Pratiharas. The Temple stands out as one of the grandest and most remarkable structures among the Khajuraho Group of Monuments.
The Temple is famous for its architectural style, which is a blend of the Nagara and Dravidian styles. The Temple has a shikhara (spire) that rises to a height of 116 feet and is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. The Temple has a garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) that houses a lingam (phallic symbol) of Lord Shiva.
The Temple has survived several invasions and natural disasters over the years. It was abandoned in the 13th century and was rediscovered by a British officer in the 19th century. After undergoing restoration in the 20th century, the temple has become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in India.
The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is a captivating piece of history that tells the tale of King Vidhyadhara and the Chandela dynasty. It was constructed in 1030 and is located in Khajuraho, the capital city of the Chandela rulers. This Temple is the largest surviving Temple from that era and was built during the reign of King Ganda between 1017 and 1029 CE.
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple Darshan Guide
Significance of Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is of great significance and was added to the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites in 1986. The temple gained recognition for its artistic creation and cultural significance to the Chandelas, a ruling dynasty that reigned until the country was invaded by Muslims in 1202. Many temples were desecrated during this period, and it wasn’t until the 1830s when British surveyor T.S. Burt ‘rediscovered’ the temples and brought them to the world’s attention.
This Temple covers an area of 6,500 square feet and stands 117 feet tall. It faces the east direction and has a raised platform approached by a steep flight of steps. The Temple is part of a conventional complex of 85 temples that comprises both Hindu and Jain religions. It is designed with five components that culminate in a tower with 84 small replicas or spires, representing Mount Kailash, Shiva’s Himalayan Mountain home.
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple Architecture
The Temple’s architectural plan includes a series of interconnected chambers that visitors approach in a specific sequence. A rectangular entrance hall leads to a central pillared hall, which leads to the darkened sanctuary, where the linga is located. Inside the Temple lies the deity of Lord Shiva, holding a trident and snake, with the deities of Vishnu and Brahma.
The Kandariya Temple is heavily decorated with stone sculptures, making it a major specimen of study by eminent researchers and scholars from all over the world. It is constructed entirely of sandstone with a granite foundation and held in place by gravity, with no mortar used in its construction. The columns and architraves are composed of megaliths weighing up to 20 tons.
The exterior of the Temple is adorned with intricately carved human and divine figures, and the interior has over 870 sculptures, each with a one-meter height. The Temple is one of the most extensive arrays of erotic relief sculptures in the world, with many of the iconographies being symbolic. The Temple is also famous for its Sound and Light Show, which is held in Hindi and English languages and is a must-see for visitors.
Darshan Timings and Entry Fee of Kandariya Mahadeva
The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple welcomes visitors daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The entry fee for Indian visitors is Rs. 40, while the entry fee for foreign visitors is Rs. 600. The entry fee includes a guided tour of the Temple. The fee for entry into the western group of temples for foreigners is 250 rupees.
Visitors are required to follow certain rules while visiting the Temple. Taking photos inside the temple premises is prohibited. Visitors are also required to remove their footwear before entering the Temple.
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Online Booking
Visitors can book their tickets for Kandariya Mahadeva Temple online through the official website of the Archaeological Survey of India. The online booking system allows visitors to book their tickets in advance.
Daily Pooja Schedule
The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple has a daily pooja schedule that begins early in the morning. The pooja rituals are performed by the temple priests and are open to all visitors. The daily pooja schedule includes several rituals, such as Abhishekam, Rudrabhishekam, and Aarti.
The Abhishekam ritual involves the pouring of holy water, milk, and other offerings on the lingam of Lord Shiva. The Rudrabhishekam is a special pooja that is performed to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. The Aarti ceremony is a ritual where lamps are waved in front of the deity. Its purpose is to ward off negative energy and promote prosperity.
Visitors can participate in the pooja rituals by paying a nominal fee to the temple priests. The pooja ceremonies are highly regarded as auspicious and are thought to bring good fortune and prosperity to the worshippers.
How to Reach
There are several ways to reach Khajuraho, depending on your preference and location. If you want to save time, you can take a flight to the Khajuraho Airport, which is located just 2 km south of the town. Currently, flights from Delhi and Varanasi are available.
If you prefer traveling by train, you can take the Khajuraho Railway Station, which is only 5 km away from the main town. There is only one train connecting Khajuraho to New Delhi, called the Bundelkhand Link Express Train, while tourists coming from Varanasi can opt for the same train.
Lastly, you can also travel by road to reach Khajuraho. The city is well-connected to places like Jhansi and Satna, and you can hire a local taxi or look for private bus services from the station.
Near By Places
Khajuraho is a popular tourist destination and has several other attractions that are worth visiting. Some of the popular tourist attractions near Kandariya Mahadeva Temple include the Lakshmana Temple, the Chausath Yogini Temple, and the Kandariya Art and Cultural Centre.
The Lakshmana Temple is another famous temple in the Khajuraho Group of Monuments. The Temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu and is renowned for its stunning carvings and sculptures.
The Chausath Yogini Temple is an age-old place of worship that is dedicated to the goddess Kali. The temple is situated atop a hill and provides sweeping views of the nearby region.
The Kandariya Art and Cultural Centre is a museum that puts on display the art and culture of the area. The museum houses an assortment of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts that date back to the 10th century.
Where to Stay?
Khajuraho has several accommodation options for visitors. Visitors can choose from a range of hotels, guesthouses, and resorts that cater to different budgets and preferences. Some of the popular accommodation options near Kandariya Mahadeva Temple include the Lalit Temple View Khajuraho, the Hotel Clarks Khajuraho, and the Ramada Khajuraho.
The Lalit Temple View Khajuraho is a luxury hotel that is located near the Temple. The hotel offers modern amenities and facilities such as a swimming pool, a spa, and a fitness centre.
The Hotel Clarks Khajuraho is a mid-range hotel that offers comfortable accommodations and modern amenities such as a restaurant, a bar, and a swimming pool.
The Ramada Khajuraho is a budget hotel that offers basic amenities such as a restaurant and a bar.
Conclusion
The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is a magnificent temple that is a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of India. Its blend of Nagara and Dravidian styles, intricate carvings, and sculptures make it an architectural marvel.
The Temple’s daily pooja schedule is a must-attend, where visitors can participate in the rituals and seek blessings. Visitors can book tickets online and visit the Temple from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. So, when are you planning to visit the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple and experience its beauty and cultural heritage for yourself?
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FAQs
1. What is special about Kandariya Mahadeva temple?
The Kandariya Mahadeva temple is famous for its intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn the temple walls. It is considered a masterpiece of Indian temple architecture.
2. Who built Kandariya Mahadeva temple?
The Kandariya Mahadeva temple was built in the 11th century during the Chandela dynasty by King Vidyadhara.
3. What is inside Kandariya Mahadeva temple?
The Kandariya Mahadeva temple houses a lingam, which is a symbol of Lord Shiva. The temple also has several intricate sculptures and carvings depicting various Hindu deities and scenes from Hindu mythology.