Information of Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is a particular temple located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The temple is specifically located in the Khajuraho regions of Madhya Pradesh. It must mention that the temple is among the Khajuraho group of temple that is being declared as World Heritage site by the UNESCO. The Archaeological Survey of India is usually responsible for the management, maintenance and control of the structure.

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple Religious Importance

The Temple is among the largest Hindu shrine among the temples of the Khajuraho group in Madhya Pradesh. The temple is one of the best remnants that hold resemblance with the medieval period of the Indian history. The religious importance of the temple can also be understood from the fact that it is included among the temples of the world heritage site of UNESCO. Chandela Rajputs considered the place and the temple as their religious capital during their reign. Though seen as a major tourist destination in the present day scenario, the importance of the place with regard to religion could also not be ignored. Visitors from the different parts of the country and the world visit the temples with the intention to fulfill wishes in life. The basal storey of the temples has the idol of holy matrikas which has seven heads. There is also a master Ganesha and bhagvan Shiva-Virabhadra positioned with the holy matrikas within the temple. This religious aspect also attracts tourists in bulk.

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple Mythology & History

The mythological importance of the temple also makes it a divine place for the devotees. Notably, the sacred matrikas within the temple are considered to have resemblance with the medieval period. It is designed in counter-circumambulatory manner which is quite unique and hardly seen in other temples across the country. There is master Ganesh within the temple which is placed in the front row before the sacred Matrika is positioned. The sacred matrikas within the temple include holy Aindri, sacred Varahi, amazing Kaumari, sacred Brahmani and great Vaishnavi among others. For each of the sacred Matrika the number of loyal devotes are quite large. It is being believed that the sacred Matrika are mainly positioned with the intention to safeguard the surrounding area of the diet and her forehead. There is also a holy Shiva linga kept in the interior of the temple that further illustrates the different pictures of master Shiva. This particular temple has got its name from the kandara or cave and the name Mahadeva was acquired with influence from lord Shiva. There are more than 646 statues within the surrounding area of the temples which captures the attention of the devotees and the tourists.

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple Architectural Importance

The monument mainly depicts the architecture of the medieval period. It has been noted that like in any other structure of the Khajuraho group of temple, Kandariya Mahadeva Temple has also been built in a linear series structure with steps facing the eastern and western directions. For each of the halls within the temple, there are balconies. The outer part of the temple is decorated with statues of different goddess like in any other temple of the Khajuraho group. At the top end of the temple, there is a shikhara which is made in a circular form. The attire along with ornamentation of the temple is of utmost grace and charm which is again visual treat of some sort for the devotees. Thus the architectural beauty of the temple is worth to relish and thus it also gain immense importance from not just from spiritual point of view but visitors do come to soak in the serenity of the temple and its architectural magnificence.