Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho, is a beautiful stone temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is categorized under the Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho. This temple is a major tourist attraction in Khajuraho as it is one of the earliest stone temples in India. The Lakshmana temple in Khajuraho is one of the biggest temples in the town and is well-preserved.
Lakshmana Temple History
This temple in Madhya Pradesh dates back to the 10th century A.D. King Yasovarman built the Lakshmana Temple at Khajuraho to set up a Vishnu image gifted to him by Devapala. The statue was brought from Tibet.
Lakshmana Temple Architecture
The outer wall of the Lakshmana stone Temple in Khajuraho is delicately carved. In front of the temple are two open pavilions called mandapas. In the South is the Varaha mandapa with an image of the standing Varaha, the boar incarnation of Vishnu. The entire body of the statue is carved with the figures of many other Hindu gods and goddesses.
The temple stands on a platform with sculptures depicting elephants and horsemen in procession. On climbing the stairs of the temples, one reaches the broad platform where rituals are performed. The Lakshmana Temple at Khajuraho faces east, and a flight of stairs leads to the inner chamber, which is placed on a platform.
The Lakshmana Temple has all the characteristics of a north Indian temple, with a porch at the entrance, a hall of pillars, and sculptural motifs on the walls. The pradakshina path is around the main chamber and is decorated with sculpture all over it. The Vaikuntha Vishnu statue bears three heads representing the various incarnations.
