Parshwanath Temple, Khajuraho

Khajuraho, a small town located on the backdrop of the Vindhya Mountains, is a popular tourist destination which is dotted with beautiful Hindu and Jain stone temples. Built during the reign of the Chandela dynasty, these temples have been categorized into Western, Eastern, and Southern. The Eastern Group Temples houses some of the finest and beautiful examples of Khajuraho sculptures and carvings. Among these monuments, the Parshwanath Temple in Khajuraho is probably the biggest shrine in the complex.

Dedicated to Parshvanatha, the temple is a work of architecture and craftsmanship. Are you planning on visiting the Parshwanath Temple, Khajuraho? Then, this write-up is especially for you.

Here the piece tries to uncover, some of the stunning facts and details about the temple premise. So, let’s begin.

Keynotes on Parshwanath, Khajuraho

Address: Sevagram, Eastern Group of Temples, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606

Type of monument: Temple

Primary Deity: Parshvanatha

Architectural style: Shikhara style

Opening time: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Entry Fee: Free

Visit Duration: Almost one hour

Best time to visit: September to March

How to Reach: Buses and private taxis available

Overview of the Parshwanath Temple

The Parshwanath temple, Khajuraho is the largest shrine in the Eastern group of the monument. Its interior walls are intricate carvings with detailed motifs and religious symbols, whereas the exterior walls have stunning human and animal carvings. The architecture of this shrine is predominantly Hindu temple architecture, however, you might be able to locate Islamic and Buddhist elements.

According to historians, the Parshwanath temple is one of the oldest temples in the Eastern Temple complex and is dedicated to the Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism. Unlike the temples of the Western complex, the temple is well known for its constriction and extraordinary sculptures. Being one of the most preserved temples in Khajuraho, you will scene from the domestic life being portrayed on the walls of the shrine. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has listed this shrine as the Monument of National Importance.

History of Parshwanath Temple, Khajuraho

According to the dedicatory plaque, the temple was built in the 10th century, possibly around the reign of King Dhanga – the emperor who commissioned some of the most stunning temples of the Western Group of temples. The plaque mentions the name of an affluent Jain family who might have contributed towards building the temple. Another inscription, over the doors of the shrine, mentions the name of Pahila, someone in the court of the King Dhanda, who had endowed piece of land and gifts for the temple.

Initially, the temple was dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankara of Jainism. However, in the later period, Parshvanatha was set as the primary deity of the temple. According to records the British archaeologist, Alexander Cunningham, found the temple’s main sanctum bereft of an idol. He further wrote that a Jain family repaired the temple in the mid-19th century and installed later idol inside the sanctum.

The Architecture of the Parshwanath Temple

The Parshwanath temple, Khajuraho is one of the biggest Jain temples in the region. Built-in the traditional Hindu Temple style, the shrine has a rectangular architectural plan with two spires – one at the entrance and another one above the sanctum sanctorum. Shrine’s floor plan constitutes an elaborate entrance porch, a small and larger hall (mandapa and maha-mandapa), and a sanctum sanctorum.

God Statue in Parshwanatha Temple

Stunning Human and Animal Carvings

As you enter the front porch, you will witness elaborate floral patterns covering the entrance. The ten-armed Chakreshvari is carved at the doors of the temple. The mythical figure could be seen riding Garuda, the half eagle half-human creature belonging to the Hindu mythology.

Outer walls of the temple are decorated with multiple panels of sculptures engaging in different tasks. Although the temple is predominantly Jain structure, several Vaishnavite themes cover the walls of the temple. One can find sculptures showcasing different avatars of Vishnu, and several other Hindu gods.

Interestingly, the monument shares sculptures similar to the ones at the Lakshmana Temple in respect of proportions, modeling, and poses. However, in comparison to the Lakshmana Temple, Parshwanath Temple, Khajuraho has only one erotic sculpture.

The Sculptures Found at the Parshvanatha Temple

The entire temple is filled with stunning figurines belonging to different religious and social themes. Among the religious sculptures, one can find the presence of Hindu motifs and themes scattered around the temple premise. Idols of Vishnu and his incarnations could be seen adorning the walls of the temple. Here idols of Vishnu and Lakshmi, Balarama and Revati, and Rama and Sita could be found. Apart from that figures of Hanuman (the monkey god), Brahma and Parashurama are also carved here.

Among the social themes, surasundaris or extremely gorgeous female figures could be seen etched on the exterior walls of the monument. Here the female figure could be seen applying eye-makeup, while one of her attendants could be seen holding a mirror.

Overall the Parshwanath temple, Khajuraho is an interesting place that showcases the most stunning features of Indian sculpting traditions.

Interesting Facts about Parshwanath Temple

1. The Jaina Square

The temple houses one of the earliest examples of most-perfect magic squares in the world. Also referred to as Jaina Square, the figure contains numbers from one to sixteen. Adding these numbers in the row horizontally, or columns vertically would result in the number thirty-four. This square could be found at the entrance of the temple.

2. Usage of Vaishnava Themes

Although the Parshwanath Temple, Khajuraho is a Jain temple established in 10th century AD, the monument has several Vaishnava themes attached to it. You can find several idols belonging to Vishnu, Brahma, and several other Hindu gods adorning the walls of the temple.

3. Adinath the Primary Deity

According to several historians, initially, the primary deity of the temple was Adinath – the first Tirthankara of Jainism. However, in the later period, the Parshvanatha was set as the primary figure. Currently, the Adinath figurine could be seen at a secondary shrine attached to the temple.