Overview

  • Features: Largest and best preserved of the Jain temples
  • Opening Times: Dawn to dusk, daily
  • Best Time to Visit: Late October to early March
  • Duration: 20 to 30 mins
  • Travelled By: Foot
  • Cost: Free
  • Address: Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India
  • Type: Temple

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Summary

Part of the Eastern Group of temples, Parsvanath Temple Khajuraho is located in the Jain enclosure along with two other Jain temples. Built in the mid 10th century, it is the largest and finest Khajuraho Jain temple.

Khajuraho Jain Temple: Parsvanath Temple

 

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Part of the Eastern Group of temples, Parsvanath Temple Khajuraho is located in the Jain enclosure along with two other Jain temples. Built in the mid 10th century, it is the largest and finest Khajuraho Jain temple.

Although the temple was originally dedicated to Adinath, a modern black marble image of Parsvanath replaced the image in the sanctum in 1860. Both an inscription on the mahamandapa doorway and its similarities with the slightly simpler Lakshmana Temple date it to AD 950-970.

 

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While not competing in size and erotica with the western-enclosure temples, Parsvanath Temple is notable for the exceptional skill and precision of its construction and for its sculptural beauty. The curvilinear tower dominates the structure and is beautifully carved. There are no balconies but light enters through fretted windows. Although a Jain temple, there are numerous Vaishnav deities, many of them excellently carved on the three wall panels. Also noteworthy are the intricately carved ceiling pendants in its entrance porch.

 

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Since Jainism promotes an ascetic doctrine, there are no erotic images here, but the sculptural decoration is rich nonetheless. In a large panel at the right side of the entrance are images of meditating and naked Jain saints (tirthankaras), while the temple exterior is covered in decorative sculptures of voluptuous maidens, embracing couples, and solo male figures representing various Hindu deities. This is a strong indication that the temple, which recalls the temples of the Western Group, was perhaps originally Hindu.

 

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Some of the best known and best preserved non-erotic sculptures are found here, particularly the graceful sura-sundaris (one applying kohl (eye make-up) and another removing a thorn from her foot, on the south façade; one tying ankle-bells on the north façade), as well as the fine Dikpalas in the corners. The interior is richly carved with elephants, lions, sea goddesses and Jain figures.

 

Getting to Parsvanath Temple

This Khajuraho Jain temple is located in the Jain enclosure of the Eastern Group of temples. Continue along Jain Temples Road past the roundabout; the Jain enclosure is about 500 metres on the left.

 

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