| Vishvanath
Temple (built 1002 AD)
other
sites in Khajuraho |
Khajuraho, India |
Click on a thumbnail to enlarge
This is one of the finest of the Khajuraho temples and was built by the Chandella king Dhanga in 1002. The temple itself has a most delicate balance. It measures 89' x 45'10" (27m x 13.5m). The sculptures are particularly striking in the carving and in some of the subject matter. Dedicated to Shiva, the temple enshrines not only a Shiva lingam but also his "vehicle", the bull Nandi, as well as an image of his consort depicted as Durga. In another subsidiary corner shrine on the temple podium is an image of the Shiva lingam with four faces attached.
Bibliography:
All images copyright Professor Robert D. Fiala of Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska
Michell, George. The
Hindu Temple
Harper and Row, Publishers.
New York. 1977
Tadgell, Christopher.
The History of Architecture in India
Phaidon Press Limited.
Singapore. 1998
Narain, L.A. Khajuraho: Temples of Ecstasy
Lustre Press.
New Delhi. 1986