New Delhi: The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is the largest and most ornate temple among Khajuraho’s medieval temple groups. Also, it is one of the shining examples of temples preserved from the medieval era. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, the temple is famous for its intricate design and is a testament to the architectural glory of India. In this article, we learn more about this famous temple.
The origin of the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
During the reign of the Chandela dynasty, Khajuraho was the capital of the kingdom. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple was built by the Chandela rulers and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. During the peak of the Chandela dynasty’s reign, the Khajuraho temples thrived. They were prominent till the 13th century when the invasion of Sultan Qutb ud-Din Aibak took place. After the decline of the Chandela dynasty, the temples lost their glory.
The Kandariya Mahadeva temple was built during the reign of the Chandela king Vidyadhara. Vidhyadhara was a powerful ruler who fought Mahmud of Ghazni in 1019 and forced the marching forces of the invaders to retreat to Ghazni. In 1022, Mahmud attacked Vidhyadhara’s territory, notably the fort of Kalinjar. It was an unsuccessful siege and Mahmud and Vidhyadhara called a truce. Vidhyadhara built the temple as a mark of his success over Mahmud and other rulers. The temple was constructed between 1025 and 1050 CE.
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple: Architectural Features
The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is 117 feet above the ground and covers 6500 square feet of area. It is situated on a platform called ‘Adhisthana’ and faces east. There is an assembly of towers at the entrance along with porches which have a spire called ‘shikhara’. The temple has several interconnected chambers and there is a central pillared hall called the ‘Mandapa’. The central shrine or the ‘garbhagriha’ houses a divine marble Shivalinga. The temple’s design layout is in five parts and shows intricate craftsmanship. Hindu iconography is shown in the carvings on the temple’s wall. Sandstone was used to construct the temple and massive megaliths form the columns and architraves.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, the temple is famous for its intricate design and is a testament to the architectural glory of India. The Kandariya Mahadeva temple was built during the reign of the Chandela dynasty. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
