TEMPLES - EAST GROUP

There are several temples scattered around the eastern part of the city. Take a means of transport to get there and a flashlight, because the sanctuaries are often very dark.

Vamana Temple. Built around 1050, it is dedicated to Vamana (which means "small" in Sanskrit), the^5th incarnation of Vishnu whose particularity is his small size. Placed at the top of a platform, it includes an ambulatory vestibule with lateral transepts. You can admire a representation of Vamana with four arms, surrounded by Chkrapurusha on his left and Ankhapurusha on his right.

Javari Temple. This small temple of the ^XIth century offers beautiful proportions. Its particularity is its finely carved portico. The outer walls are decorated with three bands of beautiful carvings as well. The idol of Vishnu is unfortunately decapitated...

Shri Shantinath Temple. It is part of the group of three Jain temples. Inside, some interesting statues and beautiful painted frescos. Jainism has the particularity to represent its deities, the tirthankaras, completely naked.

Parsvanatha Temple. This superb temple belongs to the group of the three Jain temples. This building has a classical structure with a vestibule, a sanctuary and a sikhara (tower) placed at the back of the building. Start by walking around the temple and admire the wonderful depictions of apsara, including the one removing a thorn from her foot and the one putting on eye makeup. The shrine is no less ornate and a plaque inside contains an inscription dated 954 left by the builder Pahil asking future generations to take care of the temple.

Adinath Temple. It is also part of the group of three Jain temples. Its somewhat baroque structure with the addition of plasterwork on the door and ceilings suggests that it has undergone several modifications since its construction in the late ^11th century. It resembles in structure the temple of Vamana. You will note the elegance of the sikhara.

Brahma Temple. It is located at the edge of the Narora lake, in front of the old village. Although it is named after Brahma, it is dedicated to Vishnu.

Ghantai Temple. At the exit of the old village by taking the direction of the south. There is not much left of this temple, just some decorated columns.

Duladeo Shiva Temple. Located south of the old village, near a river, this imposing temple dedicated to Shiva dates from the beginning of the ^12th century. It has undergone major restorations over the years, which have slightly modified its structure. Oriented towards the east, its particularity is to have no ambulatory vestibule in its sanctuary. The mahamandapa (entrance hall) shows twenty asparas (celestial dancers) crowned and ornamented with pomp.

Chaturbhuja Temple. It is located in the south, behind the airport. This temple of the beginning of the ^XIIth century shelters a statue of Vishnu of almost 3 m height. Its name is derived from Sanskrit and literally means "the one with four arms". However, some archaeologists affirm that the head of the idol would represent Brahma, the bust Vishnu and the bottom of the body, Shiva in reference to the supreme trinity of Hinduism. This temple is the only one in Khajuraho to face west. It is necessary to go there for the sunset. When the sun sets under a clear sky, the rays of the setting sun illuminate the statue inside its sanctuary, reinforcing its mystical aspect.