Khajuraho : The Monuments - Part VII
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Exact Match
  The Temples
  Chausath-yogini   temple

  Lalguan-   Mahadeva

  Matangeshvara   Temple

  Varaha temple

  Parvati Temple

  Lakshamana   Temple

  Vishvanath   Temple

  Nandi Shrine

  Chitragupta   Temple

  Jagadambi   Temple

  Kandariya   Mahadeva

  Brahma Temple

  Vamana Temple

  Ghantai Temple

  Duladeo Temple

  Chaturbhuja   Temple
 
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Nandi shrine
This is a detached Nandi pavilion forming an integral part of the architectural scheme of the Vishvanath temple. The two temples stand facing each other on a common terrace , which is approached by lateral flights of steps, the southern steps being flanked by a pair of elephants and northern by a pair of lions. This shrine enshrines a powerful colossal image of Nandi , the bull vehicle of Shiva, which faces the main deity; of the Vishvanatha temple.

It is an open square pavilion resting on twelve pillars with a shallow two-pillared bay projecting from the middle of each side, the whole enclosed by a low parapet of plain kakshasana balustrade. It has a pyramidal roof of receding tiers of pidhas with an almost plain circular ceiling of overlapping course. The only noteworthy decoration on its facades is a bold elephant frieze on the basement resembling that of that of the Lakshmana temple.

Chitragupta temple
This is the only local temple dedicated to Surya (Sun God) and is situated about 91 m to the north of the Jagadamabi temple and 183 m south-east of an ancient (Chandella) three-storeyed stepped tank, known as the chopra. In respect of plan, design , dimensions and decorative scheme this temple closely resembles the Jagadambi and consists of a sanctum without ambulatory, vestibule, maha-mandapa with lateral transepts and entrance-porch , the last being completely restored above the original plinth.

While the Jagadambi has basement-mouldings carved with only geometrical designs, this temple also introduces a processional frieze representing a party of stone-carriers, hunting-scenes and elephant-fights, besides other scenes. The octagonal ceiling of its maha-mandapa hall marks an elaboration over the square ceiling of the Jagadambi . This temple thus appears to be relatively more ornate and developed than the Jagadambi and may consequently be slightly later in date.

The main image enshrined in the sanctum represents an impressive sculpture of standing Surya driving in a chariot of seven horses. Three similar but smaller figures of Surya are depicted on the lintel of the ornate doorway. The temple walls are also carved with some of the finest figures of sura-sundaris, erotic couples and gods including an eleven-headed Vishnu (in the central niche of the south façade) with the central head of Vishnu and the remaining heads representing the ten incarnations.

The sculptures on this temple, as on the Jagadambi, approximate those of the Vishvanatha in style and proportion and are not as slender as on the Kandariya. The same affinity is visible with regard to the architectural and decorative motifs. The Jagadambi and the Chitragupta temples are , therefore, to be placed stylistically between the Visvanatha and the Kandariya and are assignable to circa.1000-1025.

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