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Khajuraho Jain Temples
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Location:
Shri
Digamber Atishay Kshetra, Khajuraho is located at
Village Khajuraho, Taluka Rajnagar, District Chatarpur (M.
P.). Khajuraho is 60 km from Mahoba, 152 km from Satna
and 13 km from Jhansi. Road from Satna to Khajuraho, passes through
rivers and valleys, full of very beautiful natural scenario. Khajuraho
has been recognized by UNESCO as a place of world heritage on
account of its magnificent temples. The temples of Khajuraho are
generally divided into three groups: Western, Eastern and Northern.
The Eastern group mainly consisting of Jain temples. Many Jain inscriptions from the Chandella period can be seen at Khajuraho
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There are 31
(Thirty one) Jain Temples in total. But from architectural point of
view the Parsvanath, the Adinath and the Shantinath temples are
relatively more important and noteworthy. These temples are unique
examples of religious harmony and spirit of accommodation. Atishay
(Miracle), The Shantinath Temple is famous for its 14 feet high
standing idol, the 16th jain tirthankara. According to an inscription
on it, it is installed in Vikrama-Samvat 1085 (1028 AD). This idol
is full of miracle. About 400 years ago, while invaders (idol
breakers) came here and applied hammer to the little finger to break
the idol, flow of milk started from it and at the same time dense
flock of honey bees attached on invaders and pushed them to run
away. Desires of devotees are fulfilled here after prayer and
worship full of faith. Adinath Temple contains an idol with an inscription dated Sam 1215 during the
rule of Chandella king Madanavarman.
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Shri
1008 Lord Shantinath temple is the main temple with 4 ft. high
colossus in the standing posture, the highest idol of all idols
(deity images) of Khajuraho. This temple contains a large number of
remarkably gracious images of Tirthankaras (e.g. Lord Rishabh Dev,
Parshwanath, ChandraPrabhu) along with the rarely majestic Sculpture
of the parents of Tirthankar. Almost all the Tirthankar images are
adorned by 'Asta-Pratiharyas' (eight miracles) such as Indras with
flying whisks, three umbrellas, Hallow (Prabha mandal), throne (Simhasan),
etc. This temple also contains a picture-gallery, which exhibits
photos of prominent Jain monuments of India as a whole, in a
chronological manner. Shantinath Temple is a modern composite structure that
incorporates sections of several temples. It has several shrines. The main section has a 12 feet tall
idol of Lord Shantinath with an inscription of Sam. 1085.
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The Parsvanath temple is famous in the world as it contains some of
the most excellent sculptures of Khajuraho e.g. figures of
Lakshmi-Narain, Balram-Reoti, eight Dikpalas (i.e. Indra, Agni,
Yama, Nirriti, Varuna, Vayu, Kuber and Isan), Ambika, Kamdev-Rati, Ram-Sita
along with Hanuman. This temple is also privileged to possess the
best art pieces of Sura-Sundaris (Divine Nymphs) in various
attractive postures. These can’t be unnoticed by visitors. This
temple is a 'Panchayatan type' of temple in Nagar style; as it has
got all the five organs thereof i.e. Ardha-Mandap, Mandap,
Maha-Mandap, Antaral and Garbhagriha (Sanctum).Third
is the Adinath temple located on the right of the parsvanath,
is a beautiful - though small shrine.
Parshvanath temple which contains an inscription of 954 AD of builder
Pahil, mentioning donation of gardens and requesting future generations to safeguard
the temple. It mentions Chandella Dhanga as the reigning king.
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A
simple but well-ornamented 'Shikhar' (spire) and the three
bands of sculptures on its semi-circular outer wall containing
figures of Gandharvas and Kinnars (celestial musicians) and
Vidyadharas, various Yakshas (Gods . attending on Tirthankaras)
and Apsaras (celestial fairies). The figures of "Govadan"
(or "Gomukh") - the attendant Yaksha of Lord
Risabhadev have been conspicuously carved-out. This temple has
got the rare sculptures of sixteen Digambar Jain Vidyadevis -
which have been very carefully carved out by the master-artist
of Khajuraho, who has taken much care and great pains to
depict these goddesses along with their 'Vahanas' (vehicles)
and 'Ayudhas' (weapons) and the necessary 'Parikar'
(background).There are 31 another jain temples with beautiful architecture and idols.
Management Committe:
The Temple is managed by Shri Digamber Jain Atishay Kshetra
Management Committee, Khajuraho
Post & Village Khajuraho, Taluka Rajnagar, District
Chatarpur (M. P.) - 471606. Phone +91-7686-234960.
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