Some of the most excellent sculptures in 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. |
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The temples of
Khajuraho are generally divided into three groups: Western, Eastern
and Northern. The Eastern group mainly consisting of Jain temples.
There are 34 (Thirty Four) 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.
The Shantinath Temple is famous
for its 14 feet high standing idol, the 16th jain tirthankar.
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. |
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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.
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. |
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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. It is noted for
its 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.
Trust:
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
Transport:
.The
Udaipur-Gwalior Express has been extended to Khajuraho, in
Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh. Passengers will board the
train from Agra Cantonment station around 11 a.m. and reach Khajuraho in the evening.
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