What is the Iconography of Kandariya Mahadev Temple ?

 

Indian Architecture: Kandariya Mahadeva

    In the entire Khajuraho temple group, the Kandariya Mahadev temple is the best example of Chandel architecture. The architect of this temple has shown his unique creative talent in its construction. This Shiva temple was built by King Ganga Dev in about 1000 AD. Most of the temples of Khajuraho are scattered in an area of ​​about one and a half kilometers around two lakes near Khajuraho village. The Kandariya Mahadev temple is located to the north of the Chausath Yogini temple and is bigger and grander than all the other temples. It was originally a Panchayatan temple, but now the temples built on its four corners have disappeared.

     Like other temples, this temple has also been built on a high platform. This platform made of stones is eight meters high from the ground level. The total length of this temple is 33.25 m, maximum width 18.30 m and total height from the ground level is 35.55 m. The base plan of the temple is usually rectangular, but on both sides of the mandap there are side rooms or Due to the construction of a pair of additional windows for illuminating the Mahamandap and the Pradakshina path of the Garbhagriha, it has become wider at the back. The Sanctum of Kandariya Mahadev is actually built under the Sapta Ratha- "The Sanctum is saptarath in plan and consists of the seven segments along the vertical axis. This arrangement is typical of the central Indian temples of full fledged design. "Among the inner chambers, the main ones are the Pravesh Mandap, the Vishal Mandap, the Parsvakachaam or Skandh, the Antaral, the Vestibule, the Garbhagriha and the Pradakshina path etc. The external form of the temple is influenced by these internal parts. The pedestal or plinth of the temple is about four meters high from the floor of the Jagati and many niches and rafters have been installed in it. A straight vertical wall has been constructed above the sloping pedestal and above this, the windows open, which are separated by pillars. Above these, wide balconies have been projected. A triangular shape rises above the balconies, which blends with a row of small shikharas and reaches the roof.

     The entrance of this temple is in the east direction where steps have been made to reach. This gate undoubtedly appears huge and grand. The rich sculpture of this temple doubles its artistic beauty. Cunningham had counted 872 statues of more than one meter height here, among these the smaller statues are innumerable. The beautiful arch of the entrance of the temple has carvings of gods and goddesses, Gandharvas, Makaras and loving couples. There are large alayas or Devgoshthas resting on the northern, southern and western walls, in which the statues of Brahma, Vishnu and other incarnations are decorated. All of them have been made in dancing postures. 'Shivling' is installed in its sanctum sanctorum and heroines and Apsaras are carvings on the pillar brackets. The advanced and wonderful sculptural forms of this temple have been combined with such complexity that they balance the architectural unity with its completeness. The heroine looking at a mirror depicted in Khajuraho sculptures is very beautiful.