The Varaha Temple is located in front of the Lakshmana Temple is one of the oldest temple in Khajuraho (State: Madhya Pradesh). Belonging to Western Group of Temples it is one of the smallest and beautifully carved temple at Khajuraho. It is built some time by the rulers of Chandela dynasty between 930 and 950 A.D.
The stands elevated above the ground with 14 short pillars that support the high pyramidal roof capped with an kalash. It has a huge monolithic image of the standing Varaha (the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu). The image is made out of sandstone and measures 2.6 meters long and 1.7 meters high. It is unique from other images of Khajuraho as the stone shines like burnished metal.
The entire body of the divine creature is carved in low relief along with the figures of more than 600 gods and goddesses of the Hindu religion.main shrine of the temple has four subsidiary shrines at the corners of the temple platform. The temple has columned halls with balconies, an entrance porch, and the inner sanctum.
The stands elevated above the ground with 14 short pillars that support the high pyramidal roof capped with an kalash. It has a huge monolithic image of the standing Varaha (the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu). The image is made out of sandstone and measures 2.6 meters long and 1.7 meters high. It is unique from other images of Khajuraho as the stone shines like burnished metal.The entire body of the divine creature is carved in low relief along with the figures of more than 600 gods and goddesses of the Hindu religion.main shrine of the temple has four subsidiary shrines at the corners of the temple platform. The temple has columned halls with balconies, an entrance porch, and the inner sanctum.
Absolutely marvelous!
ReplyDeleteLet me tell you something - please make all of this a nice big book! There'll be many of us fans flocking by to get ourselves a copy!
Oh !! What a wonderful temple of Vishnu Ji (Varah).
ReplyDeleteReally difficult to digest that it is made of sand stone...just amazing !!!!!!
This is a fascinating temple. The image truly does look like metal rather than sandstone.
ReplyDeletethe divine creature looks so cool!
ReplyDeleteDivine...
ReplyDeleteThe sculpture within the Temple is impressive.
ReplyDeleteThe details are amazing.
xoxo
Wow.. I didn't know Kajuraho has these kind of beautiful temples also.I have added it now to my to-visit list.. (But I don't when I will visit..(lol)).
ReplyDeleteNice post Rajesh
By the way I took a look at your other Kajuraho posts as well and like them..
ReplyDeletewhat a tiny shrine ! The varaha looks impressive. A close up of some of the images carved on the body would have been great.
ReplyDelete600 ? - amazing !
Varaha temple is beautiful & the oldest temple in MP.Actually our country India is full of temples & monuments.
ReplyDeletevisit Tourism in India
great work
ReplyDeleteA beautiful shrine. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteFlame of fire
Another impressive place!
ReplyDeleteMagnificent! And superb captures as always, Rajesh! By the way, I've been meaning to tell you what beautiful children you have! Their picture in your sidebar always makes me smile! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Good photos and a great essay. I have always regretted not visiting India when I was young. Boom & Gary, Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful statue. I wonder, did they rub metal onto the stone to achieve the burnished effect?
ReplyDeletelabor intensive detailing. pretty neat.
ReplyDeleteMine is here
Meravigliosa questa divina creatura !
ReplyDeleteByùuona serata :)
Myriam
That's a beautiful temple, and a wonderful place to be!
ReplyDeleteThere seems to be incredible detail in the body of this sculpture. It is fascinating how images we create represent such depth of meaning. Thank you for sharing this interesting part of your world.
ReplyDeleteYou always share of the most interesting things from your country. I enjoy seeing them as that is the only way I will ever do so.
ReplyDeleteIncredible detailing.
ReplyDeleteThere must be thousands and thousands of temples in India. They are all very beautifully built and crafted. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteexquisite work
ReplyDeletethat is a lot of gods and goddesses, how do they keep up? they are both wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWow - that divine boar is amazing!
ReplyDeletefascinating! such lovely details on this elephant.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful. I'm sure it is even more so when seen in person. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeletea fabulous temple and love the intricate details of the elephant.
ReplyDeleteWow! That’s interesting and unique structure in glittering manner... so nice.
ReplyDeleteBuongiorno Rajesh, this is a wonderful place that one day I'd like to visit!
ReplyDeleteHave a good day!
thanks for all these lovely posts telling us of places we never knew existed.
ReplyDeleteFabulous structure. Such intricate carvings.
ReplyDeleteSeeing a huge Varaha for the first time.
ReplyDeleteGreat shot.
Interesting post. That sandstone boar really does look like metal.
ReplyDeleteThe 2nd image looks interesting !!!
ReplyDeletefascinating!
ReplyDeleteAn impressive monument for an impressive religion.
ReplyDeleteWonderful - I love the journeys of learning we take on a Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much
Denise ABC Team
The varaha is so intricate!!! Wow!!
ReplyDeleteTiruvarur Temple Tour-Part 1
Beautiful captures of the temple and the sculpture, I especially appreciated the accompanying words.
ReplyDeleteLinda
ABC Wednesday Team
Fantastic!! Great treat!!
ReplyDeleteUtterly amazing! It's hard to imagine that this is so old, for one thing, but that boar is divine (no pun intended!)...
ReplyDeleteLooks wondeful
ReplyDeletespecial the second shot :))
Beautiful beautiful beautiful temple.
ReplyDeleteA really wonderful temple, great details.
ReplyDeleteThanks to all for appreciating this small wonder.
ReplyDeleteFabulous shots!
ReplyDeleteHappy MYM!
Liz @ MLC
It's a beautiful temple. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteJust gorgeous :)
ReplyDeleteRajesh -- A lovely post for Mellow Yellow. Sorry I haven't been commenting regularly, we've been away and I've been sick. Now I'm on the road to recovery, I hope.
ReplyDelete-- K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Rajesh, there is so much you present that I would so much like to see in India but, with my mobility difficulties and the use of a rolling walker, I think much of it will be off limits to me. I will try my best, though, to manage as much as possible because I know, if I even get there, it will be my final trip to this land of magic and I want my remaining years ahead to be full of all the enchanting memories. This temple is so beautiful.
ReplyDeletethank for sharing this old and unique temple.
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures Nice
ReplyDeleteThanks to all for appreciating this small wonder.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely marvelous and what great intricate detailed work, magnificient!
ReplyDeletewonderful ^_^clicks and i liked the details
ReplyDeleteThanks to all for appreciating this small wonder.
ReplyDelete