- Shiva
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
- Sevagram,Madhya Pradesh
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Overview
The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is one of the largest and the most beautiful Hindu temples pertaining to the Indian medieval period. The temple is dedicated to Lord Mahadev who is here considered as the “greatest God of the cave”. The temple is located at the famous Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. The temple stands as a classic example of a very well preserved temple from the medical period.
About the Temple
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is situated at the Kajuraho village, in Chhatarpur district of the state Madhya Pradesh. The temple complex is spread over an area of 6 square kilometres. This temple is situated in the western part of the village, to the west of the Vishnu temple.
The temple complex at Khajuraho is situated at an altitude of 282 metres from the ground level. It is well connected by road, rail and air services. Khajuraho lies at a distance of 55 km south of Mahoba and about 47 km to the east of Chhatarpur. Khajuraho is served by Khajuraho Airport (IATA Code: HJR), with services to Delhi, Agra and Mumbai.
Legend and Stories
Khajuraho and Shubham were once the capital of the Chandela Rajputs. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is one of finest temples of the Khajuraho complex which was built by the Chandela rulers. Lord Shiva is the primary deity of this temple.
This temple is said to have been built by the Chandela king Vidhyadhara, who ruled the region from 1017 to 1029. During the reign of this dynasty, many famous hindu temples dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva, Surya, Shakti were built. Shrines for Jain Thirthankaras were also constructed.
King Vidhyadhara was also known by the name ‘Bida’ as per the recordings of the Muslim historian Ibn-al-Athir. He was believed to have been a powerful ruler who fought Mahmud of Ghazni in the first offensive launched by the latter in 1019. This battle was not conclusive and thus Mahmud had to return back to Ghazni. Mahmud again waged war against Vidhyadhara in 1022, attacking the fort of Kalinjar. The siege of the fort was unsuccessful. Hence Mahmud and Vidhyadhara made a truce and parted ways by exchanging gifts. King Vidhyadhara is said to have celebrated his success over Mahmud of Ghazni and other enemies, by building the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple. He dedicated the temple to his family deity Lord Shiva. Epigraphic inscriptions on a pilaster of the temple’s mandapa, mentions the name of its builder as “Virimda”, which is interpreted as the pseudonym of “Vidhyadhara”. The temple was built during the period from 1025 and 1050 AD.
All the extant temples including the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple were inscribed in 1986 under the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites under Criterion III for its artistic creation and under Criterion V for the culture of the Chandelas that was popular till the country was invaded by Muslim rulers in 1202.
How to reach Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
Road
The temple is a part of the Western group of temples and is easily accessible by foot.
Railways
The nearest railway station to Kandariya Mahadev temple is Rajanagar railway station which is 9 km away from Kandariya Mahadev Temple.
Airport
The nearest airport to this temple is the Khajuraho civil aerodrome. The temple lies 6 km from Khajuraho aerodrome.
Temple Address
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple,
Sevagram, Khajuraho,
Madhya Pradesh - 471606
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Salvation
- Wealth
- Relief from diseases
- Purchase of vehicles
- Gain Knowledge
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.
Timings
The temple is open from 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM and in evening 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM