Nandi Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Nandi Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Nandi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to bull mount of Lord Shiva located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This Temple is situated opposite to Vishvanatha Temple and considered as an integral part of the Viswanatha temple. This temple is considered as part of the western group at Khajuraho. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments.

The Temple

This Temple stands in front of Vishvanatha Temple and is facing towards west. This Shrine is considered as an integral part of the Viswanatha temple. The temple measures 9.5 m in length and 9.4 m in width. The temple stands on a raised rectangular platform and can be accessed by flight of steps. The plan of the main structure is of the shape of cross quadrate (combination of cross and rectangle), where the rectangle form the sanctum and the cross edges form the four balconies (one on each side). The temples walls are like balcony walls and do not cover the sanctum completely.

The roof rests on twelve pillars (one at each corner). This shrine houses a colossal idol of Nandi. It is about 2.2 m long and 1.8 m high. The border design is made of carvings depicting elephant (front view with head, trunk and two legs). Human figures are also depicted on both side of elephant. The sculpture of Lord Shiva (with trishula on right shoulder and snake on left shoulder) can also be seen on outer roof and wall (along with border design). Erotic sculpture of couples are also seen on the outer roof.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Khajuraho Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Khajuraho Airport, 7 Kms from Rajnagar, 9 Kms from Khajuraho Railway Station, 12 Kms from Bamitha, 41 Kms from Chhatarpur, 47 Kms from Panna and 379 Kms from Bhopal. Khajuraho is situated on Bamitha to Rajnagar route. Khajuraho railway station connects the town by a daily train to Delhi via Mahoba, Jhansi and Gwalior. It provides a daily train connecting to Agra, Jaipur, Bhopal and Udaipur. A local daily train also connects to Kanpur, whilst Varanasi is connected three times a week. Khajuraho Airport has flights to Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Mumbai.

Location