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Madhya Pradesh Kandariya Mahadeva
Kandaria Mahadev Temple is one of the largest temples of the medieval period. This temple is located in Khajuraho, the famous district for caves, in Madhya Pradesh state. This temple is also an example of the fines preservation technique of ancient monuments. King Vidyadhara, a Chandela Rajput king of the area constructed this temple and dedicated it to Lord Shiva. This temple is too high. More than 100 ft height of this temple connects it to the legendry who is sitting on Kailash Parvat.
History
This temple was constructed by the Chandela Rajputs kings. It is said that King Vidyadhara was dreamt a crane flying over his head and chanting the name of Lord Vishnu. As he stretched his hand, the crane disappeared. Same dream he saw on regular four nights. He told the matter to Rajpurohit and asked the solution. It was decided to build a temple of Lord Vishnu at the place as seen in dream. It is a local belief that in earlier day, there was a statue of a crane was also established in this temple but presently the same is not visible. Khajuraho city was the capital of Chandelas for religious purposes. Presently the temple is under maintenance and protection of Archeological Survey of India and accorded the status of World Heritage Building. Inside the temple a large Linga is places which represent the Lord Shiv.
Architecture
This temple is constructed under traditional Dravidian style of Architecture. Every hall has been provided with a conical roof with a beautiful dome. Fine carving has been done on both interior and exterior portion of the temple. Outer walls have been made in stair case style and at every 4 ft there is a base for another layer. Garbhalaya of the temple is like a Gopuram of South Indian mandirs. A horse is established in running posture on eastern gate of the temple. Top of the Garbhalaya is layered with fine styling of stone work and the conical portion of the Garbhalaya (Exterior) is called Kailasha. Total four halls including Garbhalaya are in this temple and entire building is constructed on a rocky base. Ground level of this temple is above 12 ft from the basement. Total 4 Mandapam and 2 Garbhalaya have been constructed.
How to Reach
Three ways of transportation are available to access this temple.
By Air
Khajuraho is the nearest airport located at 19 kilometers from this temple.
By Rail
Nearest railway station is Khajuraho connected with other major stations through broad gauge railway track.
By Road
By road connection is also better as Khajuraho city is of International importance and hence a large number of tourists visit throughout the year. State government’s transport and private taxi operators are also available to reach this temple.
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