Thread by @History_Mystery

#KandariyaMahadevaTemple is the largest & most ornate Hindu temple in medieval temple group found at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is considered one of the best examples of temples preserved from the medieval period in India.

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#KandariyaMahadevaTemple was built by Chandela ruler. God Shiva is the chief deity in temple deified in sanctum sanctorum.
Temple was built during the reign of Vidyadhara (r. c. 1003-1035 CE).
This stunning temple is around 31m tall.

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Temple is founded on a massive plinth of 4 metres height. The superstructure is built in a steep mountain shape, symbolic of Mount Meru which is said to be the source of creation of the world.

📷:Various features of the temple marked on the #KandariyaMahadevaTemple.

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The superstructure has richly decorated roofs which rise in a grand form terminating in the shikara, which has 84 miniature spires. A series of steep steps with high rise lead from the ground level to the entrance to the temple

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Right at the entrance there is torana, a very intricately carved makara torana doorway which is sculpted from a single stone. This is a floral garland that stems from the mouths of makaras and is carried across the doorway by flying nymphs.

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#KandariyaMahadevaTemple.

In interior space from entrance there are 3 mandapas which successively rise in height & width, which is inclusive of a small chamber where Shiva linga, a highly polished marble linga is present. The sanctum sanctorum is surrounded by interlinked passages.

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Within the temple, some wonderful sculpted flower and leaf motifs on
the ceilings.

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