Chaturbhuja Temple, Architectural Khajuraho Temple
¤ Location
Built in 1100 A.D. it is one of the well known architectural temples
of Khajuraho, located about 3km from the village, near the Eastern
Group of temples i.e. Lakshmana, Kandhariya Mahadeva. This temple
faces the West, standing on a platform, which is approached by a
flight of ten steps. The floor of the platform is paved with white
sandstone. The architectural and sculptural traditions of this temple
are quite similar to the Javari temple. The temple on plan consists of
a shikhara, a square sanctum, an antarala, the mahamandapa and an
ardhmandapa which are interconnected and located on the same axis.
¤ Main Attractions
The highlight of this temple is a massive 9ft high, intricately
carved image of Lord Vishnu, in Chaturbhuja (four-armed) form. Here he
gesticulates possibly varada (boon-giving) with his now broken lower
right hand, and abhaya with his upper right hand, holds a manuscript
along with a lotus stalk in his upper left hand, and possibly a water
pot or conch shell in his lower left hand.
The Chaturbhuja Temple is the only temple in Khajuraho which lacks
erotic sculptures, with the bands on the walls of the temple set with
architectural images of dikhpalas, ashtavasus, nymphs and the recesses
of mythical lions.Though this temple belonging to the Southern Group,
is impressive and has been preserved in major portions, still signs of
decline are evident.
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