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.