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Kandariya Mahadev Temple
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, IndiaAbout
The Kandariyâ Mahâdeva Temple (Devanagari: कंदरिया महादेव, IAST: Kandariyā Mahādeva) is the largest and most ornate Hindu temple in the 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.[2] Khajuraho was once the religious capital of the Chandela Rajputs and today is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The Kandariya Mahadeva temple is the largest of the Western group of temples and was built by Vidyadhara[citation needed], arguably one of the greatest Chandela kings. The temple was built around 1050 on Hindu beliefs dating back to 1000 BC; The main spire or sikhara rises 31 m to depict Mount Kailash, the Himalayan mountain abode of Shiva and is surrounded by 84 miniature spires (or Urushringas). Inside the sanctum is a marble linga representing Shiva.[3] The Archaeological Survey of India protects the temple, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site at Khajuraho.[citation needed]
