Chaturbhuj Temples, Khajuraho

Chaturbhuj Temples: This stands off the main khajuraho Airport or Bamitha road. It is approximately three kilometers south of khajuraho and is approached by a motorable road. The temples stands lonely and serene on a high platform against the backdrop off the Lavanya hills. This is the only important temple in Khajuraho that faces west and it is worth saving your sunset to visit this little shrine. The temple is similar to Javari of the eastern group of temples but like all temples in khajuraho, it is too unique.

The temple has a shallow porch, a little mandap surmounted by a peaked roof and a small square garbha griha above which rises a tall, slim shikhara. The outer walls of the temple are organized into three bands of sculpture and there are a number of unusual niche figures, including the consort of Narasimha, on the north side.

Entering the temple one is overpowered by the ornamental doorway and the enormous image within the sanctum. Nowhere in khajuraho is there a more elegant statue of a deity. Some day the image is a form of combination of these two major Hindu deities, as Hari - Hara.

The image is carved out of a single stone and stands 2.75 meters high. The figures stands of the magnificent male torso, slim but firm limbs, the calm expression of the face, dominant chin, large meditative eyes and full lips are breathtaking. At sunset the sun comes streaming in and falls on the figure, lighting it in such a way that it appears to be pulsating with life.