This is much smaller than the magnificent Kandariya Mahadev Tenlple. lt
has a cross plan with only on set of balconies, only one mandap and no
inner pradakshina patha. However, the Devi Jagdambi Temple has some
of the loveliest sculptures ill Khajuraho, and because of its medium height
most of them are easily visible. There are wonderful representation of the
dlihpolas in tlheir rightful places, the awesome Yama and Nirriti on the south
and southwest sides are especially noteworthy. The little niches on the
south, west and north sides have endearing images of Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma embracing their consorts. The south side lower niche has an image
of Varaha, depicted with a human body and a boar hbad, emerging from
the primeval waters carrying the earth goddess Bhudevi on his arm. She
has placed her hand affectionately on his snout as if to pat the boar and
thank him for rescuing her.
Apart from the normal repertoire of female figures applying make-up
and preening themselves, there are a number of depictions of lovers
embracing and these are tucked away in the recesses and shadows of the
temple. lt is as if the Devi Jagadambi and the Chitragupta Temples were
especially assigned to honour love and conjugal harmony, with figures of
the divine couples and others depicting every mood of love. A recess on
the soutlh side depicts s woman who ,limsed upon her standing over, as
a creeper climbs a tree , to kiss his fervently. On the Pest sidel top row,
is a mischievous woman tugging atheT.lover's beard. There are several such
depictions and each visitor soon identi(ies his or her favourite masterpiece.
On the west side are most facinating sculptures, one depictling a
woman with her beautiful back turned to the onlooker. She is preoccupied
in gazing at her beauty in the lnirror, her scarf falling over her. shoulder
most provocatively. Near her is another 5eductive woman with a beautiful
figure. This is a depictlion of the verse in thc Shiv Purana which describes
