Vamana Temple

Special Features

Foundation Year: 1050 CE - Chandella Rulers

Sthala Puran

Vamana temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vamana, an avatar of the god Vishnu. The temple was built between assignable to circa 1050-75.According to the myth, there was once a haughty king and vishnu assumed the form od dwarf or Vamana to teach him a lesson. He requested the proud (hence foolish) king for just so much land as he could cover with three strides. The king granted the request and vishnu took one step and covered the earth, with the second step he strode across the heavens and had nowhere to place his third step. The despotic king realized his mistake, begged forgiveness and requested vishnu - Vamana to place his third step on his head as a mark of his submission to god. Vamana Temple is dedicated to the dwarf incarnation of Vishnu.

Architecture

The architecture of the temple is similar to that of others located in Khajuraho. The temple features an entrance-porch, maha-mandapa, vestibule and sanctum. Its sikhara is embellished with a fret-work of chaitya-arches. It is also noteworthy for a peculiar roof known as samvarana over the maha-mandapa.The sanctum is niradhara and enshrines an image of four armed Vamana flanked by Chakrapurusha on the left and Sankhapurusha on the right. The doorway of the sanctum has seven bands decorated with dancing ganas, mithunas and lotus petals. In addition to this, the ceilings of the balconied windows are carved with various postures of women. The exterior walls of the temple are adorned with intricate sculptures of apsaras and celestial nymphs. Other carvings that can be seen here exhibit varied facets of life like musicians, women in front of a mirror and dancers.

Prayers and Benefits

Social Activities