Information of Lalguan Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

The Lalguan Mahadeva Temple is a particular holy shrine that is located n the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The temple is specifically located in the Chhatarpur district of the state which is also famous for many other Hindu shrines located in the place. The temple is quite close to the Chausath yogini Temple and it is part of the Khajuraho group of temple.

Lalguan Mahadeva Temple Religious Importance

With regard to religion, the temple is deemed to one of the most visited shrines by devotes amid the other temples of the Khajuraho group of temple. The temple primarily accommodates Lord Shiva or Mahadeva within the interior of the shrine. Notably, people visit the temple in bulk during Mahashivaratri since Lord Mahadeva is being worshipped during that period as per the Hindu mythology. The temple which is located just 603 m away from the famous Chausath yogini temple is specifically for the Hindu pilgrims. The temple is situated in the bank the Lalguan-sagar owing to which the atmosphere of the area is quite calm and cool. The temple shares it structure with the Brahma temple of Khajuraho group of temple which is again an influencing factor for devotees to pay visit to the temple. Apart from this aspect, the fact that the shrine is a part of an UNESCO world heritage site also augments the religious significance of the structure and at the same time it attracts international tourists and pilgrims as well.

Lalguan Mahadeva Temple Mythology & History

Mythological importance of the temple can be understood from some of the stories associated with the history of the inception of the shrine. The establishment of the temple dated back to the period of 900 BC. The temple was built during the reign of Chandela king of Harshadeva. It is believed that the temple was built with other temples such as Kandariya Mahadeva and Devi Jagdamba shrines. The temple is considered important for the Hindu pilgrims owing to the aspect that it has been built on the basis of the famous half- lion, half human avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Lord Vishnu visited earth in order to save his devotees from a demon. The place where Lord Vishnu once landed and stood on earth is the place where the temple was built by the Chandela king of Harshadeva. Correspondingly, the temple accommodates both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu under one roof. It uniqueness can also be comprehended from the fact that it is the only temple among the shrines of Khajuraho that has Peethas within it.

Lalguan Mahadeva Temple Architectural Importance

The temple is one of the most well built structures among the various other temples in the Khajuraho group of temples. The construction of the temple primarily used granite and stone in the process of its establishment. It has been built in the bank of the Lalguan-sagar owing to which it is provided with a strong foundation since the surrounding soil is quite soft. The temple has been erected following the architectural design of the Brahma temple of the Khajuraho group of temples which was a masterpiece in its own terms. The temple is quite moderate in terms of size and has been established in a small area. It has been seen that the design of the roof of the temple has a dilapidated pyramidal superstructure which is quite unique and could not be seen in other temples within the region. Erotic art and sculpture is an important part of the architecture of the shrine.