Information of Vamana Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

The Vamana temple is a particular holy shrine that is located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is particularly a shrine that is entirely dedicated for the Hindus and their worship. The temple which is one of the oldest among the Khajuraho group of temples has accommodated lord Vishnu and his Vamana avatar since the year of its inception.

Vamana Temple Religious Significance

The temple has a rich religious significance associated with it. It has been learnt that Hindu devotes from different parts of the world visit this particular shrine with the intention to get their wishes fulfilled. The temple accommodate the first avatar of Lord Vishnu i.e. Vamana. This aspect has significant impact on the religious importance of the temple amid devotes. It is believed that Lord Vishnu once took a completely human form and remained as a dwarf Brahmin for a considerable period of time amid devotes. These factors have encouraged people to believe on the religious significance of the shrine. Owing to these aspects, the shrine is seen as a holy place by the Hindu devotes. Again since the shrine is an integral part of the Khajuraho group of temples and a part of the UNESCO world heritage site, pilgrims from all over the world visit the same with their wishes. The temple is also quite significant historically and many of its features are a visual treat for the visitors. The ruler of the Chandela dynasty established the temple during the period of 10th century owing to his personal dedication towards the lord. The carvings and sculptures within the interior and exterior of the shrine is also an integral factor for it being a prominent religious site.

Vamana Temple Mythology & History

There are numerous stories that are associated with temple since the days of its inception. Literatures and Puranas relevant to the temple provide a deep insight on how the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu has become a prominent rationale with regard to the establishment of the temples during the 10th century. Vamana which is an avatar of the Lord in the form of dwarf Brahmin is believed to have come to earth. Legend believed that Vamana came to the earth to acquire the authority of the earth for Lord Indra from the Asura King who took control over the earth and the heaven with his superpowers. In the later scenario, Lord Vishnu or his avatar Vamana took control over the earth from Asura King through defeating the same and provide the authority of the earth to Lord Indra. It is also believed and learnt from the Puranas that during his stay in the earth as Vamana, Lord Vishnu maintained a simple lifestyle like a normal human being. The temple depicts the image of the lord through its structure and magnificence.

Vamana Temple Architectural Importance

The temple is regarded as an architectural masterpiece of the 19th century and it has major influence of the local art of Chattarpur district of Madhya Pradesh state. Notably, the temple was built mainly with the use of sandstone and mortise along with granite and marbles. The exterior of the shrine has double walls and it has carvings and sculptures that depict the art of the art relevant to the Vamanas. A major part of the structure has depiction of erotic art which again hold resemblance with the Khajuraho groups of temples. The gates or entrance of the temple are also decorated with statues of animals such as elephant and lion. All these factors make the temple as visual treat for devotes.