History Documentary || Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India. [10% curated to steemingcuration]

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A Research Publication of the brief Historical findings in the Lakshama Temple, Khajuraho Madhya, Pradesh India.

LAKSHAMA TEMPLE

The Lakshama temple enshrines the mystic form of Lord Vishnu called Vaikuntha which is 1.3m(4ft) high with three faces of the Lion, Man and Bear. The temple was affiliated to the Vaishnauite, Pancharatra seat of the kashmir School, which worshipped Vishnu. in their composite form. Madhya Pradesh is a land of Great antiquity and Khajuraho Temple is the one which depicts a sensuous poetry carved in stone. The temple's inscription states tha King Yashovarman who built this splendid temple to house the Vaikuntha Image that he acquires from his overlord, the Pratihara King who in turn had got it from the ruler of Chamba region His Son Dhangadeva consecrated the temple in 954.A.D.

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The Lakshmana temple has 5-shrines or Panchayatana complex and stands in the center of a high platform alomg with its four subsidary shrines, in the corners. All along the platform, a continuous sculptural pathway depicts scenes of everyday life. A royal hunt, battles, traders, dancers, and musicians, dancer conversing witha religious teacher and ethnic preparations amidst an orgy.

The external wall of the main temple is divided into two zones, of sculptures. Depicting graceful asparas, snake goddess, griffins, and couples in the recessive. The upper zone carries the Image of the different forms of Vishu, while the lower occupies a significant position on the lower zone. One of the more noteworthy sculptures on the southeast side is that of two males ecstatically, dancing with castanets in their hands. The front facade of the temple has an Image of the Sun god holding two lotuses.

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The architecture of the Lakshmania temple was the first to place erotic groups on the juncture wall of the Mahamandopia and the sanctum. This is the only temple in Khajuraho that depicts the avatars of Vishnu on its jambs, pairing, Matsya,(fish), Varaha, Vamana Aavatar,On the left jamb with Kurma Tortoise. Narashimba, and Parasurama on the right side. The center of the header is presided by the Goddess of Lakshmi.

The Images of Vishnu's incarnation are presented in the three cardinal niches of the walls. Varaha in the South, Narasimha in the West and Hayagriva(Horse necked one) in the North. In the upper western niche.
Vishnu Narayana can be seen amidst his devotees at Svetadvipa a mythic island
The three placid scenes of Vishnu Narayana discoursing with the sages are interspersed with twelve panels, depicting Krishna Slaying or subduing demons. Sculptures of the Lakshmi, Saraswati, Mahishasuradini, Durga-Kshemankari with two lions, Tripura in the meditation posture, and others are found in the niches of the Mahomandapa*. The planetary divinities (Grahas) play an important part in the iconography of the Baikuntha temple. In the interior of the temple they are represented on the door lintel of the sactum, while on the exterior, their figures are placed around the temples in all niches of the Plinth.

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