Hidden deep in the old town of Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, the Chaturbhuj Temple is a holy shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Constructed around 1100 AD, by the Chandela kings, this temple houses a grand Vishnu idol and fine stone carvings. The name Chaturbhuja (lit. “One who has four arms”) is an epithet of Vishnu. Also known as Jatakari Temple, this is the only temple in Khajuraho which lacks erotic sculptures.
Notable Fact: The temple’s 9-foot Vishnu idol, cut from one stone, makes it a UNESCO World Heritage gem.
Mythological Significance
Chaturbhuj Temple holds old legends. One story says King Dhanga built it after Vishnu came in a dream, commanding him to construct a temple for him. Another tale tells of sages praying and performing austerities here. “Chaturbhuj” means Vishnu with four arms, showing his role as world-keeper.
Historical Background
The temple’s roots go way back to 1100 AD. Chandela kings made Khajuraho a city full of faith, with shrines for many gods. The temple was built by Yasovarman of the Chandela Dynasty in c. 1100 CE. A stone from 1102 marks its start, old and true. Islamic raiders came in the 1200s, but the temple stood firm, stood strong. Old texts from Chandela times name Khajuraho a divine place. Stone writings from 1100 show its age, its time.
Architecture of Chaturbhuj Temple
Chaturbhuj Temple stands in Khajuraho’s Southern Group, built in Nagara style, plain but mighty grand. Its tall spire, 20 meters high, shines with yellow stone, carved with gods, dancers, beasts, all fine work. Inside, the Vishnu idol, 9 feet tall, four-armed, holds a conch, a disc, lit by oil lamps, holy and still, truly holy. There is an entrance porch, mandapa, and sanctum without an ambulatory. Standing on a square platform, This west-facing temple can be approached by a staircase of ten steps. There are beautifully carved figures of Brahma, Vishnu, and Lord Shiva in the elaborate entrance. The inner walls are plain, scratched with old prayer words, very old words.
A big hall has 8 pillars, carved with sky maids, warriors, fine designs. The temple consists of a sanctum without ambulatory, vestibule, mandapa and an entrance porch. The temple stands on a Modest (chabutara). Around the wall, there are three bands of sculptures (see also image of outer wall)Small shrines for Shiva, Lakshmi, Ganesh sit near, made of stone. The Shiva shrine shows a linga, for power. The Lakshmi shrine, from 1100, has her with coins, for wealth. The Ganesh shrine shows him with a pen, for wisdom. The tower of this temple is plain. With the images of dikhpalas, ashtavasus, nymphs, and the recesses of mythical lions, there are three bands of sculptures below the tower. There are images of Ganga and Yamuna; with the presence of a Crocodile, Ganga can be identified and the Yamuna can be identified with Turtle at the lower part of the doorway.
Information for Travelers
Hours and Entry: Open daily, 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Entry costs ₹30 for locals, ₹500 for foreigners, a fair price. No photos in the inner shrine, none allowed.
Clothing: Wear garments coverin’ shoulders and knees, proper and modest. Women for prayers wear sarees or suits, men wear kurtas, plain kurtas.
How to Get There:
Air: Khajuraho Airport, 7 km away, is nearest. Taxis take 20 minutes, cost ₹250–500, a swift trip.
Train: Khajuraho Station, 5 km off, joins to Delhi, 13 hours long. Autos cost ₹70–150, a small fare.
Road: Buses from Satna, 4 hours away, reach Khajuraho. Taxis cost ₹2500–3500, steady roads, calm roads.
Places to Stay:
Khajuraho has guesthouses like Hotel Harmony, ₹700–1200, plain lodgin’. Hotels like Clarks Khajuraho, ₹2500–4000, are grand. Stalls sell jalebi, kachori, tea, warm tea.
Best Time to Visit:
October to March, cool air, 18–28°C. Weekdays are quiet, truly quiet. Janmashtami is crowded, plan early, plan well.
Nearby Attractions:
Lakshmana Temple, 3 km off, a Vishnu shrine, grand stones.
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, 4 km away, a Shiva shrine, tall spire.
Parsvanath Temple, 5 km off, a Jain shrine, fine work.
Devi Jagdamba Temple, 4 km away, a Devi shrine, holy ground.
Duladeo Temple, 2 km off, a Shiva shrine, calm place.
Final Thoughts
Chaturbhuj Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, is a sacred jewel in India’s heart. Lord Vishnu’s divinity touches all who visit, making it a place you must see among India’s holy sites, truly holy sites. Its grand idol, old stones, and quiet air draw the soul, bring peace, bring strength. Come pray, come see, feel its sacred light, and calmness.
