Tucked away in the old town of Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, the Parsvanath Temple is a Jain temple dedicated to Lord Parsvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara. Built long ago, around 950 AD, by the Chandela kings, this temple was previously built as an Adinatha shrine during the Chandela period. According to historians, the Parshwanath temple is one of the oldest temples in the Eastern Temple complex.
Notable Fact: The temple’s detailed carvings, legacy and Jain idols make it a part of Khajuraho’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Mythological Significance
Parsvanath Temple holds very old tales. One story says a Chandela king built it after a Jain sage blessed his kin with calm. Another tale tells of holy sages meditating here, finding truth in their hearts, seeking transcendence. People say prayers here clean the soul, bring wisdom. “Parsvanath” means the Tirthankara with a snake hood, standing for non-violence and truth.
Historical Background
The temple’s has ancient roots going back to 950 AD. The temple is believed to have been constructed by a prominent Jain family between 950 and 970 CE, during the reign of the Chandela king Dhanga. Chandela kings made Khajuraho a city full of faith, with shrines for many gods. A stone from 954 marks its start, old and true. The earliest idol enshrined in the temple appears to have been that of Adinatha. The temple stood firm through raider attacks in the 1200s. The earliest idol enshrined in the temple appears to have been that of Adinatha. When the British archaeological surveyor Alexander Cunningham visited in 1852, he found the main sanctum deserted. He described it as “Jinanatha temple” and wrote that it had been repaired by a Jain banker in 1847. In 1860, a Parshvanatha idol was installed in the main sanctum. An Adinatha statue was placed in a secondary shrine attached to the rear of the temple.
Architecture of Parsvanath Temple
Parsvanath Temple stands tall in Khajuraho’s Eastern Group, built in Jain style with a Hindu touch, plain but mighty grand. Its two spires—one at the entrance, one over the sanctum—rise 15 meters high, carved in yellow stone with saints, flowers, gods, all fine work. Inside, the Parsvanath idol, 4 feet tall, sits calm, lit by oil lamps, holy and still. The inner walls are plain, scratched with old Jain prayers.
The temple’s plan got an entrance porch, a small hall, a bigger hall, and the sanctum. The porch got floral patterns, mighty fine, and a ten-armed Chakreshvari riding Garuda, a half-eagle, half-man from Hindu tales. Outer walls show panels of people performing tasks—some Jain, some Vaishnava. You’ll see Vishnu, his forms like Rama and Balarama, even Brahma and Hanuman, carved deep. A big hall has 6 pillars, etched with Jain saints, sky maids, fine designs. Small shrines for Mahavira, Adinath, Shantinath sit near, made of stone. The Mahavira shrine shows him meditating, for truth.
Sculptures of Parsvanath Temple
The temple’s full of fine figures, mixing Jain and Hindu ways. You’ll see Vishnu with Lakshmi, Balarama with Revati, Rama with Sita, all carved deep. Hanuman, the monkey god, Brahma, and Parashurama are also depicted there. Daily life scenes show surasundaris—lovely women—on outer walls. One’s putting on eye makeup, her helper holding a mirror, real fine work. These carvings look like the Lakshmana Temple’s in shape and pose, but here, they’re more Jain, with just one lover scene standing out.
A special thing is the Jaina Square, a number square at the door with one to sixteen. Add them up—sideways, up, down—and you get thirty-four. It’s one of the oldest number squares, a marvel of Jain thought.
Rituals and Prayers
The temple wakes on holy day of Mahavir Jayanti, in April, which is the biggest festival celebrated here, with all-day chants and milk poured for Mahavira, Parsvanath’s kin. Diwali, in October, lights up the temple surroundings with joy.
Information for Travelers
Hours and Entry: Open daily, 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry costs ₹30 for locals, ₹500 for foreigners, a fair price. No photos in the inner shrine, none allowed.
Clothing: Wear garments covering 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, 6 km away, is nearest. Taxis take 15 minutes, cost ₹200–400, a swift trip.
Train: Khajuraho Station, 4 km off, joins to Delhi, 12 hours long. Autos cost ₹60–120, a small fare.
Road: Buses from Satna, 4 hours away, reach Khajuraho. Taxis cost ₹2000–3000, steady roads, calm roads.
Places to Stay:
Khajuraho has guesthouses like Hotel Jain, ₹600–1000, plain lodging. Hotels like Clarks Khajuraho, ₹2500–4000, are grand. Stalls sell poha, samosa, tea, warm tea.
Best Time to Visit:
October to March, cool air, 18–28°C. Weekdays are quiet, truly quiet. Mahavir Jayanti is crowded, plan early, plan well.
Nearby Attractions:
Adinath Temple, half a km off, a Jain shrine, fine stones.
Lakshmana Temple, 2 km away, a Vishnu shrine, grand stones.
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, 3 km off, a Shiva shrine, tall spire.
Chaturbhuj Temple, 5 km away, a Vishnu shrine, calm place.
Devi Jagdamba Temple, 3 km off, a Devi shrine, holy ground.
Final Thoughts
Parsvanath Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, is a sacred jewel in India’s heart. Lord Parsvanath’s calm spirit touches all who visit, making it a place you must see among India’s holy sites. Its fine carvings, old stones, and quiet air draw the soul, bring peace, bring truth.
