Khajuraho Vamana Temple, Madhya Pradesh

Address

Khajuraho Vamana Temple, Eastern Group of Temples, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606

Diety

Vamana (Vishnu)

Introduction

Vamana temple is dedicated to Vamana, an avatar of the god Vishnu. The temple was built between assignable to circa 1050-75. It forms part of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is located in the eastern area of Khajuraho. It is situated about 200 meters to the north-east to Brahma Temple Just 200m north-east beyond the so-called Brahma Temple, this temple is dedicated to Vamana, the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Puranic Significance

Legend says that Vamana came to earth to give the authority of the celestial world back to Lord Indra (King of Heaven), after Asura king Bali (a demon) took over the control of all the three worlds; Swarg (heaven), Bhulok (earth) and Pataal lok (underworld). Not many temples in India are dedicated to Vamana, but in Khajuraho he appears to have been the center of major worship. A recently excavated brick complex to the north of the Vamana Temple has uncovered a significant number of exquisite statues of Vamana.

This is the first incarnation where Vishnu came in a full human form, as a dwarf Brahmin. The temple plan is known as sapta-ratha (seven projections), consisting of a sanctum, vestibule, maha mandapa, lateral transepts and an entrance porch (now missing, only the plinth survives). Unlike some of the larger temples at Khajuraho, there is no ambulatory. The temple sculptures are in dilapidated condition. The Vamana Temple has some of the finest carvings that can be found anywhere in Khajuraho. Inside there are more fine carvings, the chubby icon of the dwarf incarnation of Vishnu is especially appealing. With broad hips and sporting an unusual headdress, Vamana’s features appear almost East Asian.