Temple
Kandariya Mahadev Temple
Khajuraho's most celebrated temple rises in a richly sculpted cascade of towers and carvings, representing the artistic peak of Chandela architecture.
About Kandariya Mahadev Temple
Kandariya Mahadev is the largest and most elaborate temple at Khajuraho, built in the first half of the 11th century and dedicated to Shiva. Its main spire rises about 31 metres, and the 84 smaller spires clustered around it build up towards it like the peaks around Mount Kailash, Shiva's mountain home.
Close to 900 sculptures cover it inside and out, most under a metre tall: deities, celestial nymphs, musicians and the embracing couples Khajuraho is known for. Inside, a passage leads through a sequence of halls to the sanctum, which holds a marble lingam.
Kandariya Mahadev Temple At A Glance
- Location
- Khajuraho
- Type
- Temple
- Heritage Status
- UNESCO; Western Group
- Entry
- ₹400 foreign nationals · ₹40 Indian citizens
Know Before You Go
Timings
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Weekly closed: Open all days
Online Booking
Yes — covered under Western Group ASI ticket
Restrictions
Same as Western Group
Washrooms
Same as Western Group
Ticketing
Covered under a nearby monument's ticket — not billed separately when both are visited.
Part of Western Group ticket
Good To Know
Visiting Kandariya Mahadev Temple
Is it covered by the Western Group ticket?
- Yes. Kandariya Mahadev stands inside the Western Group enclosure and is included in the same ticket.
Can I go inside?
- Yes. Steps lead up to the entrance porch, and you can walk through the halls as far as the sanctum.
What is the Kandariya Mahadev Temple entry fee?
- ₹400 foreign nationals, ₹40 Indian citizens. Tickets for the sites on your route can be included in your trip estimate.
Is Kandariya Mahadev Temple included in the Western Group of Temples ticket?
- Yes — the Western Group of Temples ticket covers Kandariya Mahadev Temple, so there's nothing extra to pay when you visit both.
What are the Kandariya Mahadev Temple timings?
- 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Open every day of the week.
Can I book Kandariya Mahadev Temple tickets online?
- Yes — covered under Western Group ASI ticket.
Nearby
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