The visit
to this Bhagawan Parshwanath Digambar Jain Temple, one of the UNESCO, World
Heritage Sites, Khajuraho, was a part of the “Bhopal, Udayagiri Rock Cut Caves,
Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Sanchi, Bhojpur, and Khajuraho – of Madhya Pradesh
Heritage Walk” organized by the எண்திசை வரலாற்று மரபுநடைக்குழு, between 25th and 28th December 2024.
Eastern
Group, Khajuraho.
The
Eastern group closer to the Khajuraho village has three Brahmanical temples, Brahma, Vamana, and Javari, and three Jain temples, Parswanatha, Shantinatha, and Adinatha. Though the sanctum of the Jain temples houses images of the
Tirthankaras, the sculptures outside and the temple plans strongly indicate
that these were originally Hindu temples.
Parswanatha
Temple (c. 950-970 CE).
This
is the largest temple among the Jain group. The temple was built between 950
and 970 CE in the time of King Dhangadeva.
It
has an inscription mentioning a certain Pahila, who was respected by Dhagadeva.
This temple was dedicated to Adinatha, the first Tirthankara; however, now it
houses an image of Parshvanatha, which was installed in 1860 during some renovation
work.
On the back side of the Sanctum Sanctorum
The
largest and the finest of the Jain temples, this was originally dedicated to
Adinatha. Later, a black image of Parswanatha was sanctified here. The temple is
devoid of balconies and represents on its walls unique images like that of
Parasurama, Balrama-Revati, Agni Swaha, Kama-Rati, and a group of Rama, Sita, and Hanuman. It bears similarity to the Lakshmana Temple in terms of the style
of the surasundaris, the heart-shaped foliage on the basement, and the modeling and
treatment style of the sculptures, though architecturally, the Parswanatha
Temple seems a little more advanced. It is the only temple with two vedicas
(alters) - one in front and one at the back.
HISTORY
AND INSCRIPTIONS
King Dhanga was a great ruler and builder. He annexed many new areas and expanded his territory. He made Chandella as powerful as the Pratihara discarded tutelage to them and titled himself Maharadiraja. The two magnificent temples, Vishwanath and Parshvanath, were built during his period. He dedicated two Shiva Linga to this temple, Vishwanath, one made of emerald and the second of stone.
LOCATION
OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
--- OM
SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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