Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho

The Lakshmana Temple is a 10th-century Hindu temple built by Yashovarman during the Chandela dynasty located in Khajuraho, India. It is dedicated to Vaikuntha Vishnu - an aspect of Vishnu. As part of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, and owing to its architecture and religious importance, the temple was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986.

Location

This temple is located in the Western Temple complex in Khajuraho. Khajuraho is a small village in the Chhatarpur District of Madhya Pradesh, India.

It is a Sandhara Temple of the Panchayatana Variety. The entire temple complex stands on a high platform, as seen in image. The structure consists of all the elements of Hindu temple architecture. It has entrance porch, Mandapa, Maha-Mandapa, Antarala and Garbhagriha.
Unlike other temples in Khajuraho, its sanctum is Pancharatha on plan. Its shikhara is clustered with minor urushringas.
The wall portion is studded with balconied windows with ornate balustrades. It has two rows of sculptures including divine figures, couples and erotic scenes. The sanctum doorway is of seven sakhas. The central one being decorated with the ten incarnation of Vishnu. The Lintel depicts goddess Lakshmi in the centre flanked by Brahma and Vishnu. The sanctum contains four-armed sculpture of Vishnu. One of the niches has the image of the sculptor and his disciples at work.

Main image is of three-headed & four-armed sculpture of Vaikuntha Vishnu.
The central head is of human, and two sides of boar and lion.