Javari Temple:
A seven-foot-tall headless Vishnu idol at the Javari temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Khajuraho has grabbed headlines following the Chief Justice of India’s remark during a recent hearing on a petition seeking its restoration.
- Javari Temple is a Hindu temple, which forms part of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Madhya Pradesh.
- The temples at Khajuraho were built during the Chandella dynasty, which reached its apogee between 950 and 1050 AD.
- The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures.
- Built between 1075 and 1100 AD, the Javari Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture.
- Situated on a plinth, it contains a sanctum, vestibule, mandapa, and portico but without pradakshinapatha.
- It has an exquisitely carved Makara Torana (Capricorn Arch) and shikhara.
- The sanctum of Javari Temple contains a four-armed idol of Lord Vishnu, though it is now broken and headless.
- There are sculptures of Hindu Gods and navagrahas.
- The elaborate gateway of the temple is beautiful, and there are images of men and women carved on the walls.
