Introduction

In the pecking order, the Eastern Group follows the Western Group in order of importance. Temples in the Eastern Group can be further divided into two clusters. Temples in the old village being one cluster, and the Jain temples being the other.

One of the first temples one encounters here has a two-meter-high image of Hanuman. A little beyond is the Brahma temple that strangely has a chaturmukha (four-faced) lingam. The eastern and western sides have gentle expressions, while the north has the face of Uma (Parvati). The ferocious southern face is surrounded by images of destruction. And crowning the lingam is a form of Sadashiva, or Shiva as the center of the cosmos.

Further down the village road is the Javari temple. A eleventh century creation, it has some fine sculptures, including nymphets. The largest of the Khajuraho village temples, Vamana, stands alone in a field. An uncluttered shikhara, forms of seductive celestial nymphs form two bands around the exterior body of the temple, while an impressive doorway leads to the inner sanctum. Lord Vishnu in his Vamana avatar is the presiding deity here.

En route to the Jain Group, are the ruins of a late-tenth-century temple called Ghantai Temple. It probably takes its name from the fine columns with bells (or ghanti), garlands and other motifs.

The Jain Group of Temples is neatly set within a compound. The Digambara sect of Jains manage these temples. The largest of the lot is dedicated to the first tirthankara – Adinath. However, in 1860 the deity was replaced with a black monolithic stone statue of Parshvanath. Another unique feature here is that gods from the Hindu pantheon and Jain deities sit together reflecting the local culture's inclusive nature. The workmanship on this should rank as one of finest in Khajuraho. It has a rare image Kama – god of love - with his quiver of flower arrows embracing his consort Rati; and two graceful female figures, one applying kohl to her eyes and another removing a thorn from her foot.

To the north of Parsvanath, is a smaller temple dedicated to Adinath. It has undergone major renovation. Inside the garbha griha stands the black image of the first tirthankara, Adinath. Shantinath is the last of the major Jain temples.

Special Attributes

The Jain Group of Temples lend the Eastern Group a special character

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Avoid wearing anything too revealing

Connectivity

Cycle and auto rickshaws are easily available

Enjoyed by

People into religion as also culture, art and architecture buffs

Exposure

Carry your sunglasses and a bottle of drinking water

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July

Facilities

Apart from beautifully manicured lawns between temples there's not much else available here.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Take your time to study the detail in sculptures. Give yourself ample time.

Type of site

Group of Temples