Lakshmana Temple

Part of Khajuraho's Western Group, the Lakshmana Temple was built in the 10th century under the Chandela king Yashovarman and is dedicated to Vaikuntha Vishnu. It is a sandhara temple, with a pillared walkway around a square sanctum, laid out on the panchayatana plan of one main shrine and four smaller ones. No other temple at Khajuraho keeps all four subsidiary shrines and its moulded platform (jagati) complete; the platform is carved with elephants, horses, battles, hunts and processions.

A makara-torana marks the entrance. The east-facing sanctum holds a three-headed Vishnu with human, Narasimha and Varaha faces, and niches along the walkway show Varaha, Narasimha and Hayagriva. Seven doorway panels depict Vishnu's incarnations around a central Lakshmi. The walls are crowded with deities, jewelled women and erotic figures, including a well-known woman pulling a thorn from her foot.