Parshvanatha Temple, Jain temple in Khajuraho, India
The Parshvanatha Temple is a Jain sanctuary in Khajuraho with elaborately carved walls and halls depicting celestial beings, dancers, and musicians throughout. The structure belongs to a UNESCO World Heritage site and features multiple chambers with detailed stone carving work.
The sanctuary was built between 950 and 970 CE under King Dhanga and contains a significant inscription from 954 CE documenting donations. This record shows early patronage by wealthy supporters who contributed to the temple's construction and decoration.
The temple displays both Jain and Vaishnavism elements in its sculptures, showing deities from different Indian spiritual traditions side by side. This artistic mixing of various religious figures reflects the spiritual diversity that existed in this region.
Visitors explore the site best in early morning or late afternoon when light plays better on the carved details. The pathways are accessible, but some areas require careful footing on historic ground.
The temple entrance holds one of India's oldest known 4x4 magic squares, where numbers in rows, columns, and diagonals sum to thirty-four. This mathematical puzzle was carved in stone and demonstrates the advanced number system known as far back as the 10th century.
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