Adinatha temple, Jain temple in Khajuraho, India.
Adinatha temple is a Jain sanctuary in Khajuraho with three bands of detailed carvings covering its outer walls, including flying celestial couples and mythical beings. The sanctum and vestibule retain their original roof structures, revealing the skilled stonework of the period.
Built in the late 1100s, the temple houses a black schist statue of Lord Adinath bearing an inscription from 1158 created by donor Kumarnandi. This record provides key evidence about the temple's founding and patronage during that period.
The temple blends Jain and Hindu religious elements, with interior niches displaying Jain Yakshinis named Ambika, Chakreshvari, and Padmavati. These figures remain visible today and show how different beliefs coexisted in this sacred space.
The temple sits within the eastern cluster of Khajuraho shrines and is easily explored on foot. Plan time to examine the wall carvings closely and walk through the interior spaces at a comfortable pace.
The walls display a seated Adinatha wearing a ceremonial headdress and bearing a dharma wheel, accompanied by a portly yaksha clutching a drinking vessel and moneybag. This unusual pairing of spiritual and worldly symbols in a single carving catches the eye of observant visitors.
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