2025-08-13 Wed

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments comprises a collection of Hindu and Jain temples situated in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh. Recognized as a UNESCO world heritage Site, these temples were constructed by the Chandella rulers from approximately 900 CE to 1130 CE. Local tradition mentions a total of 85 temples in Khajuraho, although only 25 have survived to this day. These temples are the best examples of Nagara architectural style useful for the students of Archaeology, architecture and History. Most of these temples are crafted from fine-grained sandstone of varying shades, sourced from quarries located in #Panna. The temple complex is categorized into three distinct groups: the Western Group, the Eastern Group, and the #southern Group.

Today’s stamp features the Javari Temple, which is part of the Eastern Group. This group of temples is located near the village of Khajuraho and consists of three Hindu temples alongside three Jain temples. The Javari Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, was built between approximately 1075 and 1100 CE. According to archaeologist kevin Standage, the name "Javari" is derived from the local term "javara," which refers to the millet jowar, a crop prevalent in the surrounding fields.

As documented in "The World Heritage Series - Khajuraho" (2002), published by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Javari Temple is characterized as a small yet well-proportioned nirandhara temple, meaning it does not feature a circumambulatory path surrounding the garbhagriha. The temple complex includes a garbhagriha (sanctum), antarala, mandapa, and ardhamandapa. Noteworthy is the temple’s construction on a raised plinth, complemented by an elevated Shikhara and renowned for its intricately crafted makara-torana.

The temple exhibits two significant architectural characteristics typical of developed medieval temples in western India. First, the jangha (wall) is distinctively separated from the shikhara by a projecting curved cornice (decorative moulding). Second, the deities represented on the lower row of the jangha are positioned within niches that are arched and canopied by toranas.

Within the sanctum resides a four-armed idol of Lord Vishnu, though it is currently in a broken and headless state. The entrance gate to the sanctum showcases sculptures of the #Navagraha at its apex. In addition to the navagrahas, sculptures depicting Brahma, Vishnu, and #LORDSHIVA are also prominently featured.

On 15 August 2020, India Post issued a series of five stamps along with a #miniature sheet entitled "UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India - Cultural Sites." Among the stamps included in this series is the Javari Temple, issued with a face value of Rs 5.

For more information on Khajuraho Group of Monuments refer to our following posts:

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