The main temple within the group of temples of Khajuraho is :

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2:
The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (Mahadeva), is widely regarded as the main and most magnificent temple within the Khajuraho Group of Monuments. This distinction stems from its exceptional size, towering height, and architectural grandeur, representing the zenith of Chandela art. Built by the Chandela King Vidyadhara between approximately 1025-1050 CE, it is the largest of all surviving Khajuraho temples, rising to about 31 meters (102-117 feet) in height, symbolically mirroring the mythical Mount Meru. Its intricate, high-relief carvings and soaring *shikhara* (spire), which is surrounded by 84 smaller spires, exemplify the pinnacle of the Chandela dynasty's architectural and artistic achievements in the Nagara style. Its overwhelming scale and central importance to the Western Group, which contains the most famous monuments, firmly establish it as the principal structure in the entire complex.

The incorrect option is 1:
The Parshvanath temple is a highly significant and finely sculpted structure at Khajuraho, but it is not considered the main temple of the entire group. This temple belongs to the Eastern Group of monuments and is dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara Parshvanatha, marking it as the largest and most elaborate Jain shrine at the site. Although it displays masterful craftsmanship and sculpture, its location and sectarian dedication distinguish it from the central, largest Hindu Shaiva shrine. Therefore, while it is the main temple of the Jain cluster, it is not the main temple of the entire Khajuraho World Heritage Site.

The incorrect option is 3:
The Chitragupta temple is a notable part of the Western Group of Khajuraho temples, often found in the vicinity of the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple. This particular temple is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and is recognized for its unique five-foot-high standing idol of the deity driving a chariot. However, in terms of architectural scale, the Chitragupta temple is significantly smaller than the Kandariya Mahadeva. Its relatively modest size and specific dedication to a deity other than Shiva, the main deity of the largest temple, mean it does not hold the status of the primary or 'main' temple of the extensive Khajuraho complex.

The incorrect option is 4:
The Vishwanath temple is undoubtedly a major and architecturally significant Shaiva temple located within the Western Group of Khajuraho. Dedicated to Shiva, it is a key example of the Chandela style and shares the common five-part design layout with the Kandariya Mahadeva. However, expert architectural surveys confirm that the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is superior in both size and height, marking it as the largest and most ambitious construction of the entire site. Consequently, while the Vishwanath temple is one of the principal temples, the Kandariya Mahadeva supersedes it as the largest and most representative of the Khajuraho temple group.