Jain Temple
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Parshvanath Temple

4.6
·1k reviews·Khajuraho, India

A serene Jain temple in Khajuraho, famed for its 10th-century intricate stone carvings and peaceful spiritual ambiance.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful and cool atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Jain Temple

Parshvanath Temple

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful and cool atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Jain temple in Khajuraho, famed for its 10th-century intricate stone carvings and peaceful spiritual ambiance.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"A quieter, more peaceful experience compared to the Western group, but equally captivating."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Dress Modestly

Wear respectful clothing covering shoulders and knees. Avoid leather items as per temple rules.

🤫 Maintain Silence

The temple is a place of worship; keep noise levels low to respect the serene environment.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Intricate Outer Wall Carvings

Intricate Outer Wall Carvings

Exterior walls

Marvel at the detailed stone carvings depicting deities, mythical creatures, and daily life. A true testament to ancient artistry.

Serene Inner Sanctum

Serene Inner Sanctum

Main temple hall

Experience the peaceful aura of the inner sanctum, home to the image of Parshvanath. Ideal for quiet contemplation and prayer.

Architectural Grandeur

Architectural Grandeur

Temple complex

Admire the largest temple among the Jain group, showcasing advanced architectural styles and historical significance.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Tranquility

To truly soak in the spiritual ambiance of the Parshvanath Temple, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. This avoids the midday heat and the few tour groups that visit. The serene atmosphere is best appreciated when crowds are minimal.

Respectful Exploration

As a place of worship, respectful attire is essential. Visitors are often asked to remove leather items and maintain silence. Embrace the peaceful environment and follow the guidelines for a more enriching experience.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Peaceful and cool atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light on carvings
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

wonders of Hindu temples#The group of temples #Khaiuraho are true examples of striking architecture, diversity of temple forms,#Neelkanth Temple, Kalinjar, Banda, Uttar Pradesh#Jagat shiromani temple, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan
@tagyw
78.1K likes • 684.9K views

🎯 Dress Modestly

Wear respectful clothing covering shoulders and knees. Avoid leather items as per temple rules. Reddit

🤫 Maintain Silence

The temple is a place of worship; keep noise levels low to respect the serene environment. Reddit

The Khajuraho temples, built between the 9th and 11th centuries under the Chandela dynasty, stand as one of India’s greatest architectural legacies. Carved from sandstone, the temples are celebrated for their intricate sculptures, which cover nearly every surface with depictions of gods, celestial beings, musicians, dancers, warriors, and lovers. Rising on high platforms, their towering shikharas ...
@ancienthistorytoday
37.9K likes • 485.6K views
JIRAWALA PARSHVANATH JAIN TIRTH. During ancient times the town was known by many names, Jiravalli, Jirapalli, Jurikavalli, Jairapalli and many more. The area in which the temple now stands (Tirth Kshetra) is associated to many legends. One of the legends say that Seth Amarasha of Kodinagar and Acharya Devsurishvarji (a.k.a. Shri Devasurivara), on the same day saw in their dream that there lays a...
truejainology
45.6K likes • 697.2K views

📸 Photography Etiquette

Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of others and avoid flash inside the main sanctum. TikTok

💧 Stay Hydrated

Carry water, especially during warmer months, as you explore the temple complex. Instagram

🛕 Tirth Yatra Series: Jirawala Tirth with @vidhi_shah_13 Join Vidhi as she visits Jirawala Tirth in Rajasthan, India. ⛰️The Mulnayak idol of Parshvanath Bhagwan, which was excavated from the ground after a layman saw it in a dream, is 18 cm tall. 🕉️ It is said that Jirawala Tirth was built around the discovery of this idol of Parshwanath Bhagwan, not the other way around! 🏛️ It’s home to 108 ...
youngjainsofamerica
5.7K likes • 84.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Dress Modestly

Wear respectful clothing covering shoulders and knees. Avoid leather items as per temple rules. Reddit

🤫 Maintain Silence

The temple is a place of worship; keep noise levels low to respect the serene environment. Reddit

📸 Photography Etiquette

Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of others and avoid flash inside the main sanctum. TikTok

💧 Stay Hydrated

Carry water, especially during warmer months, as you explore the temple complex. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Parshvanath Temple for its serene atmosphere, intricate ancient carvings, and peaceful ambiance, making it a captivating spiritual and artistic experience. While some note a slight musty smell, the overall sentiment highlights its value as a less crowded, tranquil alternative to the main Khajuraho monuments.

"Discover the vibrant Jain temple cluster in Khajurao, captured in 1885: from left to right, a small temple, the stunning Parshvanath temple with entrance, the majestic Adinath temple, two smaller temples with ruins and three columns, and envision the serene Shantinath temple, nestled out of view to the left"

Sangram Pungavkar

"A quieter, more peaceful experience compared to the Western group, but equally captivating. These temples reflect the influence of Jain and Hindu traditions and are less crowded, allowing for a serene exploration. The Parsvanath and Adinath temples have finely detailed carvings and an air of spiritual tranquility. Ideal for those who enjoy both art and quiet contemplation."

Vivek Sudhakaran

"Parshvanath Digambar Jain Temple in Khajuraho is a peaceful and holy place. The temple has beautiful old carvings and a calm atmosphere. It's a great spot to sit quietly, meditate, or pray. Jain rules like cleanliness, silence, and respect are followed here. Visitors are asked to remove leather items and keep the place clean. A must-visit for anyone looking for peace and spiritual vibes."

Yash Jain

What People Like

Peaceful and serene atmosphere
Intricate ancient carvings
Spiritual tranquility

What People Dislike

Slight musty smell

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Parshvanath Temple is located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. You can reach Khajuraho by air via Khajuraho Airport (HJR), which has flights from major Indian cities. Alternatively, you can take a train to Khajuraho Railway Station (KURJ). From the railway station or airport, auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available to take you to the temple complex. TikTok

Yes, the Parshvanath Temple is part of the Jain temple group in Khajuraho and is well-signposted. It's often visited alongside other famous Khajuraho temples, so local guides and signage will direct you. TikTok

The Jain temples are relatively close to each other. You can walk between them, especially if you're exploring the eastern group where Parshvanath Temple is located. Auto-rickshaws are also a convenient option for shorter distances. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Parshvanath Temple itself is generally free, as it is an active place of worship. However, there might be a nominal fee for entry into the broader Khajuraho Group of Monuments complex, which is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. It's advisable to check the latest entry fees for the monument complex. Reddit

The temple is typically open from sunrise to sunset, allowing ample time for visitors. However, it's always a good idea to confirm the exact timings locally, as they can sometimes vary. Reddit

Visitors are expected to adhere to temple etiquette, which includes dressing modestly, removing leather items, and maintaining silence. Photography might be restricted in certain areas, especially inside the main sanctum. Reddit

While entry to the temple itself is usually free, tickets for the broader Khajuraho Group of Monuments can often be booked online through official government tourism websites to save time. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Parshvanath Temple is one of the largest and finest Jain temples in Khajuraho, originally dedicated to Adinatha but now housing an image of Parshvanatha. It's renowned for its intricate carvings and spiritual tranquility, reflecting a blend of Jain and Hindu traditions. Reddit

The temple's outer walls are adorned with detailed stone carvings depicting deities, mythical creatures like the 'Shardul' in almost every column, and scenes from mythology. These carvings are remarkably intact and showcase the artistic prowess of the era. Reddit

Compared to the Western Group of temples, the Jain temples, including Parshvanath, are generally less crowded, offering a more peaceful and serene experience for visitors. Reddit

Take your time to admire the detailed carvings on the exterior. Inside, find a quiet spot for reflection or prayer. The temple's calm atmosphere is ideal for meditation. Reddit

Basic facilities like restrooms are usually available near the monument complexes in Khajuraho. It's advisable to carry your own water bottle, especially during hotter months. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted on the temple premises, but it's best to avoid using flash inside the main sanctum to respect the sanctity of the place and other visitors. Always check for specific signage regarding photography restrictions. TikTok

The intricately carved exterior walls offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The late afternoon sun can cast a beautiful golden glow on the stone, enhancing the details of the sculptures. Instagram

Focus on capturing the details of the carvings. Wide-angle shots can showcase the temple's grandeur, while close-ups highlight the artistry. Be patient and wait for moments when there are fewer people around for clearer shots. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Parshvanath Temple offers a unique educational opportunity for families. While the focus is on spiritual tranquility, the intricate carvings on the exterior walls can captivate children's imaginations. Pointing out the mythical creatures like the 'Shardul' can make the visit more engaging. Reddit

It's important to prepare children for the need for quiet and respectful behavior within the temple premises. The less crowded nature of the Jain temple group compared to the main Khajuraho monuments can make it a more manageable experience for families. Ensure everyone is dressed modestly and carries water, especially during warmer months.

🧘 Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers

For solo travelers and those seeking spiritual solace, the Parshvanath Temple is an ideal destination. Its serene atmosphere and less crowded environment provide the perfect setting for introspection, meditation, and quiet prayer. Reddit

Take your time to absorb the peaceful ambiance, admire the ancient artistry, and connect with the spiritual energy of the place. The temple's historical depth combined with its devotional purpose offers a profound experience for those looking for a meaningful journey.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Architecture of Parshvanath Temple

The Parshvanath Temple in Khajuraho, dating back to approximately 950-970 CE, stands as a significant monument from the Chandela dynasty's rule. It is the largest among the Jain temples in the Khajuraho complex. Originally dedicated to Adinatha, the first Tirthankara, the temple now houses an image of Parshvanatha, installed during renovation work in 1860. This architectural marvel showcases a style that is considered slightly more advanced than the Lakshmana Temple, featuring similarities in the treatment of sculptures and basement foliage. Reddit

Architecturally, the temple is distinguished by its detailed stone carvings that adorn its outer walls, with a mythical creature known as 'Shardul' appearing in almost every column. These carvings are remarkably well-preserved, offering a glimpse into the artistic and religious expressions of the era. Unlike some other temples, the Parshvanath Temple is noted for its unique feature of having two vedicas (altars) – one at the front and another at the back. The temple's construction reflects the grandeur and architectural sophistication achieved during King Dhanga's reign, a period of significant territorial expansion and cultural development for the Chandela rulers. Reddit

While the temple offers a serene spiritual experience, some visitors have noted a slight musty smell due to trapped moisture within the premises. This is a minor point in an otherwise captivating historical and spiritual site. The temple's less crowded nature compared to the Western Group of monuments makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a quieter, more contemplative exploration of Khajuraho's rich heritage. Reddit

Experiencing Spirituality at Parshvanath Temple

The Parshvanath Temple is more than just an architectural wonder; it's a place of deep spiritual significance for Jains and a tranquil haven for all visitors. The serene atmosphere inside the main sanctum, where the image of Parshvanatha resides, invites quiet contemplation and prayer. Many visitors find the calm environment conducive to meditation, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling world outside. Reddit

Adherence to Jain principles of cleanliness, silence, and respect is paramount within the temple. Visitors are encouraged to embrace this ethos, contributing to the overall peaceful ambiance. The temple's less crowded nature, especially when compared to the more famous Western Group of temples, allows for a more personal and immersive spiritual experience. It’s a place where one can truly connect with the history and the devotional practices that have been upheld for centuries. Reddit

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