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Devi Jagadambi Temple, Khajuraho

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Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho

India is famous for its ancient civilization and of the diverse cultures and traditions that are practiced here. There are a number of religious groups that live throughout this sub-continent.  This is a land where one finds the oldest pilgrimage in the world. The norm of pilgrimage is so evident in the cultural psyche and the number of worship places is so huge that the entire nation can be considered as one grand religious destination. The ancient facts or information about these holy places can be traced from the famous epics like the Rig Veda and the Atharva Veda. This practice had become quite common with time and is quite evident from the various sections of the Mahabharata. It mentions there are over 300 holy places situated around the nook and corner of the country. Hindus call sacred places as tirthas and the action of visiting a pilgrimage is known as tirtha-yatra. Although, the word tirtha implies river ford, steps to a stream, or place of the journey. In Vedic times the word may have concerned just those holy spots connected with water, however during the time of the Mahabharata, tirtha had come to mean any sacred spot, be it a lake, mountain, woods, or hole. Tirthas are more than physical areas, however according to the pious Hindus; these locations are considered to be the meeting point of the heaven and the earth. And one such holy place of worship consists of the Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho. It is a group of 25 shrines which is located at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh.

Devi Jagadambi Temple, Khajuraho

Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho History

  • Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its temples are said to be built by the great rulers of the Chandela dynasty between the 10th and the 12th centuries.
  • This third sanctuary on the common stage is somewhat older than the Kandariya Mahadev and of an easier, three-section plan. This temple was most likely committed to Lord Vishnu, yet later it was dedicated to Maa Parvati and afterward Kali. A few students also believe that it might still be a Parvati shrine and that the Kali image (or Jagadambi) is really a picture of Parvati, painted dark. The sculptures around the sanctuary are again divided into three groups. A significant number of the two lower band images are dedicated to Lord Vishnu with sardulas in the inward parts. In any case, on the third and the highest band, the mithuna again come in front.
  • The Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho stands as an epitome of motherly love. The worship of the Devi was evident in the northern part of India and there are many literary resources that depict the same of that period.
  • The sacred town of Khajuraho is entirely different from any other holy city of India. It is not about religion and worshiping the deities. The sanctuaries of Khajuraho are rather acclaimed for the sensuality carved on its walls as figures.

Significance of the Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho

  • This shrine being situated towards the north direction is the home to one of the finest decorated temples of Khajuraho.
  • It is one of the oldest temples of Khajuraho and there is a huge image of the Devi in the inner sanctum or Garbha Griha.
  • This temple has a cross plan with only one set of balconies, only one Mandap, and no inner pradakshina path.
  • Belonging to the Western Group of Temples, it is beautifully carved on a smaller platform and is delicately proportioned as compared with the Kandariya Mahadev Temple.
  • The images of the deities have been constructed at prominent places in the temple’s exterior and it seems that they were functioning as more than mere decoration.
  • One can find the presence of a big sculpture of a warrior fighting with a lion bare handed just at the entrance of the temple. This is considered to be the symbol of the Chandela Dynasty.
  • The square roof of its Maha-mandapa hall is much more effortless than the octagonal roof of the Chitragupta sanctuary, which accordingly seems to be generally more lavish and developed and therefore considerably later in date than this auspicious shrine.
  • Pets are not allowed inside the temple premises.
  • A visitor needs to pay an entry fee in order to pay a visit to the temple.

The Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho Timings

  • Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho remains open for its devotees from 7 A.M. and closes at 6 P.M.
  • It remains open for all days in a week.
  • Even on public holidays, one can offer pooja at this temple.

The Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho Food Timings

  • Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho provides food to the pilgrims from 12 Noon to 2 P.M.
  • Pilgrims can offer dry fruits and sweets to the Devi while offering their prayers.

Festivals celebrated at the Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho

  • The Khajuraho dance festival is worldwide famous and also recognized by the international dancers. A large number of tourists come to participate in this event from all over the world. This special occasion in Madhya Pradesh celebrates human emotions along with the religious philosophy of the Hindu religion. It is held in the month of March for 7 days.
  • Navaratri is another event which is observed with great pomp by the pilgrims around the world. There happens to be a long queue during this festival and special poojas are performed during this day.
  • Durga Puja, Ram Navami, and Dussehra are some other important festivals that celebrate the power of good over evil. There are a large number of people who throng the temple premises during these days in order to offer pooja and seek blessings from the Devi Maa.

Poojas and Rituals at Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho

  • During special occasions, the Devi is bathed using milk, water, honey, sandal, and flowers. The Lord is then offered food and incense sticks are burnt along with lamps that are lit. Special mantras are chanted and devotees visit the temple from all around the nation.
  • Devotees too wake up early in the morning and wear new and clean clothes to offer pooja at this shrine. They also fast and seek blessings of the Almighty with utter devotion.

How to Reach: Road, Rail, and Air

  • By Air– Khajuraho has direct transportation from Delhi and Varanasi with a minimum of one flight each day. Amid the peak visitor season, which is generally from the month of October to March, there are more flights that ply to and fro from Khajuraho. The airplane terminal is not extremely distant from the town and one can discover many local auto and taxi services to achieve one’s destination.
  • By Train– A visitor can also opt for railways as a means of transportation. Khajuraho is well connected to the rail network and it connects major stations as well. There are overnight trains available from Delhi and Varanasi to reach Khajuraho. However, getting a ticket during the festive season is quite difficult. Hence, one needs to book their reservations in advance to make way for a planned and hassle free travel.
  • By Road– Khajuraho can also be reached by road as well. All national and state highways are linked with this place. For example, there are many visitors who travel from Jhansi and Satna in order to reach this auspicious temple. There are many public and private cab services available from the railway station to reach the Devi Jagadambi shrine.

Hotels in Madhya Pradesh: Where to stay

Madhya Pradesh offers a wide range of accommodation facilities for the tourists who visit this state with their loved ones. From luxurious hotels to budget lodges, there are ample choices for people. One can find all the modern facilities that are coupled with a moderate price range. If needed, you can also book rooms with private balconies as well. The high-end hotels have their own spa sessions and massage corners. At a nominal price, clients can enjoy these benefits while relaxing their mind from the daily stress. For travelers who like visiting alone, there are many inns that offer rooms on a sharing basis. One can also decide to put up at dormitories as that would save up on expenses. In addition, it is vital that you book your rooms in advance in order to avoid any last minute delay.

Where to eat

Hotels in the contemporary time offer just more than providing food. It provides health club services, gym services etc to the clients. And for people who want moderations in their diet, the chef is there to serve and meet your needs just the way you want! Fine dining options are available for people who are looking for luxurious ambiance and internal cuisines. The cost will be on the higher side but is worth it considering the experience it provides. For people who want to taste the street food, there are local eating joints that provide food at a reasonable price range. The food is prepared following all the hygiene standards. From vegetarian to nonvegetarian, there are many choices for individuals who love experimenting on various delicacies. Some hotels also arrange live music performances to make your dining a fantastic experience.

Nearby Temples

  • Kandariya Mahadev Temple– This shrine lies to the west of the Lakshmana temple. It is the tallest and the most developed temple in Khajuraho with regard to its architecture and sculpture. It follows a five-shrine design and has been built by the King Vidhyadhara.
  • Chausath Yogini Temple– Being counted among one of the oldest temples at Khajuraho is set on a granite base which is southwest to the Shivsagar Tank. It is a small artificial lake and the shrine is dedicated to Maa Kali. It is these shrines that are devoted to the Yoginis. It is well accessible from all parts of the state by both private and public bus services.
  • Lakshmana Temple– Being one of the oldest and strikingly structured shrines of the Western Group of Temples, the lintel over the entrance displays the trinity of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It has a three-headed idol of Lord Vishnu’s incarnations, Narasimha, and Varaha. This marvelous architecture has been constructed by the emperor Lakshavarma. The deity is said to be originally from Tibet and was gifted to the emperor by the Pratihara ruler Devapala.
  • Bharatji Temple- This is the only shrine that is dedicated to Surya and it is located at about 91 m to the north of the Jagadambi Temple. There is a three storied stepped tank known as Chopra in the south eastern direction. The temple is richly decorated and stands distinct for its unique design and sculptures.
  • Javari Temple- This sacred place of worship is situated near the Brahma temple. One can locate this temple which is built towards the eastern side of Khajuraho. It belongs to the Eastern group of temples and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is unique for its old architectural patterns that attract not only the pilgrims but every visitor who is interested in history.
  • Brahma Temple– This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it stands tall at a height of 11 feet platform. The Brahma Temple is situated on the east bank of the Ninora Tal which is the largest tank in Khajuraho. The shrine is indeed small which is built in a square shape structure that rests on twelve pilasters of granite. There are many people who visit this shrine all around the year.
  • Adinath Temple– The Adinath Temple has been built during the late 11th century. Being a small shrine, it is set in a small compound and located in the south-eastern direction of the Ghantai temple. The porch and the statue of the Tirthankara have been built later. Being built towards the beginning of the Chandelas’ decline, this temple is relatively small, but the spire and base are richly carved.

Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur

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Madhya Pradesh or the ‘Heart of Incredible India’ is the home to the cultural heritage of the sub-continent. From monuments with intricate architecture to national parks and wildlife reserves, it’s a perfect mix of adventure and culture for tourists visiting India. In addition, it is also the world heritage site for the monuments like Khajuraho, Buddhist monuments at Sanchi as well. Being located at the centre of the sub-continent, it is also a famous pilgrimage destination. The Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh is located on the banks of the Shivna River. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Pashupatinath and is the main deity here. Thousands of pilgrims pay a visit to this temple every day. It is considered a sacred place of worship, especially among the Hindus. The temple sees massive devotees during special occasions and the temple committee comprising of twenty-five members plans the activities well in advance.

Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur History

  • Mandsaur was known as Dashpur in the ancient times. It lies on the Tropic of Cancer and when the sun is in winter solstice, its rays are less potent and hence this place earned the name Mand Surya, which later became Mandsaur.
  • This place has been mentioned in many ancient epics like the Mahabharata, Megdoot, Puranas, Kadambari and Bruhatsamhita. The history and heritage are mingled in its religion, art and literature. This place has also been referred to in the old Jain writings.
  • Amleshwar inscription of the second century B.C. was among the earliest to mention this place.
  • The temple has its deity made during the Gupta period. It is actually distinct, the only other comparison being the Pashupatinath deity in Nepal. What makes it all the more interesting is that both the idols were mentioned by Kalidasa in his works.
  • Pashupati means ‘the lord of the beats’ and it is derived from the Sanskrit words, ‘pashu’ referring to animals and ‘pati’ meaning the protector. It is as the incarnation was considered among the eight Rudras, the one who holds the place of fire.
  • It has been said that Lord Vishnu along with other gods had named Lord Shiva as Pashupati during the time of Tripura Samhar. Lord Shiva became the lord of all the demons and demolished Tripura, the three cities of illusion, which were being administered by the asuras Kamlaaksha, Taarakaaksha and Vidyunmaali. This three pashus were creating destruction by assaulting gods and sages. Shiv Purana states that any individual who is in the clutches of his own ego, ignorance and wants is an animal or pashu. And under such circumstances, only the Pashupati can provide relief to them.
  • The deity of the temple has a striking history in the year 1961. It is said that Udaji, a laundry person was washing clothes on a stone along the banks of the Shivna River. One night, he dreamt of the Lord saying him that he was washing clothes on his idol. Alarmed by this, the person discussed the matter with the society people and the stone was found out to be the deity of Lord Pashupatinath. As it was a small city, the idol was planned to be taken to Ujjain to build a temple but the bullocks of the cart with transportation refused to move. The person again dreamt of the Lord telling him that a temple should be constructed there itself which paved a way to the formation of this famous shrine.

Significance of the Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur

  • Mandsaur’s main attraction is the Pashupatinath Temple. This temple has been built many decades ago. It has beautiful effigy that is built-up smooth, with a glowing dark coppery fiery rock-block.
  • The idol of this temple is divided into two parts and there are four faces on the upper section of the deity and the remaining four faces on the lower section.
  • The famous shrine has four doors which pave the way to four different directions, for example, north, south, east and west. Each direction consists of two faces displaying the eight rasas namely, the east stands for peace and concentration, the west for the Rudra form or angry, the north full of snakes and hairs and the south for gentle and artistic.
  • Additionally, the Shivalinga of this holy place of worship consists of eight faces. Every part has four faces which portray the four stages of life. It is a unique sculpture of Lord Shiva in the world.
  • The temple is 90 feet in length and is 30 feet wide and 101 feet tall. In addition, it has one golden pitcher of 100 kg each placed on the top of the shrine.
  • The Shivalinga of this popular and sacred place of worship is 2.5*3.2 meters and weighs 4.6 tons.
  • The idol is believed to be found during the summers of 1940 when the water level was declining from the Shivna River.  Many people find it strange but till now, the water level in the Shivna Riverrises to 90 feet to touch the holy Shiv Ling of lord Shiva. This phenomenon during the monsoon is termed as “Jalaabhishek” which means worshiping the Almighty through the water.
  • Mondays are considered very auspicious by the devotees as it is said that the idol of Lord Shiva had emerged from the waters of Shivna River on this day. It reached the Tapeshwar Ghat of the river on Sunday and was positioned there. After exactly, 21 years, 5 months and 4 days the deity was incarnated. This day of the incarnation is celebrated with great pomp by the pilgrims.

Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur Timings

  • Pashupatinath Temple remains open on all days in a week.
  • A pilgrim can visit this holy place from 6 A.M. to 8 P.M.

Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur Food Timings

  • A pilgrim can offer Prasad to the deity either in the morning or in the evening.
  • The Prasad mainly comprises of dry items like sweet, fruits etc.
  • The temple provides Prasad from 12 P.M. to 2 P.M.

Festivals celebrated at the Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur

  • Mahasivaratri festival is the most important festival that is observed in this temple. Thousands of pilgrims gather in the premises of this temple with utter devotion to pray and seek blessings of the Lord. It is celebrated with great zeal and people fast and offer pooja on this occasion. This festival is celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Maagha according to the Hindu calendar. The festival is principally distinguished by offerings of Bilva leaves to Lord Shiva, all day fasting and an all night long vigil.
  • Kartik Ekadashi festival held annually at Fair Margashirsha is Krishna.
  • On request from a devotee, there are provisions for organizing special poojas in the temple as well.

Poojas and Rituals at Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur

  • The daily rituals of Lord Pashupatinath are carried out by the priests. While some priests perform the daily ritual and can touch the lingam, the others serve as a helper and are not qualified to perform pooja rituals or to touch the deity.
  • Rudraabhishek is another special form of worship that is organized during special occasions like the Maha Shivaratri festival etc.

How to Reach Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur

  • By Air– A devotee can also plan his trip to Mandsaur by booking for air tickets as well. One can either choose to land at the Dablok airport which is 148 km from the temple or the Indore airport that is situated at a distance of 188 km from the sacred place of worship. Bhopal airport is also a good option but it is 279 km distance from the temple. There are many cabs and taxi services available outside the airport for pilgrims to reach the auspicious shrine.
  • By Train- Mandsaur railway station is the nearest station which connects the famous temple with the rest of the country. Visitors after arriving at the station can hire a bus, taxi and local cabs to reach the shrine. The station is located at a distance of 3 km from the temple.
  • By Road– Mandsaur is well connected with all the adjacent cities and towns of the state by roads. Hence, it is easy and hassle free for an individual to travel to the temple on a first visit. It is located at around 84 km from the north of Ratlam. This place has NH 79 passing through it and hence connects other Indian states as well.

Hotels near Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur

Madhya Pradesh offers a variety of options when it comes to choosing one’s accommodation. From luxury hotels to plush cottages located among the greenery, people can choose the living that they require. The cost of the room depends on the type of living one opts for. For example, a double room with air conditioner and a private balcony will cost more than the one without these benefits. The tourist lodges and resorts are clean and hygienic. And if you are travelling alone, you can also opt to stay at the dormitories. This will help you to save up on the expenses and also provide you with a comfortable stay. In fact, one can find all the modern amenities inside the rooms and they are well decorated as well. Some of the hotels also have their own exclusive restaurants open to the clients as well. So choose the one as per your budget and need.

Where to eat near Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur

The heart of Incredible India has surely a lot to offer when it comes to satisfying one’s appetite. The cuisine of this state offers numerous traditional Indian dishes that are a fine blend of taste and essence. Some of the popular foods of this region include kusli, lavang lata, jalebi, and pilaf with peas, indori puri palak ki, baflas, kebabs and biryani. In addition, a tourist can taste different cuisine as per to the changing weather of the state. The food offered is both vegetarian and nonvegetarian and people of all taste can be rest assured to enjoy some fine delicacies during their stint at this wonderful state in India. While Bhopal is famous for its spicy kebabs, biryani, korma, fish, meat and keema, Indore and Gwalior stands tall with regard to various delicacies prepared from milk. One of the ways to identify the variety in cultures of Madhya Pradesh is through its food.

Nearby Temples

  • Taxakeshawar Temple- It is counted among the most important places to visit in the Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh. It is located at a distance of 22 km from the Bhanpura town on the Hinglajgarh road. People here worship the serpent king Taxak or Takhaji.
  • Nalcha Mata Temple- It is another popular destination for tourists visiting Mandsaur. The Goddess is worshipped as a form of Shakti or power and it lies at a distance of 3 km from the Pashupatinath temple.
  • Shree Khade Balaji Temple- This temple is very old with its interior being made up of stones. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Hanumanji or Shree Khade Balaji. It is located near Gandhi Chauraha which is at the prime location in Mandsaur. The Balaji Yuva Group during the annual Diwali celebration organizes Maha Arati and Annakut Prasad at Balaji ka Bada, Gandhi Chauraha.
  • Bandi Ji Ka Baag– It is 120 years old Jain temple which consists of glass interiors. This temple is located very near to the main bus stand has a ‘Mann Stambh’ built when the shrine observed its 100 years of establishment.
  • Shree Bahi Parshwanath Digambar Jain Atishay Kshetra– This is located at a distance of 12 km from Mandsaur. This place has been built with the blessing and motivation from Acharya Shree Kalyan Sagar Ji Maharaj, who is also known as ‘Namokar Mahamantra Sadhana Kendra, Vahi Parshavanatha Chaupati’.

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