Matangeshwar Temple is a ninth-century Lord Shiva temple, a significant part of the renowned temple group of Khajuraho located in Madhya Pradesh, India. Chandra Dev of the Chandela Dynasty built the temple. The king was a devotee of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is revered as the sage Matang, which is why the Shiva Lingam was named Matangeswarar. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is located outside the ASI compound and is one of the beautiful temples of the Khajuraho group of temples.

This temple is unique in that it is still an active site of worship, as opposed to the other monuments in Khajuraho, which are no longer used for devotional purposes. The Matangeshvara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, houses a large lingam that stands approximately 8 feet tall. It houses one of the largest lingams in North India, made of highly polished yellow sandstone. This temple is also famous for large crowds during Mahashivratri.

Significance of Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho

The Matangeshvara temple mystery is linked to the Matangeshwar Shivling. According to local legends and myths, the Shivling at the Matangeshwar Shiva temple in Khajuraho is a living Shivling that grows in height year after year. It is thought that the Shivling grows inch by inch each year. The growth is bidirectional, both upwards and downwards. The priests are said to measure the Shiv Ling every Kartik Purnima.

Legend/Story Related to Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho

The legend surrounding the Matangeshwar temple mystery is very intriguing. It is said that Lord Shiva once bestowed a precious and magical stone known as Markand Mani on Yusdhishtra, the eldest of the Pandava brothers, in appreciation. Yudhishtra later presented the precious stone to a saint named Matanga Rishi. The saint gave Harshavardhan the precious stone for safekeeping. Harshavardhan later buried the Markand Mani underground due to concerns about its safety.

A Shivling magically formed around the Markand Mani, and the Shiv Ling continues to grow year after year thanks to the magical Markand Mani’s power. It is thought that the top of the Shiv Ling is growing towards the heavens, while the bottom is growing towards Patal Lok. When the bottom reaches Patal Lok, Kali Yuga is believed to end.

History of Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho

Matangeshwar Mahadev Mandir Khajuraho is considered to be one of the first temples built in Khajuraho. The ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) board outside the temple indicates that it was built between 900 and 925 CE. The Matangeshwar temple is believed to have been built by Chandra Deva, a Chandela king. The kings of the Chandela dynasty went on to construct the other magnificent temples of Khajuraho centuries later, including the Kandariya Mahadev temple.

The Architecture of Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho

The Matangeshwar Temple’s architectural brilliance is truly stunning. It is located on the north bank of the Shiva-Sagar tank, immediately south of the Lakshmana Temple, and exemplifies the early architectural style that would later define the Khajuraho group of monuments.

The temple is a plain, square structure, similar in plan and design to the Brahma Temple, but with significant differences that reflect the evolution of Khajuraho’s architectural style. Inside, the temple houses a massive Shivalingam and Yonipitham, with the Shivalingam standing out for its well-polished surface. The lingam’s body contains two Persian and several Nagari epigraphs, which add historical and linguistic interest to the site.

The temple’s ceiling is an architectural marvel, consisting of concentric rings that overlap each other and rest on an octagonal base. This design is supported by four pairs of pillars, one for each of the four openings. Interestingly, the four pillars in the corners were not originally designed but were added later to support cracked ceiling lintels, indicating that the temple was preserved by subsequent dynasties.

Important Facts About Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho

• Matangeshwar Temple is a Hindu temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India, located 1 kilometre from the Khajuraho Bus Stand and next to the famous Lakshmana Temple.
• This temple is part of the Western Group of Temples. Among Khajuraho’s Chandela-era monuments, this is the only Hindu temple that is still in use.
• Chandra Dev, ruler of the Chandela dynasty, built the Matangeshwar temple in the early tenth century AD. The king was a devout follower of Lord Shiva.
• Lord Shiva is known as the revered sage Matang, hence the name Matangeswarar. It is one of the oldest temples in Madhya Pradesh.
• Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho houses one of the largest Shiva lingams in India. The lingam is eight feet tall and made of sparkling yellow limestone.
• There is a small Ganesh structure in the upper right corner, and a large picture of a Goddess with two smaller attendant deities has been set up on the way to the temple. This is one of central India’s holiest temples, revered by many devotees.
• The Matangeshwar Temple is a larger-scale version of the Brahma Temple in terms of layout and design. It has a square floorplan.
• This temple, also known as Mrityunjaya Mahadeo Temple, has no sculptures on the exterior or interior, unlike other Khajuraho Temples, but the ceiling is covered in sculptures.
• To the south of the Matangeshwar Temple, there is a large open-air archaeological museum with statues and friezes on display.
• Pradakshina (circumambulation) is performed by devotees who walk around the Yonipitham according to ancient traditions.
• The Matangeshwar Temple priests measure the Shivling every Kartik Purnima, documenting its remarkable growth. This bi-directional expansion of the Shivling is a source of wonder and devotion for many.
• Matangeshwar Temple celebrates Maha Shivaratri with great fervour. During the Mahashivratri marriage ceremony, the lingam is bathed, dressed, and decorated in the manner of a human bridegroom.

Best Time to Visit Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

Famous Festivals In Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho

• Shravana: For happiness and wealth, many fasts, offerings, and mantras are performed during the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, known as Shravana.
• Mahashivaratri is a fasting ritual in the last week of February – March Begining. It is reminiscent of Lord Shiva bringing Goddess Parvati with him. Priests and the temple committee arrange a Grand Celebration.

How to Reach Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho

Matangeshwar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the Khajuraho, Chattarpur district of Madhya Pradesh.

By Air: The nearest airport is Khajuraho Airport which is 5 km away from the Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho. There are flights between Delhi and Khajuraho. You can also fly to Bhopal and then travel by road to Khajuraho.

By Rail: Khajuraho railway station is the nearest station, and trains run to and from Udaipur, Bhopal, and Delhi, among other destinations. Another option is Mahoba Railway Station, which is a major railway station approximately 78 kilometres away from the temple.

By Road:  Matangeshwar Temple is well-connected to major cities and towns via road. Buses and cabs are available from major cities and towns to Khajuraho, from which you can take a cab or bus to reach the temple. Taxis are also available from Bhopal.

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