Duladeo Temple Khajuraho, India – Dulhadev Temple

Duladeo temple in Khajuraho, India is a Shiva temple part of the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments.

The temples of Khajuraho are renowned throughout the world and are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India, these temples stand as a legacy of the stunning temple art and architecture that flourished in the region during the rule of the Chandelas. Most of the temples were built to Shiva and Vishnu while some were Jain temples. Today, of the original estimated 85 temples only around 25 survive. The Duladeo temple is one of these, a temple dedicated to Shiva. Read on to know all about the history of Dulhadev Temple, its myths and legends, and practical information for visiting Duladeo Temple, Khajuraho, India.

Duladeo Temple Khajuraho, India | Duladeo Shiva Temple

Dulhadeo Temple Khajuraho is one of the many temples that were built to Shiva. The temple though not in the same league as say, the magnificent Kandariya Mahadev temple, is a smaller version. In terms of design, the Dulhadev Temple, in many ways looks like a prototype of the Kandariya Mahadev temple. The Dulhadev Temple Khajuraho is unique in many other ways and has so many fascinating myths and legends associated with it.

Duladeo Temple History | Dulha Dev History & Legend

The Duladeo temple is believed to have been one of the last temples that were built by the Chandela kings sometime in the early 12th century. So in essence Duladeo Temple is the youngest of all Khajuraho Temples. The Shiva Temple Duladeo, Madhya Pradesh, is believed to be one of the around 22 Shiva temples that the Chandela kings built in and around Khajuraho between the 10th and 12th centuries.

The Chandela kings had embarked upon a temple building spree, much like the kings of the Khmer Empire in Cambodia who built great Hindu temples to Shiva, Vishnu, and Buddha, like the Angkor Wat, Bayon, Preah Khan, and many others had done around the same time.

The Duladeo temple is believed to have been built during the rule of the Chandela king Kirttivarman whose reign was between 1060-1100 CE. At a number of places in the temple the name of ‘Vasala’, has been inscribed. It has been surmised that this is the name of the Chief Sculptor responsible for the creation of the exquisite sculptures of the temple.

How Duladeo Temple Got Its Name

There is a very interesting local legend that explains how the Shiva temple came to be known as the Duladeo temple.

More than a hundred years ago, the Shiva temple that stood on the banks of the river Khodar was also a place where pilgrims took shelter and rested. Once it so happened that a group of people returning to their village after a wedding camped here for the night. It so happened that the newly married bridegroom suddenly took ill and fainted. All efforts to revive him were in vain as he lay unconscious. It was then that the locals advised them to pray to the Shiva Ling inside the temple. They did so and the bridegroom miraculously regained consciousness.

From that day the Shiva Temple came to be known as Duladeo in local parlance. Dula or Dulha means bridegroom and Deo or Dev stands for God. Another name for the Duladeo temple is Kunwar Math.

The Mystic of Duladeo Temple

Another fascinating legend that is associated with the Shiva temple in Duladeo is that of a mystic who lived near the temple. The holy man worshipped Shiva in the temple on a regular basis and it is said that in the process he himself acquired a mystical aura. The local people started to venerate him and one day requested him to use his powers to show them the form of Shiva.

The saint replied saying that he himself had not seen the original form of Shiva and how could he show his form to others! At that moment the sky was smitten with lightning and in the flash of illuminating light, the outline of a face was seen in the sky. From that day the holy man was revered even more. He lived his entire life in the precincts of the temple and died there itself. He was cremated near the banks of the river and a memorial built near it. The memorial can be seen even today. Lightening is known to strike the Duladeo temple regularly with no apparent logical explanation.

Dulhadeo Temple in Khajuraho – Architecture & Art

The Khajuraho temples are exquisite examples of the skill of the architects, sculptors, and artists of from the Chandela period who visualized and executed some of the most stunning temples, the likes of which the world has never seen.

Duladeo temple is one of the last temples built during the Chandelas reign and by the time it was built the brilliance of the temple architecture had waned. However, the Duladeo temple presents a beautiful sight with the sheer perfection of its design and the beauty of its sculptures.

The Duladeo temple is built in what is known as the Nirandhara style. This means the absence of a circumambulatory path or Pradakshina. The overall architectural design of the Duladeo temple adheres to the Nagara style of architecture that is prevalent in temples across North India. The temple as is the norm is set on an east-west axis with the temple facing the east.

The temple structure stands on a raised platform. The main entrance of the temple is reached through a flight of steps that lead into the entrance porch which is known as Ardha Mandapa. After this can be seen the Mandapa, the Maha Mandapa or the main hall, the Antarala or vestibule, and finally the Garba Griha or sanctum sanctorum.

The Shikhara of the Duladeo temple consists of smaller shikharas known as Urushringas arranged in three rows. This style is in conformity with the other Khajuraho temples. The main hall in the temple has an octagonal shape and is embellished with beautiful carvings of lovely Apsaras and other celestial beings.

A beautiful image of Shiva is carved on the lintel above the entrance that leads to the Garba Griha, where the deity in the form of a Shiva Linga presides. It may be noted that the Shiva Linga is not the original.

The Shiv Ling inside the Duladeo temple is unique and is called Rekhal Shiv Ling. It consists of 1008 minor shiv lings in the form of lines. Circumambulating this Shivling once is considered equal to 1008 circumambulations.

The outer walls are covered with exquisite carvings, however many portions are plain. This is because lightning had destroyed large portions of the temple and restoration had been done. Only parts of the original ornamentation have survived, while other parts of the walls are plain.

The outer walls of the temple is ornamented with beautiful carvings of Apsaras, erotic couples, different Gods and Goddesses, and celestial animals. A unique feature of the Apsaras carved in the Duladeo temple is that many of them sport a unique headgear that is reminiscent of the dancers of Bali. It is also observed that the ornamentation sported by these stone figures had evolved with time and were different from those found in the other temples.

The Duladeo temple aspired to be a Kandariya Mahadeo temple, but though it does not measure up to it in terms of sheer size, it does replicate some of the famous temple’s aesthetics in terms of architectural design and artistic embellishment.

Duladeo Temple Video

How To Visit Duladeo Temple | Getting To Dulhadeo Temple, Khajuraho

• Duladeo Temple, Khajuraho Group of Monuments, is located in Khajuraho in the  central state of Madhya Pradesh in India
• Dulha Deo Temple Khajuraho is part of the Southern Group of Temples of the Khajuraho monuments
• Khajuraho is about 375 kilometres from  Bhopal which is the capital of Madhya Pradesh
• Khajuraho is connected to Delhi and Varanasi by air from the Khajuraho airport located about 5 kilometres from the city centre

If you want to immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the Duladeo Temple and the other temples that comprise the Khajuraho group of monuments, you can plan a trip and book your tickets right here.

If you are planning a trip to Khajuraho, you can book a cheap flight through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline right here. If you want to do a road trip, you can travel by road to Khajuraho from Bhopal by self-drive car or cab, or bus.

Places to Visit near around Duladeo Temple Khajuraho| Complete List of Khajuraho Temples | Khajuraho Mandir

Below is a list of the famous Khajuraho temples which form the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Khajuraho Group of monuments.

• Chaturbhuja Temple
• Vamana Temple
• Javari Temple
• Kandariya Mahadev Temple
• Adinath Temple
• Shantinath Temple
• Parshvanatha Temple
• Chitragupta Temple
• Jagadambika Temple
• Vishnu-Garuda Temple
• Ganesha Temple
• Beejamandal Temple
• Matangeshwara Temple
• Vishvanatha Temple
• Ghantai Temple
• Mahishasuramardini Temple
• Varaha Temple
• Lakshmana Temple
• Lalgun Mahadev Temple
• Chausath Yogini Temple
• Brahma Temple
• Duladeo Temple

Madhya Pradesh is a state that overflows with treasures from the rich heritage of India as well as natural and wildlife attractions. From historic Chanderi to the heritage of Bhopal, from the spirituality of Sanchi to the tigers of Pench, Madhya Pradesh is a bonanza for travellers.

You can book package tours from Bhopal that include destinations like Sanchi, Bhimbetka, Udaygiri caves, Bhojpur, Pachmarhi, Khajuraho, Maheshwar, Kanha National Park, etc. You could also do a one day Bhopal city tour or even choose to do a heritage walk in Bhopal. Plan your trip and book online places to visit in Madhya Pradesh.

Khajuraho Hotels | Where To Stay In Khajuraho

Being on the international tourist map, Khajuraho attracts both domestic and international tourists. Hence it is natural that it boasts of a range of accommodation options ranging from budget hotels to luxury hotels and resorts. We stayed at The Lalit Temple View Khajuraho which is an excellent property. There is also a beautiful resort known as Kutni Island Resort which is operated by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation.

You can book these or any of the other hotels in Khajuraho, right here. You can book Khajuraho hotels through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline and save a lot by getting the best savings on booking your stay.

Dulhadev Shiva Temple – FAQ

Who built Duladeo Temple Khajuraho?

The Duladeo temple is believed to have been built during the reign of the Chandela king Kirttivarman.

What are the Duladeo Temple Timings?

The normal times for the temple are 6.00 AM to 7.00 PM

What are the Duladeo Temple Entry Fees?

There is no separate entrance fee for this temple, the ticket for the Khajuraho Group of Monuments includes entry to the Duladeo temple.

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