Khajuraho is a name that usually conjures up images of erotic sculptures in most peoples’ minds, however, that is only a small part of Khajuraho’s timeless enigma. Among its many mysteries is the Matangeshwar temple mystery. So what is the mystery associated with the Matangeshvara Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India? To know more about the fascinating legend of the Khajuraho Matangeshwar Mandir, all you have to do is sit tight and read this post till the end.

Matangeshwar Temple Mystery – An Enduring Enigma

The Matangeshwar temple is one of the many temples that are scattered around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Khajuraho monuments. It is a living temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and literally rubs shoulders with the more famous Lakshman temple of Khajuraho.

Shiva temples including the Jyotirling temples and temples like the Patal Bhuvaneshwar temple, Baijnath temple, Duladeo temple, Mahabaleshwar temple in Gokarna, and many others have a strange aura of mystery and enigma. The Khajuraho Matangeshwar temple too has its share of intrigue and mystery. Read on to know all about the Matangeshwar temple and its mystery.

The Intrigue Of The Matangeshwar Temple Mystery

The Matangeshvara temple mystery is associated with the Matangeshwar Shivling. According to local legends and myths, the Shivling at Matangeshwar Shiva temple in Khajuraho is actually a live Shivling and is in fact growing in height year after year. It is believed that the Shivling grows inch by inch every year. The growth is bi-directional, both towards the top and also towards the bottom. The priests are believed to measure the Shiv Ling on every Kartik Purnima.

Does that not sound intriguing? You may have heard similar legends associated with other temples, one that we know of is that of the Bull Temple in Bangalore, where the huge monolithic Nandi is believed to be growing.

The legend associated with the Matangeshwar temple mystery is very fascinating. It is believed that once Lord Shiva, pleased with Yusdhishtra, the eldest of the Pandava brothers, gave him a precious and magical stone called Markand Mani. Yudhishtra later gave the precious stone to a saint named Matanga Rishi. The saint handed over the precious stone for safekeeping to Harshavardhan. Later, afraid for the safety of the Markand Mani, Harshavardhan buried it underground.

A Shivling magically formed around the Markand Mani, and owing to the power of the magical Markand Mani, the Shiv Ling grows year after year. It is believed 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, will end.

It may be noted that this is only a legend and there is no historical evidence or scientific study involved. It is all about belief and one cannot apply logical parameters here. For example, considering that the temple was built in the 10th century, if the Shivling had been growing by an inch every year, by now it should have been at least about 80 feet!

History Of Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho | About Matangeshwar Mandir

The Matangeshwar Mahadev Mandir Khajuraho is believed to be one of the earlier temples that were built in Khajuraho. According to a board put up by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) outside the temple, it is believed to have been built between 900-925 CE. It is believed that the Matangeshwar temple was built by Chandra Deva, a Chandela king. The kings of the Chandela dynasty went on to build the other exquisite temples of Khajuraho some centuries later including the Kandariya Mahadev temple.

Architecture Of Matangeshvara Temple Khajuraho

The Matangeshwara temple is one of the very few temples where ritual worship of the deity continues even today, after more than a thousand years after it was built. In terms of architecture and carvings, the Matangeshwara temple can be said to be downright plain and simple as compared to the grander and exquisitely ornamented temples that were built later by the Chandelas.

The Shiv Ling at Matangeshwar temple has a height of 2.5 m and a diameter of 1.1 m. The base of the Shiv Ling is about 1.2 m high and has a diameter of about 7.6 m.

The Matangeshwar Mahadev Temple Khajuraho seems to be a precursor of many temples that came up in later centuries including the Adinatha Temple. It has the main elements of the Nagara style of architecture. A steep flight of stairs leads to the temple entrance which stands on a square platform. There is a front porch or Ardha Mandapa followed by a small Maha Mandapa and then the Garbagriha. There is a Shikhara over the Garbagriha and an enclosed Pradakshina path around it with balconies. The outer walls do not have any ornamentation and are plain.

There is a small statue of Lord Ganesh near the entrance of the temple.

Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho Images | Matangeshwar Temple Photos

Here are some Khajuraho Matangeshwar temple images that capture the essence of the sacred Matangeshwar Shiva Temple In Khajuraho.

Other Places To Visit In Khajuraho

Apart from the Matangeshwar Khajuraho temple, there is so much to see and experience in Khajuraho. The Khajuraho temples are divided into three groups, the Western Group of Temples, the Eastern Group of Temples, and the Southern Group of temples. The Matangeshwar Mandir is part of the Western Group of Khajuraho temples.

Here are some of the main temples of Khajuraho that you must visit.

• Kandariya Mahadev Temple
• Chausath Yogini Temple
• Laxmana Temple
• Vishwanath Temple
• Baraha Temple
• Devi Jagdamba Temple
• Chitragupta Temple
• Brahma Temple
• Vamana Temple
• Parshawnath Temple
• Adinath Temple
• Duladeo Temple
• Chaturbhuja Temple

How To Reach Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho

Click here for Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho Route Map.

The Matangeshwar Shiva temple is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site that consists of the remarkable temples of Khajuraho. It is located near the Laxmana temple in the city of Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India.

• Khajuraho is about 645 kilometres from India’s capital, Delhi
• Khajuraho is about 375 kilometres from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh
• Orchha to Khajuraho is about 171 kilometres
• Sanchi to Khajuraho is about 323 kilometres

Reaching By Air

Khajuraho is serviced by a small airport located about 5 kilometres from the town centre. There are flights to and from Delhi to Khajuraho. You can also fly to Bhopal and travel by road to Khajuraho.

Reaching By Train

Khajuraho has a railway station and there are trains to and from Udaipur, Bhopal, Delhi, etc. Another option is Mahoba Railway Station at a distance of about 78 kilometres.

Reaching By Road
Khajuraho is well connected by a good network of roads to other towns and cities within Madhya Pradesh as well as places across India.

To travel to Khajuraho you can book your flight tickets right here through Cleartrip or Makemytrip or CheapAir or Priceline and fly to Guwahati. If you are thinking of a road trip, do check out the rental car options.

Where To Stay For Visiting Matangeshwar Mandir Khajuraho

Khajuraho being an international tourist destination, has many luxury hotels and resorts, to choose from. One of the good 5-star hotels is The Lalit Temple View Khajuraho. If you are looking for a nice resort away from the city centre, then the MPT Gateway Resort is a good option.

You may plan and book online your stay in Khajuraho, India right here –  TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or  makemytrip or  goibibo or  Booking.com or  HotelsCombined .

FAQ – Matangeshwar Temple Mystery

Which is the biggest Shivling in Khajuraho?

Matangeshwar Temple Growing Shivling is the biggest Shivling in Khajuraho. It is 2.5 m high and has a diameter of 1.1 m.

Is there an entry fee for Khajuraho temples?

There is a nominal entry fee for the Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho.

In which group of the Khajuraho Temples is Matangeshwar temple?

Matangeshwar Madhya Pradesh is in the Western Group of Temples of Khajuraho.

Which is the best time for Khajuraho?

The winter months between October to February are the best months to visit Khajuraho, as the weather will be pleasant and comfortable.

What are the Matangeshwar Temple Timings?

The temple opens at 5:00 AM and is open till about 8:00 PM.

We hope you like reading about the Matangeshwar Temple Mystery and the Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho. Do subscribe to our blog if you are not already subscribed. And do not forget to connect with us on our social media channels too.

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Sandy & Vyjay are a husband and wife duo who are travel content creators. They are co-founders of this travel website and are one of the leading travel content creators in India.

Sandy & Vyjay quit their successful corporate careers to pursue their passion for travel and writing full-time. Their dedication has earned them the “Best Travel Writer” award and numerous accolades on both national and international stages. Focusing on India’s destinations, heritage, and culture, they are passionate advocates for nature and the environment. Through their content, they promote ecotourism and sustainable travel, inspiring others to explore and preserve the beauty of India.