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Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho
Kandariya Mahadeva
temple sits just to the west of Lakshmana temple. Built in 1025-1050
AD, it is 30 meters tall and the largest in the Khajuraho complex. It
is dedicated to Shiva and its name consists of the word "cave" (Kandariya)
and Mahadeva, another name by which Shiva is known. The temple is
considered to be the most impressive and refined in the Khajuraho
complex, with over 900 sculptures carved into sandstone stacked
without mortar. The vibrantly carved exterior contrasts with a very
plain interior space that houses a Shiva lingam in the womb, or 'griha',
of the temple located beneath the main 'shikhara' (spire).
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