Jain temples of Khajuraho
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During the Chandella rule, many towns in Bundelkhand including Khajuraho were home to large and flourishing Jain communities. At Khajuraho the Jains apparently lived on the east side of town. A number of Jain temples from that period have survived in this part of Khajuraho in various states of preservation.
All the Jain temples are now enclosed within a compound wall constructed in early 20th century, with the exception of the Ghantai temple.
Two of the large temples still stand in a good state of preservation.
Parshvanath temple contains an inscription of 954 AD of builder Pahil, mentioning donation of gardens and requesting future generations to safeguard the temple. It mentions Chandella Dhanga as the reigning king[1].
A well known early magic square is found in this temple[2].
| 7 | 12 | 1 | 14 |
| 2 | 13 | 8 | 11 |
| 16 | 3 | 10 | 5 |
| 9 | 6 | 15 | 4 |
This is referred to as the Chautisa Yantra, since each sub-square sums to 34.
Adinath Temple contains an idol with an inscription dated Sam 1215 during the rule of Chandella king Madanavarman.
Shantinath Temple is a modern composite structure that incorporates sections of several temples. It has several shrines. The main section has a 12 foot tall idol of Lord Shantinath with an inscription of Sam. 1085.
Many Jain inscriptions from the Chandella period can be seen at Khajuraho[3].
