Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple Timings

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple: open from around sunrise / 6:00 AM; open until sunset / around 6:00 PM.

Lord Shiva (a Shiva lingam in the sanctum) · Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

ShivaEntry fee appliesHigh confidence
Darshan hours (as published)
Open from around sunrise / 6:00 AM · Open until sunset / around 6:00 PM
Open/closed status loads once the page finishes rendering.

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, in Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, is dedicated to Lord Shiva (a Shiva lingam in the sanctum). It is also known as Kandariya Mahadev Temple ('the Great God of the Cave').

The grandest example of Chandela-era Nagara architecture and the crowning achievement of the Khajuraho Western Group; internationally renowned for its architectural grandeur and the extraordinary beauty and detail of its more than 800 carvings. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple stands in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, among the ancient Hindu and Jain temples collectively recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Madhya Pradesh carries a distinct temple identity of its own: The heart of India, home to two of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the UNESCO-listed temples of Khajuraho, and the hilltop Shakti shrine of Maihar.

Darshan hours and daily worship

SessionTiming (as published)
MorningOpen from around sunrise / 6:00 AM
EveningOpen until sunset / around 6:00 PM

The Western Group of Temples is generally open sunrise to sunset (one source cites 6:00 AM-6:00 PM). Confirm current ASI hours; early morning or late evening is best for a peaceful visit.

Poojas and daily rituals

As a protected monument the emphasis is on the site rather than daily temple ritual; devotees may offer prayers before the Shiva lingam

Signature annual eventsKhajuraho Dance Festival and the evening Light and Sound Show at the Western Group of Temples

Festivals and special-day timings

Regular darshan hours are usually extended, or set aside entirely, on these dates.

FestivalPeriodWhat happens
Khajuraho Dance FestivalFebruaryA major annual classical dance festival held against the backdrop of the Khajuraho temples.

History and architecture

Built or establishedBuilt around 1050 AD during the reign of the Chandela dynasty

Architecture

The largest and most ornate of the Khajuraho temples, built in Nagara style with a series of interconnected halls leading to the sanctum and a towering shikhara about 31 metres high; the exterior is adorned with over 800 sculptures depicting deities, life scenes and celebrated erotic art

History

The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple stands in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, among the ancient Hindu and Jain temples collectively recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it was built around 1050 AD during the Chandela dynasty and is the largest and most elaborate temple in the Khajuraho group.

Planning your visit

Entry feeASI entry fee of about INR 30 for Indian citizens and INR 500 for foreign nationals (covers the Western Group of Temples)
Dress codeNo strict dress code; non-vegetarian food, alcohol and leather items are not allowed inside; photography of the monument is generally permitted (rules can vary)
Best time to visitOctober to March, when the weather is cool; early morning or late evening for a more peaceful experience
NearbyLakshmana Temple, Vishvanatha Temple, Jagadambi Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, the Archaeological Museum and Raneh Falls

How to reach

Khajuraho has its own railway station (about 8 km from the temple) and Khajuraho Airport (about 5 km); the temple is a short drive from the town centre and about 850 m from the Khajuraho bus stand.

Open in Google Maps

Where this information comes from

Confidence: High. History, architecture and entry fee well corroborated; exact opening hours differ slightly between sources (sunrise-sunset vs 6 AM-6 PM)

Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Srisailam
Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam (Kanaka Durga Temple)
Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple
Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh
Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, Annavaram
Annavaram, Andhra Pradesh

Frequently asked questions about Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

What is the timing of Kandariya Mahadeva Temple?

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple: open from around sunrise / 6:00 AM; open until sunset / around 6:00 PM. The Western Group of Temples is generally open sunrise to sunset (one source cites 6:00 AM-6:00 PM). Confirm current ASI hours; early morning or late evening is best for a peaceful visit.

What are the darshan (visiting) hours at Kandariya Mahadeva Temple?

As published, morning darshan runs Open from around sunrise / 6:00 AM and evening darshan runs Open until sunset / around 6:00 PM. The Western Group of Temples is generally open sunrise to sunset (one source cites 6:00 AM-6:00 PM). Confirm current ASI hours; early morning or late evening is best for a peaceful visit.

Is there an entry fee at Kandariya Mahadeva Temple?

ASI entry fee of about INR 30 for Indian citizens and INR 500 for foreign nationals (covers the Western Group of Temples)

What is the dress code at Kandariya Mahadeva Temple?

No strict dress code; non-vegetarian food, alcohol and leather items are not allowed inside; photography of the monument is generally permitted (rules can vary)

Which festivals are celebrated at Kandariya Mahadeva Temple?

The main ones documented for this temple are Khajuraho Dance Festival. See the festival table above for dates and what each involves.

What is the best time to visit Kandariya Mahadeva Temple?

October to March, when the weather is cool; early morning or late evening for a more peaceful experience

How do I reach Kandariya Mahadeva Temple?

Khajuraho has its own railway station (about 8 km from the temple) and Khajuraho Airport (about 5 km); the temple is a short drive from the town centre and about 850 m from the Khajuraho bus stand.

Who is the presiding deity at Kandariya Mahadeva Temple?

Lord Shiva (a Shiva lingam in the sanctum)

What is the history of Kandariya Mahadeva Temple?

The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple stands in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, among the ancient Hindu and Jain temples collectively recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How reliable is the information on this Kandariya Mahadeva Temple page?

This listing's confidence is rated high. History, architecture and entry fee well corroborated; exact opening hours differ slightly between sources (sunrise-sunset vs 6 AM-6 PM)