Dulhadev / Duladeo Temple, Khajuraho - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

Photo Credit: Flickr

Distance (From Khajuraho Bus Stand): 2 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 30 Mins

Place Location: Southern Group Of Temples

Transportation Options: Cab / Auto

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 1 km from Jain Group of Temples and 2 km from Khajuraho Bus Stand, Dulhadev or Duladeo Temple is one of the most beautiful shrines of the Southern Group of Khajuraho Temples. Situated on the north bank of Khudar River, Duladeo Temple is the last built temple in Khajuraho and also one among the famous Khajuraho Temples.

Also known as Kunwar Math, Dulhadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. As per the evidences Duladeo Temple was built by King Madanvarman of the Chandela dynasty in 1130 AD. Duladeo Temple is not as ornate as the Khajuraho temples that were built earlier.

It is a nirandhara temple and faces east. The temple consists of a sanctum without ambulatory, vestibule, maha mandapa and an entrance porch. The main hall or maha mandapa of the temple is huge and is in the shape of an octagon. The ceilings of the temple are decorated with stone carvings of the Apsaras and other ornamented sculptures. Possessing three bands of sculptures, the exteriors of the temple are also beautifully decorated with numerous stone carved images. Visitors can also see beautiful carvings of Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati, all over the temple.

The sanctum of the temple houses a beautiful Shivalinga. An interesting feature of the temple is that it has 999 lingas carved on the surface of the Shivalinga that is sanctified. Taking a pradakshina (circumambulation) of the Shivalinga is believed to be equal to 1000 circumambulations. Apart from the Shivalinga, the temple has idols of other Gods and Goddesses like Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati and Goddess Ganga.

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM