External decoration of Kandariya-Mahadeva Temple (detail)

"Kanadara is Sanskrit for cave, while Mahadeva is another name for the god Shiva. This is the biggest, most ornate and developed of the Khajuraho temples, and dates from c.1050AD.

Detail of Vyala and Amorous Couple

The style of the couple seems slightly different than before: note the elongated, almost mannerist, legs.

Detail of external basement wall, Kandariya-Mahadeva Temple

Assorted mithuna (erotic couplings) and processional scenes are tucked into the basement walls.

Erotic scenes on Kandariya-Mahadeva Temple

This temple has some of the most famous and finely executed erotic carvings of all of the temples in Khajuraho.

Detail of a renowned mithuna (1)

Detail of a renowned mithuna (2)

Paravati, consort of Shiva

On this temple devoted to Shiva are representations of his consorts. This is probably Paravati (note the half-closed eyes, trident, and benign countenance). Paravati is something of a motherhood goddess.

Upper elevation of Kandariya-Mahadeva Temple

Here there are depictions of sura sundaris, or "beautiful nymphs", and of gods. Shiva can be identified on the left by the trident he carries and the serpent around him. Deep in the recesses are Naga (Cobra) Queens, also associated with Shiva.

Gods on the upper elevation of Kandariya-Mahadeva Temple

On the far right is a depiction of Shiva (note trident and serpent). The left central goddess may be Jamuna, river goddess and first woman (note the turtle(?) on her leg). Left of her may be Yama, Jamuna's twin, Lord of Death (note the loop on a stick? - tool to grab the souls from corpses).

View toward the top of the Shikara

The Shikara rises 31 m to depict Mount Meru, the holy mountain of Shiva and is surrounded by 84 miniature spires, 3 of which are in the foreground.

Parts of balcony and Shikara, Kandariy-Mahadeva Temple

The temple was undergoing conservation and cleaning -- some of the scaffolding can be seen on the right. This is why we do not have pictures of the whole temple.

Famous Mithuna Carving

This one looks extremely acrobatic. It probably makes more sense to think of it as a view from above.

Mithuna Carving

Inside the Ardha-Mandapa, Kandariya-Mahadeva Temple

An exquisite ceiling can be seen here. Also, the makara-torana, or entrance garland, is carved from a single stone!

Figures on the outside walls of the Sanctum Sanctorum

Here the view is from the circumambulatory. The guide books all say that there is no erotica inside the temple. Then what of the pair on the right?