Lakshmi Temple, Khajuraho, Chhatarpur: History, Timings & Visitor Guide

Lakshmi Temple, Khajuraho is open every day, usually from early morning to late evening with a break in the afternoon. Darshan and aarti timings change with the season and on festival days.

• MorningOpens early morning (around 5 to 6 AM)
• AfternoonShort break around midday at many temples
• EveningEvening aarti around sunset, closes by about 8 to 9 PM

Ask the temple office on arrival for the day's aarti schedule.

Dress Code & Temple Rules

• DressModest, traditional clothes covering shoulders and knees
• FootwearRemove before entering; use the shoe stand
• PhotographyNot allowed inside the sanctum
• Not AllowedLeather items, tobacco, alcohol, non-veg food
• QueueFollow queue lines and staff instructions on festival days

The temple was built in the mid-10th century during the reign of the Chandela dynasty, approximately between 930–950 CE. It was originally constructed as a shrine for Garuda, the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Vishnu. In Vishnu temples across India, a Garuda shrine or Garuda stambha traditionally faces the main sanctum, similar to the Nandi shrine in Shiva temples. The temple's current name, "Lakshmi Temple," is considered a misnomer, as the original dedication was to Garuda.

Inside the shrine, a damaged image of Brahmani was installed in the modern era, which is now worshipped as Lakshmi. The temple is often locked and not open for regular darshan.

Architecture of Lakshmi Temple, Khajuraho

The Lakshmi Temple is a small, modest shrine typical of structures built for a vahana. It features a square-shaped platform (chabutara) and a small sanctum. The temple has a simple mandapa (pillared hall) and a sanctum. The side and back walls are plain and do not contain any sculptures.

The sanctum originally housed a lalitabimba (seated image) of Garuda with Vishnu. The limited artwork around the doorway has been defaced, with several statues beheaded over time.