Khajuraho Lakshmana Temple West Shrine
Khajuraho Lakshmana Temple West Shrine North Annex · Khajuraho Site
Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional·Classical·🇮🇳 Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho, India
About
About Khajuraho Lakshmana Temple West Shrine
Khajuraho Lakshmana Temple West Shrine in Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho, India is a Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional temple complex attributed to Classical. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal sanctuary 80 × 55 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 24.8520N 79.9200E controls access to Madhya Pradesh resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey temple complex for Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho, illustrating Classical construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 450 BCE–100 CE
- Period
- Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional
- Culture
- Classical
- Purpose
- Sanctuary and ceremonial centre for state cult
- Rediscovered
- 1998 survey
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 450 BCE–100 CE
Initial construction of Khajuraho Lakshmana Temple West Shrine main structure
c. 1938
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1998–2013
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Khajuraho Lakshmana Temple West Shrine) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
24.8520° N · 79.9200° E · 346 m · 4 mapped features
Khajuraho Lakshmana Temple West Shrine — Main Structure
structurePrincipal temple complex — Sanctuary 80 × 55 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
24.8528° N · 79.9209° EKhajuraho Lakshmana Temple West Shrine — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
24.8510° N · 79.9193° EKhajuraho Lakshmana Temple West Shrine — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
24.8535° N · 79.9212° EKhajuraho Lakshmana Temple West Shrine — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
24.8504° N · 79.9189° E