Photo spot in Khajuraho
Lakshmana Temple
Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
A beautifully complete Vishnu temple in the Western Group, with a richly carved platform and subsidiary shrines.
Best time
Early morning, when the sun lights the east-facing front and the carved base frieze; late afternoon for warm light on the side walls.
Best angle
Stand back on the lawn near a corner of the platform and take a wide photo that shows the main temple with one of its small corner shrines in front.
Entry fee
Covered by Western Group ticket
Opening hours
Sunrise – sunset
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Lakshmana Temple
Early morning, when the sun lights the east-facing front and the carved base frieze; late afternoon for warm light on the side walls. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Lakshmana Temple
Stand back on the lawn near a corner of the platform and take a wide photo that shows the main temple with one of its small corner shrines in front. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
On the temple platform
By the carved friezes
Outfit guide
What to wear at Lakshmana Temple
For photos at Lakshmana Temple, ochre, white and sage work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Modern, camera-ready looks picked for Lakshmana Temple.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Lakshmana Temple.
Eat nearby
Food near Lakshmana Temple
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for jalebi nearby.
Special dishes to try
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Walk slowly around the base to see the frieze of soldiers, hunters, elephants and horses.
Climb onto the high platform to see the four small corner shrines up close.
Take your shoes off before you step inside the temple.
Look for the three-headed image of Vishnu in the sanctum.
Visit the Varaha shrine opposite to see the giant carved boar.
Come early in the morning, when the sun lights the east-facing front.
Walk next door to Matangeshwara Temple, which is still in daily worship.
About Lakshmana Temple
Lakshmana Temple is one of the earliest and best preserved temples in the Western Group. It was built in the mid-10th century under the Chandela king Yashovarman and is dedicated to Vishnu. The image in the sanctum shows Vishnu in his Vaikuntha form, with three heads: a human face in the centre and a boar and a lion on either side.
The temple stands on a high platform with a small shrine at each of its four corners. A long frieze runs around the base, showing soldiers, hunters, horses, elephants and scenes of daily life, with some erotic panels among them. The walls above carry two rows of gods, celestial women and couples. Opposite the temple is the Varaha shrine, with a huge stone boar covered in small carved figures.
Questions
Lakshmana Temple — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Lakshmana Temple?
Early morning, when the sun lights the east-facing front and the carved base frieze; late afternoon for warm light on the side walls. Stand back on the lawn near a corner of the platform and take a wide photo that shows the main temple with one of its small corner shrines in front.
Is there an entry fee at Lakshmana Temple?
Entry to Lakshmana Temple is covered by Western Group ticket.
What are the opening hours of Lakshmana Temple?
Lakshmana Temple is open sunrise – sunset.
What should I wear at Lakshmana Temple?
Ochre, white and sage photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Lakshmana Temple get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: early morning, when the sun lights the east-facing front and the carved base frieze; late afternoon for warm light on the side walls.
What food should I try near Lakshmana Temple?
Try jalebi at spots close by.
What is Lakshmana Temple famous for?
It is famous for its detailed carvings, its high platform with four corner shrines and the long frieze around its base. It is one of the earliest and best preserved temples at Khajuraho.
Is Lakshmana Temple dedicated to Lakshmana?
No. Despite its name, the temple is dedicated to Vishnu. The main image shows Vishnu in his three-headed Vaikuntha form.
What should I look for at Lakshmana Temple?
Walk around the base to see the frieze of soldiers, hunters, elephants and horses, then look at the two rows of figures on the walls above. Inside, find the three-headed image of Vishnu, and cross to the Varaha shrine opposite for the giant carved boar.
How much time do I need at Lakshmana Temple?
Allow 30–45 minutes to walk around the base and platform and see the inside. Add 10 minutes for the Varaha shrine opposite.