Photo spot in Khajuraho
Parsvanath Temple
Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
The largest of the Eastern-Group Jain temples, renowned for its exquisite, lifelike figure sculpture.
Best time
Morning, when soft light falls on the carved walls and the Jain complex is at its quietest.
Best angle
Stand close to the outer walls and take tight, eye-level photos of single carved figures, then step back across the courtyard for a wider shot of the whole temple.
Entry fee
Free (Eastern Group)
Opening hours
Sunrise – sunset
Crowd level
Low
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Parsvanath Temple
Morning, when soft light falls on the carved walls and the Jain complex is at its quietest. Crowds here are typically low. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Parsvanath Temple
Stand close to the outer walls and take tight, eye-level photos of single carved figures, then step back across the courtyard for a wider shot of the whole temple. 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.
By the carved Jain figures
Before the shikhara
Outfit guide
What to wear at Parsvanath Temple
For photos at Parsvanath Temple, ochre, cream and maroon 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
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Khajuraho.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Khajuraho.
Eat nearby
Food near Parsvanath Temple
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for mawa bati nearby.
Special dishes to try
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Take an auto-rickshaw or cycle from the Western Group, about 2 km away.
Be ready to remove your shoes at the entrance of the Jain complex.
Dress modestly and keep your voice low, as the complex is in active worship.
Ask before taking photos inside the shrines.
Look for the celestial woman applying eye make-up among the wall carvings.
See the large image of Shantinath, more than 4 m tall, in the temple next door.
Stop at the Jain museum just outside the complex if you have time.
About Parsvanath Temple
Parsvanath Temple is the largest of the Jain temples at Khajuraho and stands in the Eastern Group, about 2 km east of the Western Group. It was built around 950 to 970, during the reign of the Chandela king Dhanga, and an inscription dated 954 on its doorway records gifts made to the temple. It was first dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain tirthankara, and the image of Parsvanath that gives it its name was installed in 1860.
The temple is known for some of the finest figure sculpture at Khajuraho, including a well-known celestial woman applying eye make-up. Its walls also show Hindu gods, such as Vishnu with Lakshmi and Rama with Sita. It stands inside a walled complex with the Adinath and Shantinath temples, where Jain worship continues today, so it is quieter and more devotional than the Western Group.
Questions
Parsvanath Temple — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Parsvanath Temple?
Morning, when soft light falls on the carved walls and the Jain complex is at its quietest. Stand close to the outer walls and take tight, eye-level photos of single carved figures, then step back across the courtyard for a wider shot of the whole temple.
Is there an entry fee at Parsvanath Temple?
Entry to Parsvanath Temple is free (Eastern Group).
What are the opening hours of Parsvanath Temple?
Parsvanath Temple is open sunrise – sunset.
What should I wear at Parsvanath Temple?
Ochre, cream and maroon photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Parsvanath Temple get?
Crowd levels are typically low. To miss the busiest window: morning, when soft light falls on the carved walls and the Jain complex is at its quietest.
What food should I try near Parsvanath Temple?
Try mawa bati at spots close by.
What is Parsvanath Temple famous for?
It is the largest Jain temple at Khajuraho and is known for its fine figure sculpture, including a celestial woman applying eye make-up. Its walls also show Hindu gods, such as Vishnu and Lakshmi.
How do I reach Parsvanath Temple from the Western Group?
Parsvanath Temple is in the Eastern Group, about 2 km east of the Western Group. You can take an auto-rickshaw, hire a bicycle or walk, which takes around 30 minutes.
Are the Jain temples in Khajuraho still used for worship?
Yes. Unlike most of the Western Group, the Jain temples of the Eastern Group are active places of worship. Dress modestly, remove your shoes and ask before taking photos inside the shrines.
How much time do I need at Parsvanath Temple?
Allow about 1 hour to see Parsvanath and the neighbouring Adinath and Shantinath temples. Add time for the Jain museum just outside the complex.