Ghantai Temple

About Ghantai Temple

Ghantai Temple is a Jain temple with remarkable carved work depicting the sixteen dreams of the mother of Lord Mahavira at the time of his birth, along with a Jain goddess mounted on a winged Garuda. Both subjects are specific to the Jain tradition and are not repeated elsewhere at Khajuraho.

Little of the temple survives beyond its pillars and some of the ceiling and doorway members, so what you come for is the carving rather than the architecture. The surviving pieces are unusually fine, which is why the temple is still on the itinerary despite its condition.

The surviving carving

The sixteen dreams

The dreams seen by Mahavira's mother before his birth are carved as a sequence. Taken together they form a narrative panel, and following it in order is the best way to use your time here.

The goddess on the winged Garuda

A Jain goddess is shown mounted on a winged Garuda, an image that stands out immediately among the rest of the carved work. It is one of the most distinctive single figures in the Eastern group.

Planning your visit

Ghantai stands in the Eastern group area, within reach of the Parsvanatha temple, and is quick to see.

• Fifteen to twenty minutes is enough.
• Visit it together with Parsvanatha on the same loop.
• There is no roof, so there is no shade.
• Bring a small torch or use a phone light to pick out the ceiling carving.

Best time to visit

October to March is the comfortable season. Because the temple is open to the sky, mid-morning and late afternoon give the best angled light on the carved pillars without the glare of noon.