A Shiva temple whose two stairways are watched over by carved lions on one side and masonry elephants on the other.
Vishwanatha Temple has impressive entrances. Carved stone guards the northern steps, while royal masonry elephants take care of the southern steps, so the temple is approached differently depending on which side you come from. The arrangement is unusual at Khajuraho and worth noticing before you go up.
Inside, the three-headed image of Lord Brahma is no less captivating than the entrances. The temple stands close to Chitragupta, and the two together host most of the performances of the Khajuraho Dance Festival each year.
The steps on the north side are flanked by carved stone guardians. This is the entrance most visitors use, and the figures are at eye level as you climb, so they are easy to study.
The south steps are watched by royal masonry elephants, heavier and plainer in treatment than the northern guardians. Walking round to use this approach gives a very different first impression of the same building.
Within the temple the image of Lord Brahma is shown with three heads. It is a striking piece and a good reason to go inside rather than circle the exterior only.
The temple is inside the Western group enclosure and is covered by that ticket, a short walk from Chitragupta.
October to March is the pleasant season. Mornings give the best light on the stairways and the fewest people. February is festival month, lively but crowded. Summer afternoons on the open plinth are hard going.
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