Matangeshwar Temple

The only actively worshipped temple at Khajuraho, built around 900-925 CE by Chandela king Chandra Dev. Unlike its ornately carved neighbours, Matangeshwar is plain on the outside but commands attention through its towering 2.5-metre Shiva lingam of polished yellow sandstone. Daily aartis continue here as they have for over a thousand years. During Mahashivratri, around 25,000 pilgrims attend a three-day ceremony, making it one of central India's most significant Shiva festivals.