Vamana Temple

This temple is dedicated to the fifth incarnation of Vishnu: the dwarf Vamana. If the ten incarnations of the Preserver are taken to represent a pre-emption of the Theory of Evolution, then Vamana would represent the proto-human Pithecines. Judging from its style, this temple was built in 1050-75 continuing the architectural modes of the Kandariya. Curiously, there are very few erotic carvings here. There is a four-armed standing Vishnu on its lintel.

Here, better than anywhere else, the visitor can see how the village of Khajuraho has been integrated with its temples. Just beyond the protecting walls of the grounds of the temple, farmers still tend to their fields as their ancestors did a thousand years ago.