All good things shall start with praying to the GODS. Khajuraho exploration too shall start with praying at Matangeshwar Mahadev Temple, located just before entry to Western Group of Temples. Matangeshwar Temple was built by the Chandela dynasty ruler Chandra Dev in the early 10th century AD, and it is one of oldest temples in Khajuraho.
The only ancient temple in Western group of temples where daily worship of Shivling
is carried out. Shivling is 9 ft. high and is one of the largest Shivling in India. Lord Shiva in avatar of Shivling is
dressed like groom on occasion of Maha Shivratri and draws visitors/ devotees
from all over the World. Atmosphere inside the temple is so electrifying that
one cannot resist from chanting "Har Har Mahadev" and "ॐ नमः शिवाय".
Some Facts about secrets about mysteries associated with Matangeshwar Temple:
1) Matangeshwar
Shivling is considered a living Shivling as it grows every year by approx. an
inch from top and bottom combined. From top the height increases by measure of
a Seasame seed. That is why Shivling is 9 ft. above ground.
2) Every Year
during Sharad Purnima in month of Kartik, height of Shivling is measured by
Tourism department officials. And every year Shivling is found to be longer
than previous years.
3) It is believed
that Lord Shiva has gifted a Markat Mani (Precious and Magical Stone) to eldest
of the Pandavas, king Yudhishthir. Yudhishthir in turn gave the Mani to Matang
Rishi who in turn entrusted Chandela king Harsh Varman to guard this divine
stone. Scared for the safety of Markat Mani, it is believed that the king Harsh
Varman buried the Mani in the ground. Due to divine powers, Mani took the form
of Shivling, which exists now, and it grows in size.
4)
It is believed
that when Shivling reaches the Patal Lok, that will be end of present Kali Yug.
Just at entrance of the temple, a statue of Lord Ganesha sits outside the temple in open.
Matangeshwar Temple can be visited from 6 AM - 10 PM. Keep exploring Folks.