Matangeshwar temple is a ninth century temple. Chandra dev of the Chandela dynasty built the temple. The king was a devotee of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is considered as the venerated sage Matang and that`s how the name of the Shiva Lingam was Matangeswarar. This temple is also known as Mrityunjaya Mahadeo. Unusual like other temples of Khajuraho the exterior and interior of this temple along with its pillars is not decorated with sculptures but the ceiling is overlapped with sculptures. This is one of the holiest temples of central India which is revered by a number of devotees.

History of Matangeshwar Temple
The Matangeshwar Temple, located in Khajuraho, India, holds historical significance and has been a subject of scholarly debate regarding its exact date of construction. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) ascribes its origin to the period between 900-925 CE. This dating is primarily based on its architectural simplicity when compared to the more intricate designs found in later Khajuraho temples. However, another perspective, put forth by scholars, suggests that the temple might have been constructed around 1000 CE.
Recognizing its historical and architectural significance, the ASI has bestowed the Matangeshwar Temple with the prestigious classification of a "Monument of National Importance."
The temple`s nomenclature, "Matangeshwar," is steeped in ancient mythology. According to legend, a revered sage named Matanga was said to have taken the form of a lingam, a symbol of Lord Shiva, and held dominion over the god of love. His hermitages were established in several sacred locations, including Khajuraho, Kedarnath, Varanasi, and Gaya. These sites are now home to four distinct temples dedicated to Matangeshvara, meaning "Lord of Matanga."
An alternative account suggests that the temple derives its name from an aspect of Lord Shiva himself, who is believed to have exercised control over the god of love.

Legend of Matangeshwar Temple
The legend surrounding the Matangeshwar Temple is a captivating tale deeply rooted in mythology. According to this fascinating narrative, Lord Shiva, pleased with Yudhishtra, the eldest of the Pandava brothers, bestowed upon him a precious and magical gem known as the Markand Mani. Yudhishtra, in turn, entrusted this invaluable stone to a revered saint named Matanga Rishi.
Saint Matanga Rishi, cognizant of the gem`s significance, entrusted it to the care of King Harshavardhan for safekeeping. However, as concerns for the gem`s security grew, King Harshavardhan decided to safeguard it by burying it deep underground.
Remarkably, a divine transformation occurred around the Markand Mani, a Shivling, a sacred representation of Lord Shiva, began to manifest around the gem. The power of this magical Markand Mani infused the Shiv Ling with a unique attribute, it grew in size with each passing year. As per this belief, the upper portion of the Shiv Ling extends towards the heavens or Swarg-lok, while the lower part descends towards Patal Lok, a realm associated with the netherworld.
It is within the context of this legend that a fascinating prophecy is interwoven. When the lower portion of the Shiv Ling ultimately reaches Patal Lok, it is believed that Kali Yuga, the current epoch characterized by moral and spiritual decline, will conclude.
It is essential to emphasize that this narrative is a legend steeped in faith and spirituality, lacking historical substantiation or scientific validation. Logical parameters are not applicable in this realm of belief. For instance, considering that the temple was constructed in the 10th century, if the Shiv Ling were indeed growing at a rate of one inch annually, it would have attained a height of approximately 80 feet by now. Nonetheless, the legend of the Matangeshwar Temple remains evidence to the enduring power of mythology and the profound faith it inspires.

Mystery of the Matangeshwar Temple
The enigmatic Matangeshwar Temple is shrouded in a mystery centered around the Matangeshwar Shivling. According to local folklore and enduring myths, the Shivling housed within the Matangeshwar Shiva temple in Khajuraho possesses a remarkable attribute, it is purportedly a living Shivling, exhibiting incremental growth in height with each passing year. The prevailing belief is that this Shivling experiences an annual expansion, progressing inch by inch. Intriguingly, this growth phenomenon is bi-directional, extending both upwards and downwards.
The custodians of the temple, the priests, undertake the solemn duty of measuring the Shiv Ling on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima, a significant moment in the lunar calendar. This annual ritual of measurement continues to this day, providing empirical validation to the enduring legend.
As of the present, the Matangeshwar Shivling has attained a substantial length, measuring approximately 9 feet in height, and it continues to grow by an inch during the observance of the autumn full moon. Its bi-directional growth has added a layer of mystique to the enduring Matangeshwar Temple mystery.

Structure of Matangeshwar Temple
Matangeshwar temple belongs to the western group of temples. It is also one of the oldest temples of Madhya Pradesh. The shrine is eight feet high that is made of shiny yellow limestone. It is considered as the holiest of the temples of Khajuraho. This temple has some of the largest Shiva lingams of India. There is a small Ganesh at upper right, and a large image of a Goddess with two smaller attendant deities were set up on the path toward the temple. The southern part of this temple is an open air archaeological museum that has a beautiful displayed collection of statues and friezes collected from that area.

Architecture of Matangeshwar temple
The Matangeshwar Mahadev Temple in Khajuraho stands as a significant precursor to several temples that emerged in subsequent centuries, including the Adinatha Temple. This architectural marvel exemplifies the Nagara style of architecture, characterized by distinct features that are emblematic of this tradition.
Approaching the temple, one is greeted by a steep flight of stairs leading to the entrance, situated upon a square platform. The temple`s architectural arrangement unfolds as follows- first, there is a front porch, known as the Ardha Mandapa, followed by a small Maha Mandapa, and finally, the Garbagriha. Atop the Garbagriha rests a Shikhara, and an enclosed Pradakshina path surrounds it, complete with balconies for circumambulation. Notably, the exterior walls of the temple remain unadorned, devoid of any ornamentation, attesting to the simplicity of its design.
The Matangeshwar Temple bears a resemblance to the Brahma Temple, albeit on a larger scale, both in terms of its plan and design. Its floor plan is distinctly square, accommodating a 2.5-meter-high lingam, measuring 1.1 meters in diameter. The lingam is elevated on a platform that stands 1.2 meters high and spans a diameter of 7.6 meters. Notably, the lingam itself bears inscriptions in both Nagari and Persian scripts.
In contrast to its counterparts among the sandstone temples of Khajuraho, the Matangeshwar Temple stands as the plainest in appearance. Its lack of intricate decoration is evident both on its interior and exterior walls, which remain unadorned. Even the curvilinear tower does not bear carvings. The ceiling, while modest in design, features elementary floral cusps. Additionally, a small statue of Lord Ganesh graces the temple`s entrance, offering a subtle yet significant element of religious symbolism.

Worship at Matangeshwar Temple
Each year, during the month of February or March, a three-day ceremony of profound significance is meticulously organized at the Matangeshwar Temple on the occasion of Shivaratri. This ceremony marks the celebration of Lord Shiva`s divine union, an event of great spiritual importance. Approximately 25,000 devout worshippers and pilgrims congregate to partake in this sacred occasion.
The centerpiece of this religious ceremony revolves around the veneration of the lingam, the emblematic representation of Lord Shiva. During the elaborate rituals, the lingam is subjected to a series of sacred practices, which include bathing, adorning, and dressing, mirroring, etc. There is the 10-day-long fair that witness the participation of traders, peddlers and gypsies from other parts of the state. Varieties of handicrafts, rural circus show, magic shows and folk theatre are exhibited.