The Parshvanath temple is the site for some of the most popular sculpted figures like that of the of the lovely sura-sundaris (celestial beauties) – one applying make-up and another removing a thorn from her feet on the southern façade and yet another tying on ankle-bells on the northern facade. The temple has a solid outer wall embellished with three bands of graceful sculptures depicting Hindu Gods (despite its affiliation as a Jain temple). More figures can be found on the outer face of the sanctum, depicting 'apsaras' (heavenly nymphs) in a variety of poses.
This Jain temple has been heavily renovated in this century. Some of the best known non-erotic sculptures of Khajuraho are found here, particularly the lovely sura-sundaris (celestial beauties) – one applying make-up and another removing a thorn from her feet on the southern façade and yet another tying on ankle-bells on the northern façade. The outer walls of the temple have a number of figures of Vaishnava (Hindus) deities carved on the wall panels despite its affiliation as a Jain temple. The outer face of the sanctum depicts 'apsaras' (heavenly nymphs) in a variety of poses.
The themes of these carvings are picked from everyday life activities. Actions performed in daily life are beautifully shown through the work of the master craftsmen. A woman sits bent pensively on a letter, a lovely young girl removes a thorn from her foot, Sculptures including elephants, and lions and sea nymphs are also beautifully carved on the walls .
Within, the sanctum–the temple was originally dedicated to the first Tirthankara, Adinath and so inside the sanctum there is a throne, which faces a bull emblem of Adinath. The actual image of Parswanath from which the temple derives its name was installed as recently as 1860 .
The temple has two axial projections at the two ends. One on the east is the ardh mandap and other on the west is a small shrine behind the garbhgriha. It was built during the early part of Dhangadeva's reign.
