The Parshvanatha Temple is the largest Jain temple in Khajuraho's eastern group and one of the most beautiful temples in the entire complex. Built in the mid-10th century, it was originally dedicated to Adinatha but now enshrines an image of the 23rd Jain tirthankara Parshvanatha, installed much later.
Despite being a Jain temple, its outer walls feature erotic carvings of a quality and frankness comparable to the best of the Hindu western group. The north wall in particular contains some extraordinary figures. Alongside the erotic panels are celestial nymphs — surasundaris — shown in poses of feminine grace: pulling a thorn from a foot, applying kohl, wringing out wet hair. These figures are among the most admired carvings at Khajuraho.
The eastern group is much less visited than the western group and has a quieter, more village atmosphere — there are still families living nearby and active Jain temples among the archaeological ones.