Kandariya Mahadeo temple at Khajuraho is the epitome of temple architecture in Central India. Khajuraho was formerly the religious capital of the Chandela Rajputs and KandariyaMahadeo was constructed about 1017-1029 by King Ganda, one of their greatest figures. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu deityShiva. It is from Shiva that the temple derives its name since "Mahadeva" is another term for "Shiva".