ASI to Reattach Missing Head of 11th-Century Vishnu Idol at Khajuraho’s Javari Temple

Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh: In a development being welcomed by devotees across the country, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has traced the long-missing head of the 11th-century Lord Vishnu idol belonging to the Javari Temple in Khajuraho. Officials confirmed that the sculpted head was found inside an ASI storehouse, where it had reportedly remained unrecorded for years. The ASI now plans to reattach it to the main idol following a detailed examination by conservation experts.
The Javari Temple, part of the famed Khajuraho group of monuments, is celebrated for its refined Nagara-style architecture and intricate carvings. The temple’s central Vishnu idol had stood headless for a considerable period, a sight that had long troubled pilgrims and heritage enthusiasts alike. The recovery of the head is being described as a significant step towards restoring the idol’s original form and the temple’s spiritual integrity.
The ASI has stated that a team of experts will first assess the condition of both the head and the torso, checking for weathering, fractures, and compatibility of the join. Only after this scientific examination will the reattachment be carried out using preservation-safe techniques, in keeping with heritage conservation norms.
The matter also drew public attention after Dr Parvinder Singh, President of the World Buddhist Federation and a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, met Advocate Rakesh Kishor to discuss the issue. Dr Singh reportedly offered the Federation’s full support for the restoration, stating that the organisation was willing to bear any cost to help the ASI and the Government of India restore the idol’s head. Advocate Kishor has himself been in the news in recent days for a separate incident involving the Chief Justice of India.
For Sanatani devotees and heritage lovers, the news has brought a sense of relief and joy. The restoration, once completed, is expected to draw renewed attention to Khajuraho’s living religious heritage. Observers, however, await the ASI’s official timeline, which is yet to be announced.