Maithuna Relief at the Lakshmana Temple

The central panel depicts two figures in a coital position, with the female figure reclining beneath a male who is arched over her. To the left, a smaller, standing figure observes the couple, while to the right, two standing figures are rendered with their arms draped around one another. The carving is executed in light brown sandstone with a weathered texture, characteristic of the Chandela dynasty temple architecture.

This relief is a quintessential example of 'maithuna' (sexual union) carvings found on Hindu temples in Khajuraho, often interpreted as expressions of cosmic union, the tantric path to spiritual liberation, or as apotropaic figures warding off evil at the temple threshold.