Khajuraho Temple

Khajuraho Temples

The world famous Khajuraho Temples are more known for their exquisite and erotic sculptures than for their religious predilection. The historically important ancient temples are located in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. The magnificent temples were built in 10th and 11th centuries during the reign of Chandela rulers. There were originally 85 temples in the group of Khajuraho Temples but only 22 are left now that have withstood the onslaught of extreme weather conditions and enemy attacks. Khajuraho Temples are a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site. The temple walls and courtyards are replete with sensual erotic figures in which voluptuous women and handsome men are depicted in sexual and foreplay postures. Khajuraho Group of Temples is segregated into three main groups of Western Group of Temples, Southern Group of Temples and Eastern Group of Temples, out of which Western Group is the biggest and easily accessible.

Western Group:

Kandariya Mahadeo Temple, Chitragupta Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Chaunsat Yogini Temple, Vaishnav Temple and Nandi Temple are the main temples of the Western Group of Khajuraho Temples. Kandariya Mahadeo Temple is representative of the epitome of Chandela temple architecture. It soars to a height of 31 m above from the main temple and is lavishly carved and elaborated with sculptures. Chitragupta Temple is dedicated to Sun God and houses a 5 ft high image of the deity. The temple has scenes of elephant fights, group dances, animal hunting, royal processions and lavish lifestyle of courts of Chandela rulers. Nandi Temple has a six feet high statue of celestial Nandi bull. Matangeswara Temple houses an 8 ft high Lingam and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Eastern Group:

Eastern Group of Khajuraho Temples consists of Hindu and Jain Temples. Parswanath Jain Temple has striking sculptures all over its walls. Adinath Temple is dedicated to a Jain saint whose roof is designed like a blooming lotus. Brahma Temple is made of granite stone and has a four faced Lingam while the Vamana Temple has sculptures of Apsaras or celestial fairies. Hanuman Temple has an 8 ft high statue of Lord Hanuman while the Javari Temple is known for its richly carved gateway.

Southern Group:

Chaturbhuj Temple is the main attraction of southern temples which is located 5 km form Khajuraho village. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu whose finely carved statue is enshrined in its sanctum sanctorum. Dulhadev Temple has a Shiva Lingam and an ornamented figure of an Apsara.

The erotic sculptures of Khajuraho Temples are inspired from Kama Sutra and are unique in the world. The temple sculptures are testimony to the immense appreciation of the forbidden art by the Chandela rulers. Light and Sound Show is held in the Western Group of Khajuraho Temples every evening that focuses on the cultural grandeur of Khajuraho and Chandela rulers. Khajuraho Dance Festival is held in the months of February and March every year by Madhya Pradesh Tourism. The weeklong festival is held against the bewitching backdrop of Khajuraho sculptures where you can enjoy a variety of classical Indian dance performances by renowned artists including Bharat Natyam, Kathak, Mohiniattam, Kucchipudi, Manipuri and Odissi. Best time to visit Khajuraho temples is from September to March.