Khajuraho

The temples of Khajuraho are not about the usual worshipping and religious rites performed to the deities but more about the courtly arts, love and passion. These unique 10th-11th century temples are famous for their erotic sculptures and carvings on the walls and present quite an éclat mix of architectural science and art. Related to Chandela dynasty founded by Chandravarman, it is said that he, to fulfill the dream of his mother Hemvati, built these temples. It is said that he was the illegitimate son of this Brahmin girls and the Moon God. The temple was meant to display all aspects of passion and erotic fantasy, which the Moon God is often associated with (in Hindu mythology) that rocks the world. Khajuraho was then the capital of Chandravarman. The temples are believed to have introduced an artistic revolution.

The erotic sculptures are believed to be inspired by 'Kamasutra', the book on art of sex. They are also said to depict the lovemaking of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the divine couple that are known to be the symbols of ultimate marital bliss in Hinduism. The temples were lost into obscurity for several years though the tribals of the region worshipped the deities here but they were later discovered by the rest of the world too and soon evolved into the second hottest destination for tourism after Taj Mahal. The temple complex houses a number of medieval temples and can be divided into three main groups - the Eastern, the Western and the Southern. Originally, there were 85 temples but now only 22 have survived the ordeals of time. The sculptures are also related to other courtly arts such as music and dance. UNESCO has declared the site as a World Heritage in 1986.

Khajuraho's Prime Attractions

Temples of Khajuraho
Khajuraho temples took 200 years to complete, which is not surprising when you look at its elaborate carvings. All the temples are planned in a similar pattern and use temple architectural style typical to Central India. The balanced and harmonious architecture is adorned with uninhibited graceful erotic sculptures that may range from simpler ones to the most inspired ones. The temples of the Western group are the largest and easier to access.

Eastern Group
Comprising of five isolated sub-groups of temples in and around present Khajuraho, the Eastern group of temples boast of three Brahmanical temples dedicated to Brahma, Vamana and Javari respectively and three Jain temples dedicated to Ghantai, Adinath and Parsvanath.

Southern Group
Most distant group of temples, it boasts of temples dedicated to Duladeo and Chaturbhuja.

Western Group
is the largest of all the temple groups of Khajuraho. It is not compact and located in the center but also include the most renowned and noteworthy monuments built during the reign of the Chandela rulers. They are also known to have been maintained well by the Archaeological Survey of India and the lush green lawns surrounding them with multihued shrums and fragrant blossoms add to their beauty. The most prominent temples of the group are the Lakshmana Temple, the Matangesvara Temple and the Varaha Temple that are a part of a single complex, the Visvanatha and Nandi temples situated near the above-mentioned complex and the Chitragupta, Jagadambi and the Kandariya Mahadeo temples a little to the west of the complex.

Panna National Park
30-minute from Khajuraho, Panna National Park offers a beautiful experience of wilderness that includes deep gorges, tranquil valleys, dense teak forests and a number of wild life species such as Cheetals, Chowsinghas, Gharials, Indian Foxes, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Wild Boars, Wolfs and Porcupines.

Khajuraho City Facts