Khajuraho Temples

Popularly called as a ‘heritage city’ in Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is known for its eastern, western and southern group of temples. Revealing a unique blend of elegance, architecture and eroticism, it is an important historic destination in India. This largest cluster of Hindu and Jain temples has been enlisted among the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO.

The temples are supposed to be constructed in between the period of 950 and 1050 by the Chandela Rajput Kings during the era of tantric conventions. The temples have got gargantuan towers also called the Sikharas.

Following are the main tourist attractions at Khajuraho:

Western Group Temples
One of the most celebrated temples belonging to the Western group, Kandariya Mahadeva, has eighty four Sikharas (architectural peaks), the tallest one sporting a height of about 116 feet. The other features of the temples are the ardhamandapa, mandapa, mahamandapa, porch, assembly hall, vestibule, garbhagriha, sanctum sanctorum etc.

The temples are dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses, mainly the trio, Brahma-Vishnu and Mahesh; and goddesses like Devi Jagadambi. However there are few Jain temples among these as well. The Devi Jagadambi Temple is noted for its fine decoration and intricate erotic carvings. The idol of Goddess Devi is located at the centre of its vast sanctorum.

The complex of the temples is adorned with a well maintained park with lush green lawns, colourful flower beds and decked up trees. Along with the exquisite interiors blend in rich work of fine arts, it stands as one of the optimum examples of temple architecture.

Eastern Group of Temples
The Javari Temple is one of the main architectural marvels in this temple complex. It is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu but the main idol’s head is broken. Its well proportioned architecture adds to its beauty.

Southern Group of Temples
It includes the Chaturbhuj Temple which is the only temple in the temple complex structure in Khajuraho which lacks erotic sculptures. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

So, if you are in Khajuraho, you are definitely into a larger than life experience to unmask the hidden past of India. The magnificent sculptures and fabulous temples reveal the brilliance of architecture which was prevalent in India during the medieval period.

Several writers, architects, sculptures and historians have tried to scrutinise the elegance of these sculptures and temples so that untold narratives could be revealed.

So, gear on for trip to Khajuraho and feel the nostalgic ambiance of India’s historic past come alive.