Khajuraho Temples - Madhya Pradesh

Khajuraho, the ancient Kharjjura-vahaka represent today a distinct pattern of art and temple architecture of its own reminding one of the rich and creative period it witnessed during the Chandella rule. It was the principal seat of authority of the Chandella rulers who adorned it with numerous tanks, scores of lofty temples of sculptural grace and architectural splendour. The local tradition lists eighty-five temples but now only twenty-five are standing examples in various stages of preservation. But for Chausath-Yogini, Brahma and Mahadeva which are of granite, all the other temples are of fine grained sandstone, buff, pink or pale yellow in colour.

                                

Yasovarman (AD 954) built the temple of Vishnu, now famous as Lakshmana temple is an ornate and evolved example of its time proclaiming the prestige of the Chandellas.

The Visvanatha, Parsvanatha and Vaidyanatha temples belong to the time of king Dhanga, the successor of Yasovarman. The Jagadambi, Chitragupta, are noteworthy among the western group of royal temples of Khajuraho. The largest and grandest temple of Khajuraho is the immortal Kandariya Mahadeva which is attributed to king Ganda (AD 1017-29). The other examples that followed viz., Vamana, Adinatha, Javari, Chaturbhuj and Duladeo, are smaller but elaborately designed. 

The Khajuraho groups of temples are noted for lofty terraces (jagati) and functionally effective plans comprising of an ardhamandapa, acting as entrance generally adorned with makara torana and kakshasana, the mandapa, as the hall with antarala leading to garbha griha or sanctum. The larger temples have mahamandapas in front of the ardhamandapa. They also have minor shrines at four corners and thus categorized as pancayatana. The exterior of the temples are richly decorated. In contrast, Javari and Brahma temples are simpler creations.

The temples are grouped into western, eastern, and southern sections. Inside the temples are detailed carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from life, such as war, marriage, symbols of spirituality, every day life, and all kinds of life forms. Various temples are dedicated to gods like Shiva, Surya, and Lord Vishnu.

The eastern group of temples comprise of the Brahma Temple,Vamana and Javari Temples, Parshvanatha Temple, Ghantai Temple, Adinatha Temple and Shantinatha Temple. The southern group includes just two temples – the Dhuladeo temple, and the renowned Chaturbhuj temple.

                      

Kandariya Mahadeva temple is a temple which is famous throughout the world. It is has the highest spire in Khajuraho boasting a size of 30.5 meters.

Representing a unique artistic creation, the Lakshamana temple features sculptures of Lord Vishnu and his incarnations as Lord Narasimha, Lord Varaha, and Bhagvan Vamana. The statue of goddess Lakshmi stands in between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. There is also a statue of goddess Durga killing the devil Mahishasur.

The temples of Khajuraho are mostly famous for their erotic art. The sculptures of nymphs grooming themselves or indulging in sexual games can be seen on both the inner and outer walls of the temples.

The Khajuraho Temples were built between 950 and 1050 AD.

The temples cover an area of about six square kilometers in the town.

The temples are among India’s “Seven Wonders”.

The Khajuraho Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The creators of Khajuraho claimed descent from the moon. The legend that describes the origin of this great dynasty is a fascinating one: Hemavati, the beautiful young daughter of a Brahmin priest was seduced by the moon god while bathing in the Rati one evening. The child born of this union between a mortal and a god was a son, Chandravarman. Harassed by society, the unwed mother sought refuge in the dense forest of Central India where she was both mother and guru to her young son.

 The boy grew up to found the great Chandela dynasty. When he was established as a ruler, he had a dream-visitation from his mother, who implored him to build temples that would reveal human passions, and in doing so bring about a realization of the emptiness of human desire. Chandravarman began the construction of the first of the temples, successive rulers added to the fast growing complex.

                                        

The Khajuraho Temples are located in the city of Khajuraho, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. You can reach Khajuraho by train, car or by air. Khajuraho Airport is just two kilometers south of Khajuraho town. You can also take a taxi to reach Khajuraho.

The months from September through March are recommended as the best months to visit the Khajuraho Temples. Summers in the state are fairly hot, so winter is considered a better option. The annual Khajuraho dance festival takes place in spring every year.

The Khajuraho temple complex opens from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The entry ticket for Indian visitors cost Rs. 10 per person and for foreign visitors, it is $10 per person (to be paid in Indian currency).