Khajuraho, located in Chattarpur district in Madhya Pradesh is an iconic historical destination in India. It is one of the most important historical destinations to visit at least once in a lifetime. Built under the reign of Chandellabetween between 900 CE and 1130 CE, Khajuraho is an abode of intricate architectural wonders. Here you can witness the pinnacle beauty of Nagara-style architecture adorning the temples. The major temples of the location promote Hinduism and Jainism.
The Chandella rulers are known for their architectural styles, nearly they built 85 temples but due to invasions, the number felt around 20 temples today. The intricate carvings on the temples signify four important aspects of life as per Hinduism known as Dharma, Kama, Artha, and Moksha. The total temple complex is divided into three namely the Western, the Eastern, and the Southern group of temples. For its magnificent architectural marvels, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Exploring the Ancient Temples of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh:
1. Lakshmana Temple:
Lakshmana temple is one of the best-known temples of Khajuraho. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it is one of the three largest temples of Lord Vishnu in the complex. As per the history, the temple was built by Yashovarman in 954 AD.
The temple houses significant architectural sculptures like elephants, battle scenes, horses, erotic structures, nymphs, apsaras, etc. The major attractions of the temple are its entrance with elegant designs and Goddess Laxmi’s sanctum along with Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva.
Complex: Western Group of the Temples.
2. Vishwanath Temple:
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishwanath Temple is a magnificent two-stair architectural wonder. The temple was built in the reign of King Nannuka and King Dhanga. The 90-foot sanctum of Lord Shiva residing on the bull (Nandi)is the spectacular attraction of the temple.
Other than that, the sculptures of Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu are the best ones. The Lord Shiva’s sanctum in the form of Linga with an emerald is also an important attraction of the temple. Different sculptures of majestic lions, elephants, and women stand as beautiful attractions of the temple.
Complex: Western Group of the Temples.
3. Kandariya Mahadev Temple:
Kandariya Mahadev Temple is the largest of all the temples in Khajuraho dating back to the 10th century BC. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the sanctum in the form Linga made of marble is the key attraction of the temple.
When it comes to the architectural beauty of the temple many sculptures and intricate carvings will leave you stuck. The entrance of the temple with beautiful carvings, sculptures of Goddess Ganga and Goddess Jamuna, walls with nearly 900 images, and structures of apsaras and nymphs, many will make you experience the ancient architectural marvel.
Complex: Western Group of the Temples.
4. Chausath Yogini Temple:
Located on the banks of Sib-Sagar Lake, Chausath Yogini Temple is a simple and ruined temple. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The structure of the temple is simple with a courtyard in the middle and surrounded by various 65 small shrines.
The 64 shrines were dedicated to the Yoginis of the Goddess Kali. Many shrines were destroyed during the invasions, right now there nearly 35 shrines are left. The special thing about the temple is it is fully constructed with granite and none in Khajuraho was built like.
Complex: Western Group of the Temples.
5. Chitragupta Temple:
Chitraguputatemple is also one of the prominent temples in Khajuraho. This temple is dedicated to Lord Surya Dev (Sun God). As per historians, this temple dates back to the 11th century. The major attraction of the temple is the massive structure of the Sun God on a Chariot with seven horses.
The next big thing about this temple is the magnificent structure of Lord Vishnu with eleven heads signifying the avatars of his lifetime. When it comes to carvings the erotic structures of couples stand as beautiful attractions.
Complex: Western Group of the Temples.
6. Brahma Temple:
The temple is familiar as the Brahma temple but this temple adorns the sanctum of Lord Shiva with four faces. It leads to the mistake of it is Lord Brahma. Although a simple and beautiful temple in Khajuraho.
The structures of Lord Vishnu stand as the attraction of the temple. The temple was built with both sandstone and granite, which are rarely used in Khajuraho temples. Overall, it is a simple and worthy visit temple.
Complex: Eastern group of temples.
7. Parsawanatha Temple:
Among the Jain temples in Khajuraho, Parsawanathatemple is the largest one. The temple was dedicated to Parswanatha(the 22nd Jain Thirthankara) and constructed by Dhangadevain in the 10th century.
The temple adorned with majestic naked structures of male and female on the left and right doors seeks attraction. A ten-armed Jain Goddess is also a great attraction of the temple. Other than these, various structures of elephants, sea nymphs, Vishnu idols, lions, etc exhibit architecture.
Complex: Eastern group of temples.
8. Vamana Temple:
Vamana temple is one of the notable temples of Lord Vishnu. The special attraction of the temple is the sanctum of Lord Vishnu in Vaman avatar. Different idols and structures of the temple look brilliant and attractive.
Among them, Lord Brahma’s Bhumisparsamudra structure and Lord Vishnu and Brahma with their consort’s structures are significant to experience. The walls adorned with apsaras, celestial nymphs, and erotic sculptures showcase the brilliance of intricate carving.
Complex: Eastern group of temples.
9. Duladeo Temple:
Duladeo temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is believed to be the last temple built. The temple comprises five chambers and houses Lord Shiva. The effigy of the four-armed Gana and other carvings stand as the major attractions of the temple.
Apart from all the temples in Khajuraho, Duladeo looks flatter than all. It is the uniqueness of the temple. In a few words, Duladeo is Khajuraho’s simple and artistic attraction.
Complex: Southern group of temples.
10. Chaturbhuja Temple:
Being located near Jatkarivillage, the temple is also known as Jatkari. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was built in nearly 1100 AD. The major attraction of the temple is the 9 feet sanctum of the four-armed Lord Vishnu.
Because of the idol of the four hands of Lord Vishnu, the temple was named after Chaturbhuja. When it comes to architectural marvels, the mandapa and entrance porch look stunning and the erotic poses on the walls of the temple are special attractions.
Complex: Southern group of temples.
Best Time to Visit Khajuraho:
Winter: During winter from October to February, it is favorable who want to explore the chills of Khajuraho. For outdoor activities, this time is the best to visit to explore all the tourist attractions of Khajuraho.
Monsoon: Between July and September, the location looks good with the liveliness of nature. During this time the place will not be crowded so you can enjoy the beauty in peace.
Summer: Better to visit in March or June. Because during April and May, temperatures will be high. However, during March and June, you can have a pleasant atmosphere to explore the place.
How to Reach Khajuraho:
By Road: Khajuraho is well-connected with surrounding cities. So you can use the Madhya Pradesh tourism or transportation services easily. NH 75 connects Khajuraho with all surrounding cities.
By Rail: Khajuraho has a railway station but is not connected well to cities. From Delhi, you can have a train to Khajuraho, which takes 10 to 11 hours to reach. Train name is Khajuraho – Hazrat Nizamuddin Express.
By Air: Khajuraho has a domestic airport, named Civil Aerodrome Khajuraho. From Delhi and Varanasi, you can have direct flights to Khajuraho.
These are a few well-known temples of temples of Khajuraho. Other than these, many temples namely Lalguan Mahadev Temple, Parvati Temple, Nandi Temple, Varaha Temple, Javari Temple, Adinath Temple, and Santinath Temple are worth paying a visit in Khajuraho.
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