Khajuraho Temples

State                      : Madhya Pradesh
District                  : Chhatarpur
Location                : 24.85o North and 79.93o East
Elevation               : 283m (928 ft)
Major Attractions: Eastern Group of Temples, Western Group of Temples and Southern Group of Temples
Best Time to Visit : October to March

Known for their breathtaking sculptors and elegance, the magnificent Khajuraho temples present aesthetics at its best. The beauty and elegance of the Khajuraho temples is beyond words and imagination. After visiting the Khajuraho temples one is left wondering about the advancement of Indian art and sculpture as back as the 10th century. Perhaps, there is no place other than Khajuraho, where all kinds of human emotions have been portrayed with such great excellence.

The Chandela Rajputs constructed the Khajuraho temples between 950 and 1050 A.D. The name Khajuraho comes from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which is found in abundance in the area. These temples are considered the "high point" of Indian architectural genius in the medieval period. Khajuraho was the capital city of the Chandela rulers. It was the Chandela rulers who built these wonderful temples, known all over the world for their passionate sculptures.

The Khajuraho temples have prominence of Indo-Aryan architecture. Many of these temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankaras. Originally, the Khajuraho temples numbered 85 but unfortunately only 22 are in good shape. The images at Khajuraho temples are a matter of great research for art historians and main source of attraction worldwide. The erotic sculptures at the Khajuraho temples are of different significance to different people.

Each temple at Khajuraho stands on a high platform with a distinctive upward direction to their structure. This is further enhanced by numerous upright projections to create the effect of an overall lightness. The three main compartments In the Khajuraho temples are the "Ardhamandapa" (entrance), the "Mandapa" (assembly hall) and the "Garbha griha" (sanctum sanctorum). The Khajuraho Temples are divided into 3 groups, Western, Eastern and Southern.

The Western group of temples lies in the center of green meadow and kaleidoscopic flowerbeds. This group of temples is included in World Heritage site and showcases one of the most remarkable sculptures of Khajuraho. The most notable among these temples are the Jagadambi temple, the Kandariya Mahadeva temple and the Chitragupta temple. The temple of Lord Vishnu built by Yasovarman is also known an important temple.

Near the Khajuraho village you will find the Eastern group of temples, which include temples like Brahma, Vamana and Javari located near the Khajuraho Sagar and many Jain pilgrims visit the Ghantai, Adinath and Parsvanath situated little further.

Of the southern group of temples the Duladeo and the Chaturbhuja temples are very famous. The Duladeo temple, built in1100-1150A.D. is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is situated 1km. south of the Khajuraho village. On the other hand the Chaturbhuja temple, 3km from the town is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.