Khajuraho Temples

Madhya Pradesh is popular through the world, as the state of erotic Khajuraho temples. Built in the 10th and 11th century, these temples are the great archaeological treasure of India. They have been designed by UNESCO as the World Heritage Site for their magnificent architectural work. The exquisite stone carvings on its walls, portraying the act of sex in every imaginable posture, are more than just the naughty pictures in stone. The most popular theme of these temples women: romantic, sensuous, dramatic and playful. The temples of Khajuraho remain hidden from the eyes of public for centuries, but now they have been found and resorted to their former glory. One of the unique feature of these temples is that, they are not enclosed within the wall, but stand on the high terrace of solid elevation above their surroundings.

The temples of Khajuraho are mainly divided into three geographical divisions :

The Western Group of Temples :

The western group is certainly the most popular group. It is also he most largest group so make sure you enough time in your hands. Spread our in the magnificent garden are the famous Kandariya temple with its magnificent tower; the Lakshmana temple, the only one that retains its complete form; the Chitragupta temple, canonizing the image of Sun God; the Devi Jagadambe temple, the Parvathi temple and Nandi temple.

Two other temples belonging to the western group lies outside the garden complex. One of them is the Matangeshvara temple, that lies south of the Lakshmana temple. This temple holds the special significance among the Hindus, as it houses a 2.5 meter high lingam which is still actively worshiped by the pilgrims. The other temple is the is the Chausath Yogini temple, meaning the shrine of sixty four ascetics. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is believed to the earliest surviving shrines at Khajuraho.

The Eastern Group of Temples :

This group of Khajuraho temple consists of three Hindu temples – Brahma, Vamana and Parsvanatha and three Jain temples - Ghantai, Adinatha and Parsvanatha. The Parsvanatha is the largest temple in the group of three Jain temples. It is also considered as the finest temple from the sculptural point of view. Many temples reproduced in Khajuraho brochures are from the Parsvanatha temple. The Adinatha temple, dedicated to the Jain saint, adorned with sculptures of yakshis. The third Jain temple Ghantai has a frieze depicting the 16 dreams of Mahavira's mother, and a multi-armed Jain goddess perched on a winged Garuda. Entry to this temple is free.

Than the Brahma temple in the Eastern Group of temples is known for the four faced lingam, the Vamana temple is known for the images of ravishing apsaras, the Javaari temple for the beautiful ornate gateway and lavish carvings.

Southern Group of Temples :

The southern group of temples consists of Duladeo temple 2.5 km away and the Chaturbhuj temple 4.6 km away from the western group. Standing in isolation, the Duladeo temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and is embellished with the fine sculpture on the main gate. The Chaturbhuj temple is towards the airport and can be visited en route. IT has exquisitely carved image of lord Vishnu.

Things to Do :

Khajuraho Dance Festival :

You can be a part of the week long 'Festival of Classical Dances' that is held here in he month of February and March every year. India's most famous classical dancers perform here against the spectacular background of the beautifully lit temples.

Sound and Light Show :

After getting bewitched with the magnificent beauty of the temples, you can be part of the sound and light show, narrated in the voice of famous Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachhan, is held every evening at western complex is must scheduled part of one’s visit.

Visit to the Archaeological Museum :

If are interested in knowing about these temples, than make a visit to the Archaeological Museum. Here you may loose sculptures and architectural pieces of these ruined temples which were collected and preserved during the 19th century. In 1952, it was taken by the Archaeological Survey of India and was declared as the Museum. Apart from that check out the finer collection of tribal artifacts in terracotta, metal craft, wood craft, painting, jewelery and etc.

Shopping items :

Khajuraho is famous for the Dhokra metal castings of animal figures, votive lamps, as well as brass and stone sculptures. You can even pick up the some of the stone and metal sculpture of Kam Sutra pose.