KHAJURAHO TEMPLES
INTRODUCTION
 Situated
in the heart of Central India, in the state of Madhya Pradesh,
Khajuraho is a fascinating village with a quaint rural ambiance
and a rich cultural heritage. They are India's unique gift
to the world, representing a melody to life, which encompasses
all emotions ranging from love, to joy. Life, in every form
and mood, has been captured in stone, testifying not only
to the craftsman's artistry but also to the extraordinary
breadth of vision of the Chandela kings. Temple town of Khajuraho
is much different from any other temple city of India. It
is not about religion and worshipping and deities. The temples
of Khajuraho are instead famous for the eroticism etched on
its walls in the form of sculptures. It is one of the top
tourist places of India. The shops in Khujaraho sell a lot
of handicrafts and some of them are really good and reasonably
priced.
HISTORY OF KHAJURAHO TEMPLES
Khajuraho temples were constructed between 950 and 1050 A.D.
during the reign of Chandel Empire. Khajuraho derives its
name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which can be
found in abundance in the area. These temples are considered
the "high point" of Indian architectural genius
in the Medieval period. Originally there were 85 temples,
of which only 22 still exist.
DESCRIPTION OF KHAJURAHO TEMPLES
The Khajuraho Temples are a perfect example of the excellence
of Indo-Aryan architecture and reflect the joyous celebration
of all aspects of life. The temple complex is divided into
three groups, The Western group of Temples, Eastern group
of temples and the Southern group of temples. These groups
include all the prominent monuments built by the Chandela
rulers.
 Western
Group of Temples- The most prominent structure at
Khajuraho is the Kandariya Mahadeo temple, which is the largest
soars 31 km high, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the sanctum enshrines
a lingam, a phallic symbol. The amorous couples are most sensuously
depicted in the Chaunsath Yogini temple, dedicated to goddess
Kali. Facing eastwards to the rising sum, Chitragupta temple
is dedicated to the Sun God Surya. A three headed image of
Brahma is enshrined in Vishwanath Temple. The lintel over
the entrance of beautiful Lakshman Temple shows the trinity
of Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, with Lakshmi, Vishnu's
consort.
Eastern Group of Temples- The temples
in this group can be subdivided into two one being a cluster
of Jain temples and another scattered through the small
village. Parsvanath Temple is the largest in this group.
The temple was initially dedicated to Adinath but the statue
was replaced by that of Parsavanath in 1860 A.D. The Jain
temple, Gantai temple, has a frieze, which depicts the 16
dreams of Mahavira's mother and a Jain goddess on a winged
Garuda. Dedicated to the Jain saint Adinath, Adinath Temple
is lavishly embellished with sculpted figures, including
Yakshis.
Southern Group- This comprises only two
temples. A track running south from Jain enclosures reaches
the first called Duladeo Temple. It is among the latest
built temples at Khajuraho, more accurate, finer and equally
graceful, with figures of Mithuna (sexual intercourse) and
women in various poses. The other temple is Chaturbhuj Temple
which has a three meter image of Vishnu.
HOW TO REACH KHAJURAHO TEMPLES
Air- The airport is 5 kms from the city centre
and is well connected by domestic flights to and from Agra,
Varanasi and Kathmandu.
Rail- Mahoba, Satna and Jhansi are the
nearest railway stations. All of these are well connected
by most of the major cities of India.
Road- Khajuraho is connected by regular
bus services with Mahoba, Harpalpur, Satna, Jhansi, Gwalior,
Agra, Jabalpur and Bhopal. Khajuraho is 590 kms from Delhi
via Gwalior and Jhansi.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
October to April
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