The
9th to 12th century temples of Khajuraho is the evidences of the
architectural geniuses during the times of Chandela dynasty.
Situated in Madhya Pradesh, India, Khajuraho oozes with passion,
eroticism, dance and music and other finesses of creative arts
depicted in sculpture and images of the temples. The 85 temples were
built in North Indian 'Nagara' style of architecture, though only 20
of them have survived the rough weather conditions over long years
of time. The two richer distinctive groups of temples are the
Western and Eastern group of temples
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. An amalgamation of science
and art of architecture, these 10th-11th century temples have a very
interesting legend behind them that connects them to the origin of
Chandela dynasty. It is said that in a fit of passion and lust, the
Moon God seduced and ravaged a beautiful Brahmin girls known as
Hemvati, resulting in the birth of Chandravarman (the founder of the
Chandela dynasty). Later, Chandravarman had a dream where his mother
requested him to make a temple, which would reveal all aspects of
the treasure of passion and erotic fantasy to the world
The Khajuraho village surrounded by the mountains of Chatarpur
district of
Madhya Pradesh is 395 Km southeast of Agra. Today this
village remains with 22 temples, which give us a glimpse of a golden
time of art and devotion at their peak. Out of 22 temples, two were
made from sandstone. The stone blocks were first carved and then the
interlocking pieces were assembled to form a temple. Each temple is
different from one another
Kandariya Mahadeo
The 31m high temple is the largest and most typical Khajuraho temple
with exquisite carvings and intricate and detailed craftsmanship in
stone depicting divine deities, celestial maidens, eternal lovers,
gods and goddesses. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and
enshrines the 'linga'
Chaunsath Yogini
The temple is the earliest temple of the group that has survived. It
belongs to 900 AD and is dedicated Goddess Kali. It has the
distinction of being the only granite temple here
Chitragupta Temple
This temple is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev). It faces
towards east or the rising sun and the imposing image of the image
of the deity in the inner sanctum is as high as five feet and is
shown driving a horse-drawn chariot. It is in front of this temple
and the Vishwanatha temple that most of the dance performances take
place during the Khajuraho Dance Festival.
Vishwanatha Temple
This temple has impressive entrances with magnificent stone guarding
its northern steps and royal masonry elephants taking care of the
southern steps. The three-headed image of Lord Brahma in the temple
is not less captivating
Lakshmana Temple
A pretty Vaishnava temple flaunts a lintel over its entrance
depicting the divine trinity of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord
Shiva along with Goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Lord Vishnu
Matangeshwara Temple
Situated outside the premises of Western group of temples, this Lord
Shiva's temple is known for the daunting eight-feet high lingam
(male organ representing the natural process of reproduction and the
continuity of human life form) that it enshrines
Parsvanatha Temple
The largest Jain temple of the Eastern group, Parsvanath temple has
intricate stone carvings, especially, the sculptures on the northern
outer wall of the temple are certainly praiseworthy. It enshrines a
throne facing the bull emblem that represents the the first
tirthankara, Adinatha.
Ghantai Temple
This Jain temple has remarkable frescos depicting the 16 dreams of
the mother of Lord Mahavira at the time of his birth and a Jain
goddess mounted on a winged Garuda
Adinatha Temple This temple is richly ornamented with
delicate and pretty scultures including those of yakshis. It is
dedicated to the first Jain tirthankara (saint), Adinath.
Most of the temple here belong to Jain faith but there are three
Hindu temples of the group, namely, the Brahma temple
enshrining a four-faced linga; the Vamana temple with divine
carvings of sensuous celestial maidens in various poses adorning its
outer walls and the Javari temple with a opulently carved
doorway and ostentatious sculptures on its exteriors
Duladeo Temple
This Shaiva temple is known for flaunting the striking images of the
celestial maidens or apsaras and richly ornamented figures
Chaturbhuja Temple It is the huge imposing intricately carved
image of Lord Vishnu in the temple's sanctum, which is the chief
attraction of the temple
Location :
Khajuraho
(Pick up & Drop at Khajuraho City Hotel)
Duration : 6 - 8
hours
Itinerary :
Number of Pax :
Guide Service :
- Optional on Request
- English Speaking or language of your
choice subject to availability.
