Khajuraho, India
Situated in the forested region of the state of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is a small heritage town, famous for its complex and intricate architectures of unmatched temples. The name of the town is derived from the word 'Khajur', which means 'date palm'. These are available in plenty in the town. Khajuraho becomes a famous tourist destination owing to its commendable adornments carved on the facades and interiors of the temples. These inscriptions display the legacies of the Chandela rulers, who ruled Central India between 10th and 12th century.
At this place, 85 majestic temples were erected. At present, only 22 temples could survive the erosion of the time. Khajuraho still happens to be the place where splendid edifices maintain the artistic brilliance of India even at present. It features 22 astounding shrines that are scattered over an area 21 km². These shrines are planned as per the usual standards of the North Indian 'Shikara' style and the 'Panchatantra' plan. If we talk about the architectural generosity and splendor, these temple masterpieces can be equated to some of the greatest cathedrals of Medieval Europe. Besides, the inventive and bold architectural monuments of Khajuraho have also earned it the reputation of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The temples of Khajuraho are honored to a pantheon of Gods and Goddesses of various sects. They have been divided into the groups based on their exclusive geographical locations.
There are two distinct groups of the temples in this town, including the 'Eastern Group of Temples' and the 'Western Group of Temples'. Most of these are built of pale yellow and pink sandstone. Being a typical temple town, Khajuraho is not only about worshipping Gods or taking holy bath in the pious waters. But, it stands apart from others due to the eroticism and celebration of carnal love that have been engraved thoroughly over the walls of these temples. These medieval artworks of Khajuraho adjoin the 'God Worship' and 'Human Life
Visit in Khajuraho
Khajuraho is popularly recognized for the sheer architectural brilliance of its richly carved temples. With distinct graphics, Indo-Aryan architectural style and unusual carvings, these temples are the masterpieces of Indian artistry. They form the key tourist attractions of Khajuraho. Get information about the major places to visit in Khajuraho. Divided into Eastern Group of Temples, Western Group of Temples and Southern Group of Temples, the small town is dotted with a number of tourist attractions. Read this article to explore the places of tourist interest to see in Khajuraho.
Located close to the left of the entrance, this group of temples is comprised of some of the greatest sculptures of Khajuraho. Top temples of this group are:
It is one of the oldest existing granite temples of Western Group of Temples. The main deity of this temple is the Goddess Kali. The temple is dedicated to to 64 Yoginis who are considered as the signs of the goddess.
It is the largest temple of this group and a prime attraction of Khajuraho. The prime deity of this temple is Lord Shiva. It is erected to an altitude of 31 meters and is elegantly carved with subtle details.
Located close to Kendariya Mahadeo Temple, Matangeshwara Temple is a popular tourist attraction of the town. It is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple witnesses a number of devotees coming here and houses an 8-feet high 'shivalingam'.
It is another temple, which adjoins four other shrines of this group. This is a temple of Vaishnav sect and is known for being one of the greatest architectural specimens of the place. The beam over the entrance to the temple displays the figures of several Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
It is another temple of this group. The temple enjoys a splendid sight with amazing figures of elephants & lions. The view of this temple is simply breathtaking.
Eastern Group of Temples is located on the bank of the Khajur River. Some of the most admired temples of this group are:
It is the biggest and most admired temple of this group. This is a Jain temple, which is decorated with sculptures depicting the ordinary facets of routine life. It also features an idol of 'Parsvanatha' in its inner chamber. The temple is decked-up with elegant figures of celestial beauties on its diverse porticos.
It is another prominent temple of this group, which is devoted to the Jain saint 'Adinath'. The temple is opulently decorated with supple and delicate carvings on three bands of the sculptures.
It is another key shrine of this group, which features a 14 feet idol of Lord Shantinath. This temple always witnesses some phenomenal occurrences. This is the greatest reason of the popularity of this temple.
It is another famous Jain temple of the place, which features an attractive wall painting depicting the 16 dreams of Lord Mahavira's mother. There is also a gorgeous sculpture of a goddess sited on a winged Garuda.
The temple is simple in plan and is comprised of artworks done using sandstones and granite. It is a strong little structure positioned over a square plan, which only features a sanctum with no mandapam. Despite being called as Brahma Temple, it features a Shivlingam in the chamber of the temple and main deity is the Lord Vishnu.
It is another temple of this group, which houses a massive statue of Lord Hanuman. It is one of the oldest temples of the group that draws a huge number of devotees.
Southern Group of Temples also features some of the most admired temples. Know about the temple of this group:
Located 1 km south of the village of Khajuraho, it is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple houses a Shivlingam, which is placed in the sanctum. The figures carved in the temple enjoy soft meaningful features different from other temples. It is also called as 'Kunwar Math' and is ornately adorned with carved structures.
It is located 3 KM south of Khajuraho in a village named 'Jatkari'. At this place, two decaying adjacent temples stand together. One of these temples is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features a marble lingam.
It is another temple at this location featuring an 11 feet idol of Lord Vishnu in a Chaturbhuja shape. On the beam of the entrance, figures of different Hindu deities like Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva have been engraved. It is the only temple inKhajuraho that doesn’t possesses any erotic carving.
Khajuraho, India
March to Mid-June, Hot and Dry
Temperature:28°C – 45°C
October to November, receives average rainfall
Annual rainfall -150 cm
November to February, Cool and Pleasant
Temperature:30°C – 15°C
Sights of Khajuraho
