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Khajuraho town is full of temples but of a different kind. The sculptures portray eroticism which is not to be found in all other temples. A perfect combination of science and art, this town earned a place in the history during 11th and 12th century, when it was established.
According to mythologies, the Moon God seduced and ravaged a beautiful Brahmin girl known as Hemvati, resulting in the birth of Chandravarman (the founder of the Chandela dynasty). It is also believed that this town is the result of a dream of Chandravarman.
Built in 'Nagara' style (a north Indian architectural design), only 20 of the 85 temples have withstood the vagaries of nature. The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three main groups - Southern, Western and Eastern, all of which are completely different from the other. Among these, the western and the eastern group of temples are richer in architecture and sculptural designs.
Number of travellers say ample of things about it, when we asked, Joyce Fernandes, a journalist in Brazil, this is what she had to say about Khajuraho.
“ Khajuraho temples presents myriad hues of human relationships. A perfect place to spectacle the beauty of a relationship which exists between two people- men and women. I always knew India as shy country but these sculptures opened my eyes as they never hid any emotions” said Ramya Catherine from Indonesia.
UNESCO would not make any site a World Heritage Site. A lot many experts conducted research on its importanc , history, architecture and only then it was made of part of UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE.
The Western Group of Temples
Kandariya Mahadeo Temple : The largest and most typical Khajuraho temple it includes about 900 statues and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Beyond the archway of the Kandariya Mahadev there are the six interior compartments namely the portico, main hall, transept, vestibule, sanctum and ambulatory. The ceilings are the most attractive with delicate carvings shaped nicely. Other sculptures include Hindu pantheon, and groups of lovers, a pageant of sensuousness, vibrantly alive
Chaunsath Yogini : Built in the 900 AD this is the oldest surviving temple in the group made solely of granite and dedicated to Goddess Kali.
Chitragupta Temple : Facing East, this temple is dedicated to the Sun-god (Surya). The sun-god idol, 5 feet high (and driving a chariot), is placed in the inner chamber. Royal processions, group dances and other scenes of sheer luxury are also depicted in the temple.
Vishwanatha Temple : It includes a three-headed image of Lord Brahma, while guarding lions in northern entrance and elephants in the southern makes it more exquisite.
Lakshmana Temple : The inner chamber is dilled with a three-headed idol of Vishnu's incarnations, Narasimha and Varaha.
Matangeshwara Temple : Dedicated to Lord Shiva the temple houses an eight feet high lingam. An open air Archaeological Museum in the south has a beautiful collection of statues and friezes collected from the area.
The Eastern group of Temples
Parsvanatha Temple : Establishes in 1860, the sculptures of the temple mainly portray everyday activities in minute details. A throne faces the bull emblem of Adinath the first tirthankar of Hindus.
Ghantai Temple : A Jain temple, it describes in sculpture the 16 dreams of Mahavira's mother, and a multi-armed Jain goddess perched on a winged Garuda.
Adinatha Temple : Dedicated to the Jain saint, Adinatha, the temple is gorgeously adorned with sculptures of yakshis.
The Southern Group of Temples
Duladeo Temple : Filled up with the sensuous images of the apsaras, and other exquisite sculptures, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Chaturbhuj Temple : This temple houses a huge idol of Vishnu in the sanctum
Panna National Park
Just 57 km from Khajuraho, Panna national park forms a perfect retreat to animal lovers. The park is famous for housing Tigers, one of the endangered species in Mammals.
Kanha National Park
Located in Mandwa district of Madhya Pradesh,
Kanha National Park was amongst the first few parks to come under Rudyard Kiplings Book.
Beatific is one word which could only comprehend a part of Khajuraho temple. You would have gamut of emotions when you would actually see Khajuraho temples.
“ What can I say? If I have to come for a second time, I would not resist. It would be my pleasure.” Concluded Ramya.
By Air : The temples are very well connected by domestic flights from Agra, Varanasi and Kathmandu
By Train :
Mahoba, Satna and Jhansi are the nearest railway station. All of these are well connected to most of the major cities of India.
By Road : It has the most frequent bus services and good motorable roads to and from the major cities of India. This includes Panna, Mahoba, Satna, Jabalpur, Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Agra and Jhansi.
Best Time to come : October to March
