Khajuraho Temples - Temples of Love

Khajuraho India quick facts

State:

Madhya Pradesh

Location:

The City of Khajuraho is situated in the forested plains of Madhya Pradesh in the region known as Bundelkhand and at a reasonable distance from most cities and town centers of the state

Main Attractions:

Western Group of Temples, Eastern Group of Temples Southern Group of Temples

Khajuraho Dance Festival:

Khajuraho Dance Festival is held from – 25^th Feb – 30^th Feb

World Heritage Site:

Western Group of Temples

Right through the Mughal invasion and the early British forays into the country, Khajuraho temples in India remained unknown. Rediscovered in this century, they are fine reminders of India's glorious past.

Khajuraho Temples - Temples of Love

To some, Khajuraho Temples are the most graphic, erotic and a sensuous sculpture of India, the world has ever known. But Khajuraho has not received the attention it deserves for its significant contribution to the religious art of India – there are literally hundreds of exquisite images on the interior and exterior walls of the shrines.

Khajuraho Temples architecture

Architecturally these temples are unique. While each temple in Khajuraho has a distinct plan and design, several features are common to all. They are all built on high platforms, several metres off the ground, either in granite or a combination of light sandstone and granite. Each of these temples has an entrance hall or mandapa, and a sanctum sanctorum (main sanctum) or garbha griha. The roofs of these various sections have a distinct form. The porch and hall have pyramidal roofs made of several horizontal layers. The inner sanctum's roof is a conical tower - a colossal pile of stone (30m high) made of an arrangement of miniature towers called shikharas.

The famous Western groups of temples are designated as a World Heritage Site and are enclosed within a beautifully laid out park. The Lakshmana and Vishwanath Temples to the front and The Kandariya Mahadev, Jagadami and Chitragupta Temples displays the best craftmanship of Khajuraho

Khajuraho Temples complex

For the purpose of convenience, the village of Khajuraho has been divided into three directional areas where the major groups of temple complex are located. These are:

• Western Group Temples- These groups of Khajuraho temples are entirely Hindu, and constitute some of the finest examples of Chandela art at its peak. The largest being the Kandariya Mahadev temple, followed by a granite temple - Chaunsath Yogini. The Chitragupta Temple is dedicated to the Sun God, while the Vishwanath Temple sports a three-headed image of Brahma – the Creator of the Universe. The Lakshmana Temple is superbly decorated, while the Devi Jagdambi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Other temples in the Western Group include the Varaha Temple with a nine-foot high boar-incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the Matangeshwara Temple with a eight-feet high lingam, and the Brahma Temple.

• Eastern Group Temples- This group of Khajuraho temples comprises of two historic Jain temples. The Adinath Temple lavishly embellished with sculpted figures, and the Parsvanath Temple which is the largest Jain temple, sculpted with charming detail. There are other shrines such as the Vamana Temple with apsaras (fairies) in sensuous poses, and the Javari Temple that has a richly-carved doorway.

• Southern Group Temples- This southern group has two impressive temples, mainly belonging to the 12th century – the Chaturbhuj Temple, with a massive, carved image of Vishnu, and the Duladeo Temple, one of the last temples of the Chandela era, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Symbolizing a medieval legacy, the Khajuraho temples of India are a perfect combination of architectural and sculptural excellence, representing one of the finest examples of Indian art.

Shopping And Souvenirs Around Khajuraho Temples-Being one of the most visited temples in India, many shops have mushroomed around the temple complex which offers souvenirs at best of prices. There are number of stalls in front of these temples that present a wide array of articles which are worth buying.

Khajuraho Temple Dance Festival- This dance festival is held every year from 25th February to 2nd March, the Khajuraho Dance festival has become a platform that showcase some of the best and distinctive Indian classical dance forms that include Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odisi, Kathakali etc. For over 25 years now, the carved stones fill with life during the month of Feb as music and dance take centers stage as in the former days.

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.
• Train- 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.

Accommodation Options at Khajuraho India

There a wide range of accommodation options available. Ranging from budget to deluxe, Hotels in Khajuraho offer good accommodation at your price.

5 star hotels

• Jass Trident
• Hotel Chandela

3 star hotel

• Hotel Khajuraho Ashok
• Usha Bundela
• Kairali Ayurvedic Health Spa

Quick Facts About Khajuraho India 

State :	Madhya Pradesh
Location :	The City of Khajuraho is situated in the forested plains of Madhya Pradesh in the region known as Bundelkhand and at a reasonable distance from most cities and town centers of the state
Main Attractions :	Western Group of Temples Eastern Gropu of Southern Group of Temples
Khajuraho Dance Festival :	Khajuraho Dance Festival is held from - 25 th Feb - 30 th Feb
World Heritage Site :	Western Group of Temples

¤ Khajuraho Temples India

For the purpose of convenience, the village of Khajuraho has been divided into three directional areas where the major groups of temples are located.These are:

Western Group Temples 
These groups of Khajuraho temples are entirely Hindu, and constitute some of the finest examples of Chandela art at its peak. The largest being the Kandhariya Mahadev, followed by a granite temple - Chaunsath Yogini. The Chitragupta Temple is dedicated to the Sun God, while the Vishwanath Temple sports a three-headed image of Brahma – the Creator of the Universe. The Lakshmana Temple is superbly decorated, while the Devi Jagdambi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Other temples in the Western Group include the Varaha Temple with a nine-feet high boar-incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the Matangeshwara Temple with a eight-feet high lingam, and the Brahma Temple.