Khajuraho

Famous for most striking, erotic & aesthetic sculptures

A historic city widely acclaimed for its lovely temples, Khajuraho in the State of Madhya Pradesh is located in the woody planes of Bundelkhand region. One among the biggest tourist attractions in North India, the city has been rightly called as the symbol of the medieval heritage. The appealing temples of Khajuraho present a wonderful blend of architectural and sculptural sheerness, representing one of the preeminent examples of Indian art.

Architectural grandeur and delicacy of Khajuraho temples, has provided it with the prestigious status of a world heritage site by UNESCO. The centuries old temples are ornamented with most striking, erotic and aesthetic sculptures that expose the philosophy of Hindu religion. The erotic images that adore the beautiful shrines depict the innocent form of love, a manifestation of stimulated human sentiments. A variety of opulent approaches, which are languorous, confrontational, impishly tempting, give reliability to the assumption that Khajuraho’s erotica were destined to check the devotees who came to adore their gods at the temples.

The magnificence and dignity of Khajuraho is due to the innovative thoughts, highly developed artistic sense, and religious commitment of the great Chandela rulers. Being great patrons of art and architecture the Chandelas were enthusiastic in building pretty temples and fabulous forts. A synonym for the medieval splendor, Khajuraho temples illustrate not only the creativity of the craftsman but also the astonishing progressiveness of the illustrious rulers, under whose patronage these amazing structures were envisioned and materialized.

Apart from the poetry-carved temples, Khajuraho is well known for the cultural extravaganza held every year from 25th February to 2nd March. Khajuraho Dance festival offers an elite platform to showcase the Indian classical dance forms, by which the stones of passion of the temple city are plugged with the stunning performances of great dancers of India.

One among the hotspots in Indian tourism arena, Khajuraho offers excellent shopping opportunities with many shops offering mementos at best of prices. With all its magical charm and splendorous past, Khajuraho is all set to win the heart of the visitor.

Attractions

Ajaigarh Fort: Located on the outskirts of the Khajuraho town, Ajaigarh Fort shows the architectural talents of the Chandela Kings. History says that this impressive fortress was built by them when their power in the area was declining.

Ajaigarh Fort stands at an altitude of 1,111 meters on a flat-topped projection of the majestic Vindhyas. A large isolated hilltop fort, Ajaigarh holds the panoramic view of the beautiful Ken River.

Kalinjar Fort: A hub of classic monuments and sculptures, the Kalinjar Fort has a magnificent history. This colossal fortress contains numerous temples and structures within it, which replicate the creative expertise of the Chandela dynasty. Like all other forts, this massive fort also is built for the purpose of defending the kingdom.

Adinath Temple: A sumptuously decorated temple with beautiful sculptures, Adinath Temple is dedicated to the Jain saint, Adinath. Believed to be built in the 11th century, this temple is an important constituent of the Jain group of temples. The walls are adorned with beautifully carved figures of court musicians. Though the temple had not been restored to its former shape, some sort of renovations helped to maintain its former glory.

Chitragupta Temple: An ancient shrine, dedicated to Lord Surya, Chitragupta Temple faces eastwards to the rising sun. An 11th century old monument this temple enshrines an impressive 5 ft high image of Lord Surya in a standing posture driving a chariot of seven horses.

Devi Jagdamba Temple: Devi Jagdambi Temple is famed for its erotic and intensely carved figures. A smaller and delicately balanced temple is bedecked with some of the premium figurines at Khajuraho. The Garbha Griha of this superb shrine houses a huge image of the goddess of the Universe.

Dulhadev Temple: The last temple among the Southern Group of Temples of Khajuraho Dulhadev Temple lies to the south of Ghantai temple. Built in the year 1130 AD, the lovely shrine is a classic example of Chandela art and architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is a small five chambered shrine, with a closed hall.

Javari Temple: A notable Hindu Temple, Javari Temple is located at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. It comes under the eastern group of Khajuraho temples. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this is a comparatively smaller shrine, built between 1075 and 1100 AD. This fascinating holy spot displays typical splendor of the ancient Khajuraho architecture.
Kandariya Mahadev Temple: The most awesome and the largest temple in Khajuraho, Kandariya Mahadev Temple was built in around 1025–1050 AD. A typical sandstone structure, the temple is dedicated to Shiva with a linga at the center of the Garbha Griha. The elaborately engraved main shrine is bejeweled with more than 800 images, of which most of them are three feet high. The temple architecture consists of ardhamandapa, a mahamandapa supported with pillars, the garba griha and the pradakshina.

Lakshmana Temple: A well-preserved stone temple of Khajuraho, the famous Lakshmana Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The east-facing temple is carved with the images of more than 600 gods and goddesses of Hindu mythology. The delicately carved outer wall is only a beginning, every nook and corner of this marvelous shrine is inscribed with splendid sculptures. The platform of the temple has an appealing sculptural fresco of elephants and horsemen in pageant.
Matangesvara Temple: One of the oldest temples in Khajuraho, Matangeshvara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Made up of highly polished sandstone, the eight feet shivalingam is considered to be one among the largest in India.

Best time to visit: Best season to visit here is October to March. A watch should be kept on post monsoon rains.

How to reach
By Train: Nearest railway station to Khajuraho is Mahoba which is located 77 km from Khajuraho. Harpalpur is another nearby major rail head, which is connected to most of the railheads in India. It is nearly 90 km away from Khajuraho.

By Air: Khajuraho airport is well connected to many cities in India, like Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, Bhopal, Indore, Allahabad and Mumbai. All air service providers have flights from Khajuraho to other cities. International travelers can get connecting flights to Khajuraho from Mumbai or Delhi.

By Bus: Khajuraho is well connected by public and private buses. Private tour service operators arrange deluxe AC and Non AC buses to Khajuraho from various cities including Jhansi (177 km) and Delhi (594 km).