Khajuraho derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) found in abundance in the area. The temples are superb examples of Indo-Aryan architecture, built in the short span of a hundred years, under the generous and artistic patronage of the Chandela Rajput kings of Central India in a truly inspired burst of creativity. In the temple architecture of India, the Khajuraho complex remains unique. Khajuraho is located in the forested plains of Madhya Pradesh in the Bundelkhand region.
ATTRACTIONS IN & AROUND
ADINATHA TEMPLE
Dedicated to the Jain saint, Adinath, the temple is lavishly embellished with sculpted figures, including Yakshis. The three Hindu temples of the group are the Brahma, containing a four-faced lingam, the Vamana, which is adorned on its outer walls with carvings of apsaras in a variety of sensuous attitudes and the Javari, with a richly-carved gateway and exterior Group.
BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK
Bandhavgarh national park is set amidst the Vindhya ranges with a series of ridges running through it and with the highest known density of tiger population in India. Initially this park was the royal hunting ground for the rulers of Rewa but in 1968 it was declared a park. This is also known as White Tiger territory but the other species found in abundance are the gaur or Indian bison, the Sambar, the barking deer and the Nilgai.
BRAHMA TEMPLE
Built in circa AD 900 dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple stands on an 11 feet high ’jagati’ (platform) on the east bank of the Ninora Tal, the largest tank in Khajuraho. The temple is actually a small square shrine resting on twelve pilasters of granite.
CHAUNSATH YOGINI TEMPLE
Chaunsat Yogini is the oldest of the surviving temples of Khajuraho, dedicated to goddess Kali. This is the only temple in Khajuraho built in granite. The name chaunsat (sixty-four) comes from the cells of 64 attendants of Goddess Kali, while one belongs to the goddess herself.
CHITRAKOOT
This large sprawling town stands on the banks of the Mandakini River about 132 km from Khajuraho and it was here that Brahma, Vishnu and Siva are believed to have been born and taken on their incarnations. Bathing Ghats line the Mandakini River. Both Madhya Pradesh Tourism and Uttar Pradesh Tourism have Tourist Bungalows here.
DEVI JAGDAMBE TEMPLE
This temple is considered by many to be the most erotic temples of Khajuraho. The temple houses the image of mithuna and the sensuously carved figures. It is not clear until today as to which deity this temple is dedicated, but it was probably originally dedicated to Parvati and then Kali.
DULADEO TEMPLE
Dedicated to Shiva, the apsara and ornamented figures are the temple’s most striking features.
KANDARIYA MAHADEV TEMPLE
This temple dedicated to Shiva is the largest in Khajuraho dating back to the 11th century. The sanctum sanctorum enshrines a lingam. Particularly noteworthy are the entrances arc, the ceilings and pillars of the interior compartments. The sculptures on this temple are conspicuously slender and tall.
KHAJURAHO
Each temple here is dedicated to a different deity, and architecturally these temples are unique. Most temples are dedicated either to Vishnu, the premium god of the Vaishnavist sect or to Shiva, the premium god of the Shaivite sect. But this small one is dedicated to Shiva’s wife, Parvati.
LAKSHMANA TEMPLE
This is one of the oldest and most impressively designed temples of the western group of temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The lintel over the entrance of this beautiful Vaishnavite temple shows the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva with Lakshmi, Vishnu’s consort. The finely carved sanctum has a three-headed idol of Vishnu’s incarnations, Narsimha and Varaha.
MATANGESWARA TEMPLE
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated outside the ASI compound it boasts of an eight-feet-high lingam and draws large crowds during Mahashivratri. It has one of the largest lingams in North India, made in highly polished yellow sandstone. Morning and evening aarti hours are a good time to visit this temple.
PANNA NATIONAL PARK
Panna National Park, 32 kms. away from Khajuraho spreads along the river Ken. The jungles harbor many species of wildlife. The tiger can be glimpsed here, with other rare species such as the Leopard, Wolf, Gharial, Herds of Bluebull, Chinkara and Sambar. On the road to Panna are the spectacular Pandav Falls. This is an ideal place for wildlife watchers.
PARSHVANATHA TEMPLE
The temple of Parsvanath is the largest of the Jain temples in Khajuraho originally dedicated to Adinath and latter to Parsvanath. Near this temple is the temple of Adinath with fine carvings. The temple is quite similar to the Hindu temples of Khajuraho. It is also the group’s largest Jain temple and exquisite in detail.
SHANTI NATH
Shantinath is the youngest of all the temples in Khajuraho and though it looks like the most other temples it is just a century old. The temple has a four and a half meter statue of Adinath extensively modernized. This is the main shrine of present-day Jain worship.
THE CHITRAGUPTA TEMPLE
Facing eastwards to the rising sun, the temple is dedicated to the sun god, Surya. The image of the deity in the inner sanctum is particularly imposing. The group scenes depict royal processions and group dances, reflecting the lavish lifestyle of the Chandela courts.
THE WESTERN GROUP
The western group is near the tourist part of town containing the Varaha Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, in the form of a boar, the best-preserved Lakshmana Temple, the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Chitragupta dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. The white-plastered temple built by Maharaja Pratap Singh of Chhatarpur state, rests on the platform of an ancient temple, dedicated to Shiva.
VAMAN & JAVARI TEMPLE
Standing amidst green barley fields, behind Khajuraho village, the temple presents a pretty sight, dedicated to Vaman (dwarf) incarnation of Vishnu. It has a single spire shikhar with chaitya arches.
VISHWANATHA TEMPLE
A three-headed image of Brahma is enshrined in this temple. The approach is equally impressive, with lions flanking the northern and elephants the southern steps leading up to it. A Nandi bull guards the Shivalinga enshrined within, facing the shrine.