Known for their fervid and sensuous sculptures, Khajuraho, one of the UNESCO World heritage sites, is a group of monuments situated in Chhatarpur district of Indian state Madhya Pradesh. Lying at a distance of about 175km from Jhansi, these are temples dedicated to Hindu and Jain Gods and Goddesses. Khajuraho is one of the four religious places related to Lord Shiva. Of the temples situated here, 6 are dedicated to Lord Shiva, 8 to Lord Vishnu, 1 to the Sun God, 1 to Lord Ganesha and 3 to Jain Tirthankars.
Built during the reign of Rajput Chandela dynasty between 950 and 1050 CE, these temples are constructed in the nagara style of architecture. There are historical evidences revealing that originally these were 85 temples spread across an area of 20 sq km but only 20 of them have remained covering an area of about 6sq km. Out of those that have survived, the Kandariya temple is the most magnificent and intricate. These temples are mostly flocked near water bodies which is another common feature of Hindu Temples. As per legends, there were as many as 64 water bodies in and around the temple area. Another feature of these temples common to Hindu shrines is that all of them (except one) are facing sunrise.
The carvings and sculptures in the temples are a sign of Dharma, Karma, Artha and Moksha which are considered to be the four goals of life by Hinduism.
Major Attractions
- Lakhmana Temple – The most ancient and strikingly beautiful of the western set of temples, the Lakhmana Temple is named after the king during whose rule the temple was built. This shrine is dedicated to tridev of Hindus namely Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. With Lord Vishnu, there is Goddess Lakhmi, his consort.
- Devi Jagdamba Temple – A house to some of the most supreme sculptures and art work, this temple is dedicated to the Goddess. There is a huge image of Devi Jagdamba in the garbha griha of the temple.
- Chattarbhuj or Jatkari Temple – A part of the southern group of temples, this is the only temple of Khajuraho which does not have even a single erotic sculpture. Quite famous for its architecture, the temple has a colossal 9 feet tall idol of Lord Vishnu. Also, this is the only temple in Khajuraho Group of Temple that faces the West.
- Chaunsath Yogini Temples – Belonging to the western group of temples, the Chaunsath Yogini Temple is dedicated to the 64 yoginis who are the manifestations of Devi Ji as per Hindu mythology. The temple is built on a raised platform and is surrounded by small temples from all sides.
Other temples in the group of Khajuraho temples are Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Mataganeswara Temple, Chitragupta Temple, Parsvanath Temple, Ghantai Temple, Adinath Temple, Hanuman Temple, Brahma Temple, Vamana Temple, Javari Temple, Dulhadev Temple etc. Beejamandal Temple. All these temples and also the ones described above are a portrayal of music, dance, spirituality, gods, goddesses, flora, fauna, humans, royalty, armies, wars, marriage, lovemaking , meditation etc. all of which are different and important facets of human life.
Festivals and Fair
Every year in the month of February, Khajuraho Dance Festival is organized with Chitragupta or Vishwanath temples in the background. Various forms of classical Indian dances are performed during this festival. Apart from this annual festival, a light and sound show is held every evening in the open lawns of temple premises. The prime specialty of this show is that it is narrated by Bollywood superstar Sh.Amitabh Bachchan.
How to reach
By air – Khajuraho airport is at a distance of 5 km from the main city. Since Khajuraho is a very small town, it has a domestic airport which is only connected to few major cities of the country namely New Delhi, Varanasi, Allahabad, Bhopal and Mumbai.
By train – Khajuraho railway station is connected to a few major cities of the country, national capital being one of them. A major railhead known as the Mahoba Junction is at a distance of 75km from Khajuraho.
By road – There is a fine network of roads connecting Khajuraho with most of the major cities of Madhya Pradesh and rest of the country. The National Highway No.75 and 86 connect the town to other parts of India. Most of the neighboring and other major cities have state and private transport buses plying to and from Khajuraho. One can also drive own vehicle as the roads of Madhya Pradesh are very smooth and well maintained.
