Khajuraho!

The village of Khajuraho has its own rural charm and boasts of a rich cultural heritage. The temples of Khajuraho offer a unique gift of love to the whole world. The tourism industry of India cashes heavy amount every year because of the titillating sculptures inside the temple complexes. Among the tourist destination Khajuraho temples fall second to Taj Mahal of Agra.

The temples of Khajuraho are much different from other temples of India. The temples here are not about worshiping or about deities and goddesses rather they focus heavily on eroticism that can be witnessed in the form of sculptures etched on the temple walls. The temples were constructed during the times of the Chandela dynasty. Earlier there were 85 temples out of which only 20 are remaining which have withstood a great climatic disturbance. The temples follow the north Indian Nagara Style of architecture. The temple town of Khajuraho also has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Most of the temples of the Western Group are large and richly adorned very well showcasing the wealth of the ruler of that era. Most of the temples here are dedicated to Vishnu or Shiva.

Kandariya Mahadeo
This temple is 31 m in height and is said to be largest of all other temples here. The temple is adorned with intricate and exquisite carvings. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.



Chaunsath Yogini
This temple is very old belonging to 900 AD and is dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is the only temple of its type solely made of granite.





Chitragupta Temple
This temple is the chief centre of the Khajuraho Dance Festival where most of the performers perform. This temple is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev).





Vishwanatha Temple
The three-headed image of Lord Brahma here is worth seeing in the Vishwanatha Temple.





Lakshmana Temple
A pretty Vaishnava temple flaunts a lintel over its entrance depicting the divine trinity of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva along with Goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Lord Vishnu.

Duladeo Temple
On the walls of this temple you can find the flaunting images of the celestial maidens or the apsaras.





Chaturbhuja Temple
An intricately designed carved image of Lord Vishnu can be found in this temple.

A number of temples fall under the Eastern Group. They are:

Ghantai Temple
The Ghantai Jain Temple is famous for its ornamental depiction of 16 dreams of Mahavira's mother and a Jain goddess on a winged Garuda.




Vamana Temple
This temple is shows the celestial maidens or the apsaras in a variety of sensuous moods.





Javari Temple
This temple is famous for its richly carved gateway and exterior sculptors.






Brahma Temple - The temple contains the four-faced image of Brahma. The temple is constructed in Granite and the shikhar is of sandstone.





Hanuman Temple
This is another remarkable specimen of Khajuraho temple architecture containing the colossal statue of Hanuman, about 8 ft in height.




Adinath Temple
The Adinath temple is dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara Adinath. The lavish embellishment with sculpted figures, including that of Yakshis is quite remarkable.