An Overall View of Khajuraho

Khajuraho is one of the most famous tourist places in India. It's a village of Madhya Pradesh located in the Chhatarpur district. Ancient temples in Khajuraho are located between green lawns, glowing with sandstone. Khajuraho is well-known for its own beauty of external erotic sculpture of divine life.

These monuments are listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site and have become centre of attraction for tourists. Visit Khajuraho during winters between October and March, as summers are very hot.

History

Khajuraho was capital of the Chandela Rajput, a Hindu dynasty which ruled over centuries. Chandela rulers constructed these temples in style of Indo-Aryans. These temples of Khajuraho were almost lost, but rediscovered in 1838. Today only 22 temples exist, among 85 temples constructed.

The Khajuraho temples are devoted to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Jain Tirthankaras. As carved in sculptures, one of the ways to reach God is meditation to gain knowledge and wisdom.

Three Geographical Divisions

1) Western

Western Group is known as World Heritage site for its romantic sculptures. Examples are: eternal Kandariya Mahadeva, Jagdambi Temple and Chitragupta temples.

The Lakshmana temple, devoted to Lord Vishnu, a starting point to hunt treasures of rich legacy of Khajuraho. It was built by Yasovarman in 954 AD. The temple is known for its erotic sculptures and artistic images, which displays daily activity, playing music and dancing. Its height is 25m and length is 30m. The main attraction is sculpture of yogi in shirshasan pose and couples sculptures. It includes Vishwanath, Parvati and Devi Jagdamba Temple.

2) Eastern

It includes Brahma, Javari and Vamana which are situated near Khajuraho Sagar. Jain pilgrims in eastern group are Adinath, Ghantai and Prarsvanath located in south.

3) Southern

This group includes temples like Duladeo and Chaturbhuja. In 1100-1150 AD, Duladeo temple was constructed devoted to Lord Shiva. It is situated at 1 km distance towards south of Khajuraho. The Chaturbhuja temple is located at 3 km distance from Khajuraho, devoted to Lord Vishnu.

Erotic Khajuraho Temples

The temple of Khajuraho was constructed using coarse granite. Till 12 th century, construction of temple continued. The World Heritage statues are constructed in pink, fine-grained color and pale yellow sandstone. These temples are included in various religious sects such as Vaishnava, Jain and Shaiva

Erotic Sculptures

It includes images of ‘Parsva', ‘Parivara', ‘Devatas', ‘Devatas', Sura-Sundaris' and ‘Apsaras'. Along with romantic postures, it contains images of angelic dancers and gods-goddesses.

Excursions

Other worth seeing places are:

1) Dhubela Museum

It is about 64 km. It contains huge varieties of the Shakti Cult Sculpture and weapons, garments and paints. The timings are 1000-1700 hrs and closed during Gazette holidays as well as Mondays.

2) Archaeological Museum

Khajuraho is well-known for this Museum which includes images, magnum opus, sculptures, etc. Timings are 100-1700 hrs and closed during Fridays.

Other outings nearby Khajuraho are: Raigarh Palace – 25 km, Panna National Park – 60 km, Panna Diamond Mine – 56 km, Ajaygarh Fort – 80 km, Kalingar Fort – 125 km, Agra – 395 km, Varanasi – 415 km and Delhi – 590 km

Sculpture Dance Festival

It includes traditional folkdance with music. It is famous for 7 days. The music tunes bring life in sculptures of temples and celebrated in March

Routes

• Air :

Services of Indian Airlines links Khajuraho with Delhi as well as other parts.

• Rail :

It is 110 km. Harpalpur is neighboring place for visiting Khajuraho. Other main rail junctions to visit include Satna (117 km) and Jhansi (175 km).

• Road :

It is connected through a good network to main tourist places. Other worth-seeing places from Khajuraho:- Allahabad-285 km, Lucknow-267 km, Agra – 395 km, Delhi-590 km and Varanasi-415 km. Bus services directly link Khajuraho with Satna, Panna, Harpalpur, Jhansi, Indore, Bhopal and Agra.