Khajuraho is a small city that is situated in the Bundelkhand region is Madhya Pradesh state of India. The city is known for its temples that were built by many Jain and Hindu kings during 5th century. These rock cut temples are regarded as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. These temples are made on the Vindhaya mountain ranges and make these temples much more fascinating and interesting places to visit.
The main theme of the temples is the Kama Sutra. Various sexual positions of Kama Sutra have been depicted on the walls of the temples and this has sparked debate amongst many scholars and spiritual leaders. These temples are not regarded as erotic but they are the sculptures of some of the revered Gods of Hinduism.
The temples of Khajuraho were built by the Chandela kings between 950 AD to 1050 AD. These rulers claim to have descendant from the moon and after the fall of this dynasty, these temples were left to the ravages of time.
Reaching Khajuraho
Khajuraho can be reached easily by air, the airport of Khajuraho is situated about 5 kilometres away from the main city. There are only domestic flights that are handled by this airport. The rail connectivity to this city is limited and a rail link has been opened to this city from Jhansi. There are a number of selected trains that run from few selected cities. Buses are another way to reach this city. There are bus services from Jhansi and Satara to Khajuraho.
Attractions in Khajuraho
The temples of Khajuraho are the main attraction of this city. Many people earn their living by showing the tourists around these temples. There is a depiction of royalty, war, courtship and other interesting elements that described the kings who built these temples.
There are mainly three groups of temples that are made in different directions.
Western Group of Temples
This group of temple are the richest and largest temples of all the groups. All the temples are open from sunrise to sunset. The temples that belong to this group are:
- Lakhmana Temple: This is the oldest and finest temples and is named after the ruler that built it. This temple is dedicated to Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver) and Mahesh (the Destroyer).
- Kandariya Mahadoe Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has some of the best masterpieces of Indian art.
- Devi Jagdamba Temple
- Chaunsat Yogini
- Chitragupta Temple
- Matanageswara Temple
Eastern Group of Temples
- Parsvanath Temple: This temple is the largest amongst this group. The main highlights of this temple are the sculptures that are made on the northern outer walls.
- Ghantai Temple
- Adinath Temple
- Hanuman Temple
- Brahma Temple
- Vamana Temple
- Javari Temple
Southern Group of Temples
- Dulhadev Temple: This is the last temple of this group and lies on the south of Ghantai temple. The temple is known for its Shivalingam. Thee dancing apsaras and ornamented figures are some of the striking features of this temple.
- Beejamandal Temple
- Chattarbhuj Temple
