The Khajuraho Group of Monuments in Khajuraho a town in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, located in Chhatarpur District, about 620 kilometres (385 mi) southeast of New Delhi, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Khajuraho has the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculptures.
The name Khajuraho, ancient "Kharjuravāhaka", is derived from the Sanskrit words kharjura = date palm and vāhaka = "one who carries". In the 19th century, British engineer T.S. Burt arrived in the area, followed by General Alexander Cunningham. Cunningham put Khajuraho on the world map when he explored the site on behalf of the Archaeological Survey of India and described what he found in glowing terms. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered to be one of the "seven wonders" of India.
Khajuraho, a popular tourist destination, is located in Madhya Pradesh, India. Khajuraho temples hold a very important place in Indian Mythology. The temples are divided geographically into four directions. The sandstone temples stand tall and epitomise the dignity of the Chandela Rajputs, who once ruled the city. It took them more than two hundred years to build this eternal group of monuments.
Kandariya Mahadev Temple
In Khajuraho group of temples, Kandariya Mahadev temple is the largest and tallest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The architectural styles of the temple resemble the Mount Kailash with the main spire at a height of 31 meters. The Shiva Linga in the temple made of marble is the major attraction of the temple. Here you can see nearly 800 carved sculptures and 646 statues.
Chausath Yogini Temple
Chausath Yogini temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to 64 Yoginis means different forms of Mother Goddess. This temple in Khajuraho is the oldest one and most of the sculptures are ruined. The temple structure is like a courtyard surrounded with numerous temples and these temples houses the Yoginis.
Lakshmana Temple
Lakshmana temple is one of the biggest stone temples in Khajuraho and it was dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In Khajuraho group of temples, this temple is the most popular one. The major architectural attractions of this temple are detailed outer walls sculptures, Lord Vishnu’s reincarnation statue, some erotic structures and sculptures of elephants and horsemen etc.
Adinath Temple
Adinath temple is a well-known Jainism temple dedicated to Jain Tirthankara Adinatha. Even though it is a Jainism temple but on the outer walls, Hindu deities was showcased. The significant architectural attractions of this temple are different sculptures belongs to Jain and Hindu deities such as Yakshinis, Chakreshvari, Ambika, Garuda, etc. The lotus position of Adinath is the must-see statue in Adinath temple.
Matangeshwar Temple
Matangeshwar temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is very famous in Khajuraho and ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) also declared this temple as Monument of National Importance. Here in this temple, Lord Shiva is considered as sage Matang. In this temple, you can find numerous Shiva lingas. The ceiling of this temple adorns beautiful architectural sculptures but the exteriors and interiors of the temple remain plan.
Javari Temple
Javari temple in Khajuraho was dedicated to Lord Vishnu. But the main idol of Lord Vishnu is broken and headless. The architectural attractions of this temple are entrance sanctum depicting various sculptures of Lord Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu, beautiful Makara arch, and other exquisite ceilings of the temple. The outer walls carved sculptures of this temple are great architect marvel pieces.
Devi Jagdamba Temple
Devi Jagdamba Temple is a finely decorated temple in Khajuraho dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. This temple is known for exquisite erotic sculptures and three bands carvings encircling the temple. The major attraction of this temple is the sanctum of Goddess Parvathi Devi. The architectural attractions of the temple are numerous sculptures of pairs of men and women, surasundaris, sardulas etc.
Chitragupta Temple
Chitragupta Temple is a Hindu deity temple dedicated to Sun god Surya in Khajuraho. This temple is known for ornate and detail carvings. The major architectural attractions of this temple are the large hall with an octagonal ceiling and the Lord Vishnu’s 10 incarnations statue. And the other attractions of Chitragupta temple are some erotic sculptures like mithuna couple, surasundaris, apsaras etc.
Parsvanath Temple
Parsvanath temple is the largest Jain temple in a group of Khajuraho temples. Entrance structure and the detailed carvings of this temple are the best examples of architectural styles. The major attraction of this temple is its main sanctum of Parsvanath with miniature scriptures. And the exteriors of the temple poses different Hindu deities sculptures and carvings.
