Khajuraho: Ancient Marvels and Cultural Treasures of Madhya Pradesh
Khajuraho, located in Madhya Pradesh's Chattarpur district, is celebrated for its ancient architecture and rich culture. This historic city is famous for its stunning temples decorated with detailed sculptures. Originally, it had 85 temples spread over 20 square kilometres in the 12th century. Today, 25 temples remain, covering six square kilometres. Each temple tells stories from the past, displaying exceptional craftsmanship and historical importance.
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments, built by the Chandela Dynasty in the medieval era, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Nagara-style architecture and graceful sculptures depicting Hindu mythological female protagonists (nayikas) and deities.
Constructed between 950-1050 AD, these temples are admired for their intricate statues, which attract tourists from all over the world. They showcase various forms of meditation, spiritual teachings, and human relationships through stimulating art. The craftsmanship displayed in these temples is remarkable, highlighting fine sculptures and exceptional architectural skills that make Khajuraho one of India's most stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The sculptures of the Khajuraho temples (Mandir) are truly mesmerizing, captivating visitors with their beauty and intricacy. These temples are categorised into three groups: Eastern, Western, and Southern, each offering a unique glimpse into the artistic and spiritual heritage of India.
The Western group of temples in Khajuraho is located near the archaeological museum. Here you'll find several temples, including Lakshmana, Matangeshwara, Varaha, Kandariya Mahadev, Chitragupta, Parvati, Vishwanatha, and Nandi. These temples are adorned with around 870 stunning sculptures on both the inside and outside walls.
As you enter the Western group, a plaque on the right gives a short introduction to Khajuraho's history. One of the main attractions here is a Shivling and beautiful floral carving in the temple's Sanctum. The outer walls are decorated with sculptures depicting gods, goddesses, and Hindu mythological creatures.
The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in Khajuraho stands 117 feet tall on a 6500 square feet platform. It faces east and features intricate carvings depicting Hindu deities and symbols of life. The temple's exterior resembles Mount Kailash with 84 smaller spires surrounding the main tower. Built from sandstone and massive megaliths, it showcases exceptional craftsmanship and spiritual symbolism.
The Jagdambi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati (also known as Jagdambi), features a sculpture of Lord Vishnu inside its sanctum. This temple is renowned for its captivating sculptures of celestial beauties known as sura-sundaris.
This temple is dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun. It also houses a sculpture of an eleven-headed and eight-armed Lord Vishnu situated to the south of the temple. Notably, the temple features artistic sculptures of divine couples like Brahma-Brahmani, Shiva-Parvati, Bhairava-Bhairavi, and Lakshmi-Narayana.
The museum showcases incredible sculptures and artefacts, each clearly labelled with their names and estimated ages. In the Jain gallery, located on the left side of the museum, you can admire an 11th-12th century statue of Sambhava Nath. Noteworthy exhibits include a sculpture of Varaha with six heads and a dancing Ganesh, both beautifully crafted.
Many other temples in the Western Group share similar architectural significance, making the museum a comprehensive display of the region's rich cultural heritage.
The Vamana Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu's fifth incarnation and was constructed between 1050-1075. It features intricate erotic carvings and a depiction of Lord Vishnu with four arms on its lintel.
The Javari Temple, constructed between 1075 and 1100, sits on a lofty platform and boasts an elevated Shikhara. A highlight of its architecture is the exquisitely carved Makara Torana arch, showcasing the exceptional stone carving mastery of that period.
The Parsvanatha Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, is a Jain temple believed to have been built between 950 and 970 CE, during the rule of Chandela dynasty king Dhanga. Known for its exceptional architecture and artistry, the temple layout includes a small and large hall, a vestibule, and a sanctum.
The temple's oblong architectural design features projections at both ends, enhancing its beauty. The front projection serves as the entrance porch, while the rear projection houses a shrine attached to the sanctum. The entrance porch ceiling is adorned with chain and floral patterns, along with sculptures of intertwined flying vidyadharas.
Notably, the Mandapa door lintel displays sculptures of Adinatha's attendant, a ten-armed Chakreshvari riding a Garuda. Inside the sanctum, there are sculptures of the Jinas, representing revered figures in Jainism. The temple is also famous for its "Jina Square," one of the oldest and most perfect 4x4 magic squares known.
The Duladeo Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of a Linga. Its name, “Duladeo”, means “holy bridegroom,” symbolizing Shiva. Also known as "Kunwar Math," it was constructed in the year 1130.
This temple houses a beautiful Shivalinga and remarkable sculptures of Apsaras (celestial dancers) and ornate figures. Among its notable features is a stunning sculpture depicting Lord Shiva with his consort Parvati. While not as large-scale as the magnificent Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Duladeo Temple is revered for its unique charm and the numerous myths and legends associated with it.
Visitors find the Duladeo Temple to be a place where they can spend peaceful time and reflect inwardly, offering a serene environment for introspection and spiritual contemplation.
Unlike the other temples in Khajuraho known for their erotic sculptures, Chaturbhuja Temple does not feature any.
At its entrance, there is a beautifully carved sculpture depicting Ganga and Jamuna. Inside, visitors can marvel at a magnificent sculpture of Lord Vishnu, in his form with four arms, known as "Chaturbhuj." This temple has a unique architectural style that combines elements of a temple, fort, and palace.
Notably, it features a complex multi-storied structure with a towering vimana (temple tower) standing at 344 feet, making it one of the tallest among Hindu temples. The Chaturbhuja Temple is a place worth visiting wholeheartedly, offering an opportunity for introspection and self-discovery.
Experience the vibrant cultural tapestry of Madhya Pradesh through the Adivart Tribal and Folk Art Museum. Explore 12 traditional houses representing major tribal communities like Bhil, Gond, and Baiga. Each house is adorned with artefacts and daily essentials, offering a glimpse into their rich heritage. The museum also features galleries showcasing tribal paintings, sculptures, musical instruments, and dances.
Just 21 kilometres from Khajuraho, Raneh Falls is a picturesque spot where you can witness a stunning 30-foot-deep canyon and sometimes catch a rainbow over the cascades. It's an ideal destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Located 34 kilometres from Khajuraho, Pandav Falls is another must-visit during your trip, a scenic spot near Panna National Park. Legend has it that these falls were connected to the caves mentioned in the Mahabharata. It's a great place for a relaxing picnic surrounded by natural beauty.
Just a kilometre from the Khajuraho bus station, the Jain Museum houses exquisite sculptures of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras in its garden. Inside, learn about Jain traditions through artefacts and exhibits detailing the lives of these revered figures.
Khajuraho is accessible by train via the Khajuraho railway station, located 5 km from the main town. The station connects to several cities within Madhya Pradesh. For travellers coming from other parts of India, Mahoba is the nearest major railhead, approximately 78 km away. Regular trains from cities like Mathura, Varanasi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Allahabad, Jabalpur, and Gwalior operate from Mahoba.
Khajuraho’s domestic airport is just 2 km from the temple sites. Flights are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, Varanasi, and other cities. Upon arrival, local taxis can be hired to reach nearby hotels or the temples.
Khajuraho is well-connected by road through a robust network of National and State Highways. Regular public and private buses ply between Khajuraho and nearby cities such as Jhansi. Buses come in various classes, including standard, non-AC, and AC options. Additionally, travellers have the choice to hire private cabs for more personalised travel experiences.
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