About Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho was the capital of the Chandela dynasty, but now it is a quiet
village. In Khajuraho there are temples having erotic structure on their
walls and facades. These are India's special gift to the world, providing
imagination full room to show emotions ranging from love, to joy.
Khajuraho temple complex site is one of the most popular places among both
foreign and Indian tourists. The temples at Khajuraho are beautiful pieces
of art. The artist's creative instincts have been beautifully captured in
various facets and moods of life in stone.
The temples at Khajuraho are divided into three broad
groups:
The Western Group of temples
The Western Group of temples is the largest, precise and centrally located
group in Khajuraho, it includes some of the most prominent monuments, built
by the Chandela rulers. The Lakshmana Temple, the Matangesvara Temple and
the Varaha Temple form one complex and the Visvanatha and Nandi temples are
nearby from this complex.
The Eastern Group of temples
The Eastern Group comprises of five separated sub-groups in and around the
present village of Khajuraho. The eastern group of monuments are situated in
nearby to the Khajuraho village and includes three Brahmanical temples known
as Brahma, Vamana and Javari and three Jain temples, the Ghantai, Adinath
and Parsvanath.
The Southern Group of temples
The Southern Group is the located at a distance and comprises of two main
monuments near and across the Khudarnala. The southern group of monuments
comprises the Duladeo and the Chaturbhuja temples. The Duladeo is situated
about a kilometer south of the Khajuraho village and half a mile southwest
of the Jain group of temples.
Architecture
The architecture of the temples are mesmerizing and very different from the
temple prototype of their period. The erotic carvings of temples, deserve
watching. Out of original 85 temples, many were destroyed by the British.
And today, only 22 are in fair condition.
Other Attractions
Fairs and festivals
Mahashivratri is an important festival of Khajuraho. The festival marks
Shiva's marriage with Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas. The 2.5-m-tall
lingam of Kandariya Mahadeo temple is decorated as a bridegroom, with white
and saffron dhotis, and covered by a huge, conical, silver paper crown. The
ceremony is a nightlong affair and is performed by the chief priest's son
who anoints the lingam with water from the sacred rivers of India. It is a
wonderful experience to witness the holy ceremony throughout the night,
until the Brahmins stand to throw bel leaves and flower petals over the
lingam, a sign that the wedding is complete. The Khajuraho dance festival is
organized every year in the months of February/March. Famous Indian
classical dancers perform here to display the best of Indian dance and
music. The floodlit temples of Khajuraho provide the perfect backdrop to the
festival.
Shopping
One can buy souvenirs and handicrafts made by the local artisans, at the
shops of Khajuraho. One can pick up interesting souvenirs from the smaller
stalls outside the temple gates. A weekly bazaar is held at Rajinagar on
Tuesdays, located 5 km away from Khajuraho. The market is worth a visit to
buy silver goods and brass ware.
Getting There
Air: By Air a daily Boeing 737 service links Khajuraho with Delhi,
Agra, Varanasi and Kathmandu.
Rail: The nearest railway station are Mahoba (64 km) and Harpalpur
(94 km). Jhansi (175 km) and Satna (117 km) are convenient railheads for
visitors from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Agra and Varanasi.
Road: Khajuraho is connected by regular bus services with Mahoba,
Harpalpur, Satna, Jhansi, Gwalior, Agra, Jabalpur and Bhopal.
Accommodation
There are many luxurious hotels available in Khajuraho. Apart from these,
budget hotels are also available according to one's requirement.
