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Khajuraho - Eternal Expression of Love

The temples of Khajuraho are India's unique gift to the world, representing as they do, a poem of life, to love, to enjoy. Life in every form and mood, has been captured in stone, testifying not only to the craftsman's artistry but also to the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela rajputs under whom the temples were constructed and conceived.

These temples were built in a short span of hundred years, from 950 - 1050 A.D. in a truly inspired burst of creativity. Of

 

the 85 original temples, 22 have survived till today to constitute one of the world's greatest artistic wonders. 

The creators of Khajuraho claimed descent from the moon and the legend behind creation of this great dynasty and the temples is a fascinating one. Hemwati, the lovely young daughter of a Brahmin priest, was seduced by the moon-god while bathing in a forest pool. The child born of this union was Chandravarman, founder of the Chandela

 

dynasty. Brought up in the forests by his mother who sought refuge from a censorious society, Chandraverman, when established as a ruler, had a dream-visit from his mother.

  
 

It is said that she implored him to built temples that would reveal human passions. Why they chose Khajuraho, even then but a small village, as the site of the great complex is open to speculation.
With the decline of the dynasty, the temples lay forgotten for many centuries, covered by the encroaching forests, victim to the ravages of the elements.

 

Re-discovered only in this century, restored and cleaned, these temples once again testify to a past glory.

Architecturally too, they are unique,  being very different from the temple prototype of their period. Each stands on a high masonry platform with a marked upward direction in the structure, further enhanced by vertical projections to create the effect of grace and lightness. Each of the chief compartments is mounted by its own roof, grouped so that the highest is in the centre, the lowest over the portico; a highly imaginative recreation of the rising peaks of the Himalayas, the abode of Gods. Three geographical divisions group the temples :
 

Western Group, consisting of

 

  • Kandriya Mahadeo Temple

  • Chausath Yogini Temple

  • Chitragupta Temple

  • Vishwanath Temple

  • Lakshmana Temple

  • Matangeshwar Temple
 

Eastern Group consisting of

  • Parshwanath Temple

  • Ghantai Temple

  • Adinath Temple

Southern Group consisting of

  • Duladeo Temple

  • Chaturbhuj Temple

Apart from the temples, another place worth visiting is the Panna National park, a 30 minute drive from Khajuraho, spread along the Ken river. These jungles harbour many species of wildlife. On road to Panna are the spectacular Pandav falls. Further away is the Bandhavgarh National park and tranquil Chitrakoot.

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Route Map

How to go

By Road
Khajuraho is connected by regular buses with Satna, harpalpur, Jhansi and Mahoba.

By Rail
The nearest railheads are Harpalpur (94 km) and Mahoba (61 km). Jhansi (172 km) is a convenient rail head for those travelling from Delhi and Madras; Satna (117 km), on the Bombay-Allahabad line of the Central Railway for those coming from Bombay, Calcutta and Varanasi.

By Air
Regular Services link Khajuraho with Delhi, Agra and Varanasi.

Where to stay
Hotel Jhankar(MPT)
Hotel Payal(MPT)
Hotel Rahil(MPT)
Tourist  Village(MPT)
Hotel Khajuraho Ashok(ITDC)
Hotel Taj Chandela
Hotel Jass Oberoi
Holiday Inn
Clarks Hotel
Surya Hotel
Hotel Harmony
Hotel Lakeside View
Hotel Sunset View
Paryatak Hotel(SADA)

Best Season

October to March