Khajuraho is a temple city located in the Bundelkhand region of Chhatarpur District in Madhya Pradesh. The word Khajuraho is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘kharjur’ which means ‘date palms’. Khajuraho is known all over the world for its groups of Hindu and Jain temples. These temples which represent great architectural splendour were declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 1986. Khajuraho is acknowledged as one of the seven wonders of India second only to the Taj Mahal.
The temples in Khajuraho are believed to have been built by the Chandela rulers in 9th and 10th century AD. Khajuraho served as the cultural capital of the kingdom of Chandela kings. These temples which are called the symbol of medieval heritage are made up of sandstones and were built over a span of two hundred years built between 950 AD - 1050 AD. The sculptures on the walls of these temples are highly sensual and erotic. There are also sculptures which depict the daily life of people in the rural India. Out of 85 temples, only 20 have survived the rough weather conditions and ravages of time. This temple complex is perhaps the largest group of medieval temples that illustrate the creativity of the craftsmen and Chandela dynasty's immense appreciation for art.
Attractions & Tourist Places in Khajuraho
Khajuraho Dance Festival, an annual dance show of Indian classical dance is also a major attraction. The festival attracts performers and dance groups from all over India. Large arts and crafts fair is also held during the festival.
The temples here have been divided into three group, Western Group, Eastern Group and Southern Group according to their location in the town.
Western Group
Kandariya Mahadeo
The Kandriya Mahadev temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is the largest temple in Khajuraho towering to a height of 31 m. Kandariya Mahadev Temple was built in around 1025–1050 AD. In the Sanctum Sanctorum, there is a lingam. The temple architecture constitutes of Garbha Griha, Ardhamandapa, Pradakshina, Mahamandapa and Shikhar. The walls and ceilings of the temple are adorned with ornate frescos.
Chaunsath Yogini
This shrine which is estimated to be constructed in 900 AD and is the only temple amongst the Khajuraho temples which is built in granite. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and the 64 Yoginis who attended the Goddess.
Chitragupta Temple
Chitragupta Temple is dedicated to the Sun God. The temple is built facing the east and enshrines a magnificent 5 ft. high idol of Lord Surya in a standing posture riding a chariot drawn by 7 horses. Statue of Lord Vishnu having 11 heads, sculptures of elegant dancers, grand etc. add to the beauty of the temple. The temple also houses an ancient three-storied stepped tank, known as ‘Chopra’.
Vishwanatha Temple
Vishwanatha Temple id dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple architecture comprises of Garbha Griha, Ardhamandapa, Pradakshina, Mahamandapa and Shikhar. The imposing entrance guarded by mighty lions in north and by regal elephants in south is a major attraction. The temple enshrines an exquisite marble Shivalinga. The image of lord Brahma adorned in the temple is also very captivating.
Lakshmana Temple
Lakshmana Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This Vaishnavite temple is also called as Ramchandra or Chaturbhuja temple. It is named after the Chandela king who built it. The temple’s outer walls are adorned with intricately carved sculptures which represent the artistic dexterity of the craftsmen. This well preserved temple is considered to be one of the oldest existing temples in western group.
Matangeshwara Temple
Matanageshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main attraction here is the 8 feet tall Shiva Lingam placed in the sanctorum which is considered to be one of the largest Shiva Lingams of the country. The temple is constructed using highly polished sandstone.
Devi Jagdamba temple
Devi Jagdamba Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Jagdamba who is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The temple was originally dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which is evident by the presence of Vishnu image over the sanctum doorway and intricately carved panels with the images of Lord Vishnu. Some say that this image of Parvati is painted in black while others believe that idol represents Goddess Kali therefore it is also famous as Jagdambi or Kali.
Eastern Group of Temples
Parsvanath Temple
ParsvanathTemple is the largest among the Eastern Group. An idol of Jain Tirthankara Lord Parsvanath is enshrined in the temple. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and detailed sculptures that depict the everyday life and graceful statues of celestial Apsaras.
Ghantai Temple
Ghantai Temple is a Jain temple built between the years 950 and 1050 AD. The walls of the temple are adorned with frescos which depicts the 16 dreams of Mahavir's mother. Mahavir was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. There is also a sculpture of and a multi-armed Jain goddess who is riding a winged Garuda.
Adinath Temple
Adinath Temple is one of the important temples of the Jain group of temples in Khajuraho. It is dedicated to the first Jain tirthankara (saint), Adinath. This temple was constructed in the 11th century. The walls of the temple are embellished with beautifully carved figures of court musicians. Apart from this there are charming figures of Apsaras, the figures of Shashan devis, Yakshines and Vidyadevis which exhibit the skills of the artisans of the bygone era.
Hanuman Temple
Hanuman Temple enshrines the 8 ft. high colossal statue of Hanuman. It is one of the Hindu temples amongst the Eastern Group.
Brahma Temple
Located on the bank of Khajur Sagar or Ninora Tal, the Brahma temple is a simple structure made of granite and is devoid of the ornate carvings and elaborate architectures. Even though the temple is known as the Brahma temple it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Built in 900 AD this temple is made entirely in granite and sandstone. The temple enshrines a four faced Lingam.
Vamana Temple
Vamana Temple is dedicated to one of Lord Vishnu’s ten incarnations, Lord Vamana.
Javari temple
Javari temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was built between 1075 AD and 1100 AD. The temple has an opulently carved doorway and the outer walls and Shikhar are festooned with beautiful sculptures.
Southern Group of Temples
Dulhadev Temple
Dulhadev Temple was built in the year 1130 AD. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the temple enshrines an impressive Shiva lingam. This temple is a small five chambered shrine, with a closed hall. Interiors of the temple are decorated with images of Shiva and his wife, Parvati. The intricately carved jewellery work with minute details is really fascinating. The ceiling is decorated with striking images of celestial maidens and other richly ornamented sculptures.
Chaturbhuja Temple
Chaturbhuja Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple enshrines a huge idol of Lord Vishnu Chattarbhuj (having four arms) which is 9 feet high. The temple dating back to 1100 AD is also known as Jatakari temple. The temple does not have any erotic or tantric sculptures. One has to climb 10 steps to reach the sanctum.
Places to Visit around Khajuraho
Raneh Falls
Raneh Falls is located just 20kms from Khajuraho. Raneh Falls on the Ken river is famous for its exceptional rock formations. The main attraction here is a 5 - km wide, 100 feet deep canyon made of pure crystalline granite. The canon is multihued in varying shades of pink, red and grey.
Ken Nature Trail
Ken Nature Trail is about 22 km from Khajurao and at a walking distance from Raneh falls. It is a jungle track and is the best away to explore the natural beauty of the forests which is rich in flora and fauna.
Benisagar Lake
Banisagar lake is situated 11 kms away from Khajuraho. This picturesque lake is situated near a dam built on the Khudar River. This place is popular picnic spot and boating facilities are available here.
Rangaun Lake
Rangaun Lake at a distance of 20 km from Khajuraho. This lake is situated at the confluence of Ken and Simri rivers and is a popular picnic spot.
Pandava Waterfall
Pandava Waterfall is 30 km from Khajuraho. This waterfall on Ken River. It is believed that the Pandavas spent some years of their exile here. Hence the name Pandava waterfall.
Rajgarh Palace
Rajgarh Palace is 25 km from Khajuraho. The 150 years old Rajgarh Place built was by King Shatrujit Bundela. The palace represents the splendid Bundela architectural style. It is situated at the foothills of the Maniyagarh hills. This palace is now being converted into a heritage hotel. It also houses a museum that has good collections of rare specimens and antiques.
Dhubela Museum
Dhubela Museum located on the bank of a lake is 64 km away from Khajuraho. The museum houses a wide variety of sculpture of the Shakti cult. It also houses a rare collection of artefacts and ancient murals depicting history, development and decline of the famous Bundela Dynasty. The museum has different sections on garments, weapons, and paintings that belong to the Bundela kings.
Ajaygarh Fort
Ajaygarh Fort is located 80 km away from Khajuraho mounted on a flat-topped projection of Vindhya ranges. The fort which is at an elevation of 1,111 meters above sea level was once the capital of the Chandelas. This fort was built during their decline. The fort offers a beautiful view of Ken River.
Kalinjar Fort
Kalinjar Fort was constructed using sand stone and granite pieces. The fort was built for the purpose of defending the kingdom and houses numerous palaces, chhatris, temples and structures within it . The structures within the fort are constructed in the Hindu style of architecture which stands testimony to the creative expertise of the Chandela dynasty. It is said that the fort was built during the period of the Guptas. Later it was captured by the Chandela king Yasovarman, in the 10th century.
Panna National Park
Panna is around 56 km from Khajuraho. Panna is a historical city and has one of the most famous diamond mines of the world. Panna also has one of the most famous Tiger Reserves in the country. Panna National Park is spread over an area of 543 Sq. km along the banks of river Ken. The Reserve is situated in the Vindhyan Ranges and is the 22nd Tiger reserve of India and fifth in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The park is home to a wide diversity of wildlife like the leopard, jungle cat, rusty spotted cat, wild dogs, jackals, wolves and foxes. Reptiles include spectacled cobra, Russel’s viper, saw scaled viper etc. The park also has several species of birds.
How to reach Khajuraho
Khajuraho airport located about 5 kilometers from the town and is well connected to many cities in India like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Varanasi, Bhopal, Indore, Allahabad and Mumbai. There is no direct rail route to reach Khajuraho. Nearest railway station to Khajuraho is Mahoba which is located at 63 km from Khajuraho. Another nearest railhead is at Harpalpur which is 94km away. Jhansi is a convenient railhead (172 km) for travellers coming from Delhi or Chennai and Satna (117 km) is convenient for those coming from Mumbai, Calcutta or Varanasi. Khajuraho is well connected by good network of roads to other places like Mahoba, Harpalpur, Satna, Jhansi, Gwalior, Agra, Jabalpur, Bhopal, Indore, and Chhatarpur. Both state transport and private buses ply between these places and Khajuraho.
Accommodation
Khajuraho has a number of accommodation options ranging luxury to budget hotels that cater to the different budgets of the tourists. Hotels are mostly located in the heart of the town. For those on a lower budget Madhya Pradesh tourism hotels offer dormitory accommodation.