The Western Group Temples are the largest of all temple groups in Khajuraho. Most of the temples here are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. In addition, this complex also hosts the daily Sound-and-Light Show in the evening. The most prominent temples in this complex include:
The Kandariya Mahadev Temple: This is the largest and architecturally splendid temple of Khajuraho standing at a staggering 31 mt! The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, whose shrine is 102 feet long, 67 feet wide, and has a tower 118 feet high. Built intricately, the temple can be approached by the eastern stairway and houses within an ardha-mandapa, mandapa, a maha-mandapa, the garba-griha and the pradakshina. The sanctum of the temple houses a lingam, and the walls are decorated with carvings of gods, goddesses, apsaras and erotic figures of men and women. Especially noteworthy are the ceilings and the pillars which are beautifully carved. The outer walls have panels depicting Hindu gods as well as groups of lovers. Step down to the platform and you would find sculpted figures of women playing with a ball, writing a letter and applying make-up, processions of horses and elephants – almost 800 such sculpted images adorn the walls. Giant reliefs of Shiva as destroyer and protector also ornament the walls.
Lakshmana Temple: Dedicated to the Vaikuntha manifestation of Lord Vishnu, this exquisite temple is one of the best preserved of Khajuraho temples. The temple inside, houses Vishnu idol, which is said to have been brought from Tibet and the walls are covered with carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses. The most interesting display is a lintel work depicting Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Lakshmi. Step inside the sanctum, where you’d find a three-headed image of Vishnu as Narasimha and Varaha. The main shrine is surrounded by smaller shrines, which have a garbha-griha and ardh-mandapa. The base of the temple is also carved with depictions of battle scenes, hunting and royal processions. The ceiling here is also beautiful with its lotus carvings and images of apsaras. Like all temples here, carvings of erotic structures decorate a small fraction of the temple. In the main temple, look out for the larger-than-life boar figure made of a single block of yellow sandstone engraved with 627 miniature figures in 12 carved rows.
Vishwanatha Temple: Designed similar to the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, the exquisitely carved Vishwanatha Temple is dedicated to Shiva. The entrance has magnificent stone lions and a procession of elephants that guard the temple. It houses a marble shivalinga and a three-headed image of Brahma. Its most impressive structure is the 6 ft high image of the Nandi Bull. The southwest of the temple has a smaller shrine dedicated to Parvati.
Chaunsath Yogini: Dedicated to Goddess Kali, this temple is one of the oldest surviving temple complexes. It is built in granite and houses almost 35 shrines (it originally had 65). This is one of the simplest temples and you’d hardly find any carvings or ornamentation.
Chitragupta Temple: The only temple in Khajuraho dedicated to the Sun God, true to this it faces east. A 5 ft high image of the Sun God driving his seven-horsed chariot adorns the inner sanctum. Other interesting features include depictions of the royal procession, dancers and scenes from the Chandela court-life. This temple is particularly striking during the Khajuraho Dance Festival, when cultural performances bring these stone structures to life.
Matangeshwara Temple: Located a little away from the Western Temple complex, this is another Shaivite temple known for its 8 ft lingam and a 11-headed figure of Vishnu. The temple is also site to the Archeological Museum that houses statues and remnants collected from temples that no longer exist. This temple is also the scene of great activity during the Mahashivratri festival.
Devi Jagadambe Temple: Earlier built for Lord Vishnu, today it is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Its highlight is the richly decorated ceiling and walls that are carved with figures of gods, goddesses, celestial beings and erotic lovers. It is similar to the Chitragupta Temple, though smaller in size. The balconies of the maha-mandapa are larger that any of the other temples in the complex.
The Eastern Group Temples are a set of relatively isolated Hindu and Jain temples dedicated to Brahma, Vamana, Javari, Ghantai, Adinath and Parsvanatha.
The Parshvanatha Temple: This is one of the largest Jain Temples housing an image of the Jain Tirthankara Parsvanatha. The main sanctum is surrounded by a wall, which is richly carved with figurines of men and women. However, you wouldn’t find any sexual motifs here. Among the notable sculptures are the lovely sura-sundaris (celestial beauties) – one applying make-up, the other removing a thorn from her feet and another tying ankle-bells. The outer wall is covered with carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses and actions from daily lives. Catch the exquisite creations of a woman writing a letter, a girl removing a thorn from her foot, and sculptures of elephants, lions and sea nymphs.
The Adinath Temple: Another temple dedicated to the Jain saint Adinath, it is the smallest of the other Jain temples in the complex. The sanctum houses a 10 ft statue of Adinath seated on a lotus. The architecture of the sanctum is very simple, though the ceiling is exquisite carved in a lotus shape. Surrounded by smaller shrines, the temple is created in yellow with black trimmings. While the inner walls are almost devoid of any carving, the outer walls are covered in beautiful sculptures. Notable among these are a woman reading a sad letter, female dancers, apsaras looking into the mirror, applying eye make-up and a mother kissing her child.
Note – Shoes must be removed before entering the sanctum
The Brahma Temple: This is one of the three most important Hindu Temples in this complex. It could be dedicated to Brahma, though the sanctum doorway also has the figure of Lord Vishnu carved on it. However, the sanctum inside has a four-faced idol of Brahma and the temple is placed on a platform, which is 11 ft high. The temple is extremely simple made of granite and sandstone.
The Vamana Temple: Dedicated to the Hindu god Vamana, dwarf incarnation of Vishnu, it is famous for its graceful figure-carvings and carved arches. The temple is topped by a single shikhar. The temple has a sanctum, a maha-mandapa and a framed area in the wall, which has diamonds instead of sculptures! Around the temple are numerous carvings of celestial maidens in interesting postures.
The Ghantai Temple: Another Jain Temple, it derives its name from the chain and bell motifs adorning the pillars. Though this temple is almost in ruins, you can still see the porch, the maha-mandapa and its frieze depicting the 16 dreams of Mahavira’s mother and a many-armed Jain goddess riding the Garuda.
Hanuman Temple: Housing an 8 ft colossal statue of Hanuman, the temple is almost in ruins. It has an old inscription of the pedestal and the architecture is absolutely simple.
Javari Temple: This temple complex is known for its ornate gateway and lavish carvings of erotic sculptures.
The Southern Group Temples are dedicated to the Hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu. However, unlike the Western and Eastern Groups, these temples lack their architectural splendor and are not as well-preserved, hence these are often considered the least important of Khajuraho Temples.
Dulhadeo Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is one of the two important temples in this complex. It is also known as the Bridgroom Temple and the sanctum within houses a shivalingam. The facades of this temple have carved images of Shiva and Parvati. The temple has the five sections within, including the ardha-manadap, mandapa, maha-mandapa, antarala and the garbha-griha. The ceiling has circular cravings and the entrance to the sanctum has images of Shiva. The outer walls of the temple are more sculpted and ornate. Notable works include images, which are depicted flying, carrying weapons and playing musical instruments. Crocodile figurines and sensual images of apsaras are other interesting works.
Chaturbhuj Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it boasts of a 9 ft intricately carved image of Lord Vishnu as four-armed or Chaturbhuja. Approach the temple by a flight of 10 stairs. The platform is done in white sandstone. Architecturally similar to the Javari Temple, its shikhara is quite simple and no erotic structures adorn its walls. However, carvings of nymphs, lions and gods are quite prevalent. On the entrance you’d find carvings of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.
All Temples Open from: 8.00 am-6.00 pm
Entry fee – Rs 10
Khajuraho Archeological Museum: This is the best place to get a glimpse of the culture of Khajuraho. This museum houses an impressive array of statues and sculptures rescued from the temples of Khajuraho. Among significant displays are the Nritta Gansha, Uma-Maheshwara, Andhakasuravadhamurti and Vaikuntha.
Open from: 10.00 am-7.00 pm (Saturday-Thursday)
Adivart Tribal and Folk Art Museum: This houses a selection of folk art, including wood work figures, paintings and silverwork.
Open from: 10.00 am-5.00 pm (Tuesday-Sunday)
Panna National Park: A perfect escape for wildlife lovers, Panna National Park is located almost 60 kms away from Khajuraho and close to the Ken River. With its deep gorges, tranquil valleys, and dense teak forests it is home to a number of wildlife species. You could sight tigers and panthers, and even herds of chinkara. The Panna Diamond Mines are also located closeby and although entry to the mines is restricted, you can still visit the area.
Raneh Falls: This waterfall is famous for its lovely rock formations and the multicolored crystalline canyon. In addition, its seasonal waterfalls make it a popular picnic area. |