Tourist information about Temples of Khajuraho
An Overview
Temples of Khajuraho dates back to 10 century AD when Chandela kings ordered construction of these innovative monuments of art based on theme which always remained central to human life ie sensual pleasures. Originally there were about 85 temples which took about 100 years to complete and became centre of attraction from those very times. People from all parts of world visited these temples of Khajuraho trying to understand mystery of this magical creation of man. Khajuraho Temples are known for lively sculptures carved out of stone blocks on exteriors. Presently there are 22 temples which could survive ravage of time and are divided into three groups, the western group is the largest and centrally located, the eastern group comprises five temples, the southern group is most distant with two main temples.
Western Group of Khajuraho Temples
Some of the major temples which forms the western group are listed below:
Kandariya Mahadeo temple This is the largest with 31 meter height and most typical Khajuraho temple with exquisite carvings and intricate and detailed carvings in stone depicting divine deities, celestial maidens, eternal lovers, gods and goddesses. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and enshrines the 'linga'.
Chaunsath Yogini The temple is the earliest surviving temple of the group dating back to 900 AD and is dedicated to Goddess Kali. This is the only granite temple here.
Lakshmana Temple The Vaishnava temple with a lintel over its entrance depicting the divine trinity of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva along with Goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Lord Vishnu.
Eastern Group of Khajuraho temples
Some of these temples are dedicated to Jain deities with beautiful carvings. Important temples of this group are:
Parsvanatha Temple The largest Jain temple of the Eastern group, Parsvanath temple has intricate stone carvings, especially, the sculptures on the northern outer wall of the temple are just amazing.
Adinatha Temple This temple is richly ornamented with delicate and pretty scultures including those of yakshis. It is dedicated to the first Jain tirthankara (monks), Adinath.
Besides jain temples there are three Hindu temples in Eastern group which are Lord Brahma Temple, Vaman Temple and Javara temple.
Southern Group of Khajuraho temples
Important temples of this group are
Duladeo Temple The temple dedicated to lord Shiva is known for flaunting the striking images of the celestial maidens or apsaras and richly ornamented figures.
Chaturbhuja Temple This temples is known for its beautifully carved Idol of Lord Vishnu.
Temples of Khajuraho dates back to 10 century AD when Chandela kings ordered construction of these innovative monuments of art based on theme which always remained central to human life ie sensual pleasures. Originally there were about 85 temples which took about 100 years to complete and became centre of attraction from those very times. People from all parts of world visited these temples of Khajuraho trying to understand mystery of this magical creation of man. Khajuraho Temples are known for lively sculptures carved out of stone blocks on exteriors. Presently there are 22 temples which could survive ravage of time and are divided into three groups, the western group is the largest and centrally located, the eastern group comprises five temples, the southern group is most distant with two main temples. Western Group of Khajuraho Temples
Some of the major temples which forms the western group are listed below:
Kandariya Mahadeo temple This is the largest with 31 meter height and most typical Khajuraho temple with exquisite carvings and intricate and detailed carvings in stone depicting divine deities, celestial maidens, eternal lovers, gods and goddesses. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and enshrines the 'linga'.
Chaunsath Yogini The temple is the earliest surviving temple of the group dating back to 900 AD and is dedicated to Goddess Kali. This is the only granite temple here.
Lakshmana Temple The Vaishnava temple with a lintel over its entrance depicting the divine trinity of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva along with Goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Lord Vishnu.
Eastern Group of Khajuraho temples
Some of these temples are dedicated to Jain deities with beautiful carvings. Important temples of this group are:
Parsvanatha Temple The largest Jain temple of the Eastern group, Parsvanath temple has intricate stone carvings, especially, the sculptures on the northern outer wall of the temple are just amazing.
Adinatha Temple This temple is richly ornamented with delicate and pretty scultures including those of yakshis. It is dedicated to the first Jain tirthankara (monks), Adinath.
Besides jain temples there are three Hindu temples in Eastern group which are Lord Brahma Temple, Vaman Temple and Javara temple.
Southern Group of Khajuraho temples
Important temples of this group are
Duladeo Temple The temple dedicated to lord Shiva is known for flaunting the striking images of the celestial maidens or apsaras and richly ornamented figures.
Chaturbhuja Temple This temples is known for its beautifully carved Idol of Lord Vishnu.