Khajuraho – Lost Temples

By Author: Rashmiranjan Patil
Total Articles: 261
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Khajuraho is known for its ornate temples that are among the most beautiful medieval monuments in the country. These temples were built by the Chandela rulers, a Rajput clan of mixed blood claiming descent from the moon, between AD 900 and 1130.

Khajuraho, or Khajuravahaka as it was known in the ancient days, must have been an imposing city; but now only temple ruins are found, spread over 21 sq km.

Khajuraho is located in the Bundelkhand area of Chhatarpur district in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

This temple town was lost till 1838, when TS Burt a British Engineer, after hearing from his own chariot bearer, ventured into the forests only to stumble upon a vast treasure of monuments.

Khajuraho had originally 85 temples, but only 25 stand in varying stages of preservation. The Khajuraho temples have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The accounts of the Arab traveller, Ibn Battuta, reveal that the Khajuraho temples continued to shine in their glory till the early 12th century.

All the Khajuraho temples are built of fine grained sandstone, in varying shades of buff, pink ...
... or pale yellow. Khajuraho's sculptured temples are dedicated to Hindu gods Lords Shiva, Vishnu and Jain sects. But other than the few distinctive differences in the cult images, the architectural and sculptural designs remain the same.

All the temples are erected on high platforms, without enclosing walls with an entrance porch, a hall, a vestibule and a sanctum.

When visiting Khajuraho, it is always better to avail a Khajuraho package where you can hire a guide and visit understand all about the sculptures.

The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions: western, eastern and southern. Amongst the temples, the most famous ones are Chausth Yogini, Brahma, Lalgun Mahadev, Matangeshwar, Varaha, Lakshman, Parshwanath, Chatur Bhuja, Ghantai, Vishwanath, Devi Jagdambi, Chitragupta, Kandriya Mahadevi, Vaman, Adinath and Duladev.

Though the sandstone temples at Khajuraho are world famous for their erotic sculptures, you will only find them on the periphery of the temple and not inside, implying that one must leave all worldly desires behind to be one with God. Only about 10% of the sculptures are erotic.

Khajuraho is also famous as the host of an annual dance show of Indian classical dance known as the 'Khajuraho Dance Festival'. The Khajuraho temple complex conducts light and sound show every evening. The State Museum of Tribal and Folk Arts has a fine collection of tribal and folk arts and artefacts on display.

Khajuraho has an airport that connects to the major Indian cities. It is also well connected by bus. The nearest railhead is at Mahoba, 60 km away.

The best time to visit Khajuraho is from the months September to March.