Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of any historical site is its ability to captivate the attention of any observer. This allure stems from an aura, a captivating charm that can easily influence one’s thoughts, replacing them with a deep appreciation for the place. This feeling of admiration is generated by the positive energy emitted by such a site. One such place, enveloped in this aura, is the Khajuraho Temples, which consist of ancient Jain and Hindu temples. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has earned widespread acclaim for its unique architecture and structure, as well as its artistically crafted erotic sculptures, a distinct and beautiful feature that gives the site a unique identity.
- Location: Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Built In: 10th-12th centuries
- Built By: Chandela Dynasty
- Timings: Sunrise to sunset
- How to Reach:
- Air: Khajuraho Airport (from Delhi, Varanasi, Mumbai)
- Train: From New Delhi, Varanasi, Jhansi, Agra
- Road: Connected, but travel can be long
- Sightseeing:
- Kendriya Mahadeva & Lakshmana Temples, Parshvanath Temple, Archaeological Museum, Khajuraho Dance Festival (Feb), Light & Sound Show
History
Originally, the complex housed 80 temples, of which only 25 remain today. Built during the reign of the Chandela dynasty over the course of two centuries, these temples date back to the 10th century.
The temples are divided into three groups: the Eastern Group, Western Group, and Southern Group.
The famous statues and carvings found in these temples often depict sexual activities between humans. It is believed that these sculptures reflect tantric sexual practices. In addition, many other sculptures depict everyday human life, such as women applying make-up and people engaged in various professions.
The erotic sculptures led to the temples being referred to as the “Kamasutra Temples,” though this is a misconception. These carvings differ from the positions described in the ancient Indian text Kamasutra by Vatsayana.
Each temple also features statues or sculptures of gods and demi-gods.
With the decline of royal patronage, the local villagers did their best to preserve the temples. The British took notice of the temples when they became overgrown with trees.
By the time India gained independence, the temples were in poor condition, although they were no longer surrounded by thick forests. Without records of how the temples had been maintained in the past, the authorities decided to plant ornamental trees and rose beds around the temple complex for beautification.
Out of the three temple complexes, the Western Group is the largest and boasts the biggest temple, the Kendriya Mahadeva Temple, along with the Lakshmana Temple, which is also the face of Khajuraho due to its signature erotic sculptures. Other temples in this complex include the Devi Jagdamba Temple, Chausath Yogini Temple, Chitragupt Temple, Varaha Temple, Matanageswara Temple, and Vishwanath Temple.
The largest temple in the Eastern Group is the Parshvanath Temple. The image of the deity we see here was installed in 1860, centuries after the temple was built. This temple exhibits a fusion of Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim architectural patterns. Other prominent temples of this complex include the Ghantai Temple, Adinath Temple, Hanuman Temple, Brahma Temple, Vamana Temple, and Javari Temple.
The Southern Group includes the Dulhadev Temple, Beejmandal Temple, and the Jatkari Temple.
What to See
The artistically carved sculptures in each temple are a delight to look at, and so is the temple premise. The Archaeological Survey of India has developed an audio tour program in the Western Group. This audio tour gives a detailed description of all the information a visitor would seek regarding the temple.
A light and sound show is organized every evening in English and Hindi. This show lasts for an hour and provides in-depth information about the history and the philosophy behind the sculptures.
A dancer performing during the Khajuraho Dance Festival: Visitors must try to arrive in the town during the first week of February, as the famous Khajuraho Dance Festival begins on February 1st. This festival goes on for a week and showcases classical dance by various groups. Modern dance forms have also been added to this festival, which has broadened the horizon of entertainment for the visitors.
The participants perform in an open-air auditorium throughout the week. The ticket prices for this festival vary from Rs.20 to Rs.700, with an additional Rs.100 for using cameras.
The museum near the temple complex, also known as the Archaeological Museum, remains open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and showcases loose sculptures and other fallen architectural remains of the temples. Visitors have to pay Rs.25 as an entry fee to watch the collections of the museum. Entry is free for visitors up to 15 years of age.
Eat, Drink, Collect
Owing to the ever-increasing number of tourists visiting this place, local entrepreneurs have established eating joints for the convenience of the tourists. These outlets serve a variety of cuisines, including local delicacies, along with a choice of desserts and non-alcoholic beverages.
Tourists can purchase sculptures carved out of different metals from the various stores located in the town. A government-run crafts emporium sells statues, artificial jewelry, and handicrafts.
Best Time to Visit
The temples are open all year long, from sunrise to sunset. However, it would be best if you visit Khajuraho in February so that you can attend the Khajuraho Dance Festival.
Visitors who are not able to visit the temples during the time of the Khajuraho Dance Festival should try to visit this town between the months of September and March. The temperature during this period does not soar above 30 degrees on average, thus making it easier to explore the temple complex and the town.
How to Reach
Khajuraho is connected to Delhi, Varanasi, and Mumbai by air.
Direct trains to Khajuraho are available from New Delhi, Varanasi, Jhansi, and Agra. Khajuraho is also connected by road to neighboring states, though the travel can be time-consuming and exhausting due to the condition of the roads.
After reaching Khajuraho, tourists can rent bicycles, auto-rickshaws, or private cabs to move around according to their preferences.
- Also Read: Madhya Pradesh Forts And Palaces
