Ever felt like taking a walk back in time and seeing the lifestyle and beliefs of our ancestors? Then you should head to Madhya Pradesh and the town of Khajuraho in the Chattarpur District. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is house to ancient Hindu and Jain temples. Originally consisting of 85 temples, now only 22 still remain standing here.
These beautifully sculpted temples gives us an insight about the traditions, cultures and belief of our ancestors. Most of the temples were built to revere specific Gods and Goddesses. So head to Khajuraho and tour these groups of temples that will certainly take you back in time.
How to Reach
Khajuraho is easily accessible to all. The Khajuraho Airport is linked with Delhi, Varanasi, Agra and Mumbai. The train station which was opened here in 2008 connects it to Jhansi. One can also travel here by train from Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Trivandrum. Also one can avail local transport like bus or taxi if they are in the town or nearby.
Photo Courtesy: Sfu
Adinath Jain Temple
The Adinath Jain Temple is beautifully embellished with sculpted figures and is dedicated to the Jain Tirthankar. Here are places where you can stay in Khajuraho.
Photo Courtesy: Antoine Taveneaux
Chattarbhuj Temple
The Chaturbhuj Temple at Khajuraho is well known for its architecture and is also the only temple devoid of eroctic sculptures. There is a 9ft tall carved Vishnu idol here.
Photo Courtesy: Rishav Guha
Chitragupta Temple
The Chitragupta temple is dedicated to the Sun God 'Surya'. The temple is built facing the east so that it faces the rising sun.
Photo Courtesy: Rajenver
Devi Jagdamba Temple
The Devi Jagdamba Temple is dedicated to the Goddess of the Universe. Smaller in structure compared to the other temples here, it is home to some of the finest sculptures of Khajuraho.
Photo Courtesy: Arian Zwegers
Dulhadev Temple
The Duhadev temple enshrines a Shivlingam. It has many a sculptures carved into the temple structure of which the apsara and the ornamented figures are most striking.
Photo Courtesy: Asitjain
Kandariya Mahadeo Temple
The Kandariya Mahadeo Temple is decorated with plenty of sculptures which is considered to be among the masterpieces of Indain art.
Photo Courtesy: dalbera
Lakshmana Temple
The oldest of temples in this region, is named after the ruler who built it. There is a horizontal beam over the enterance of this Vishnu temple which shows the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
Photo Courtesy: Aakash.gautam
Parsvanath Temple
The Parsvanath Temmple is the largest in the group and flaunts exquisite carvings in its structure. The temple has three roofs which shows a mixture of Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim influences.
Photo Courtesy: Marcin Białek
Vamana Temple
The Vamana temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Vamana is believed to the dwarf avatar of Vishnu. The temple is located in a secluded spot and has a simple architectural design.
Photo Courtesy: Sfu
Varaha Temple
The Varaha temple is yet again dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his boar avatar. There is a statue of the Varaha with a Sheshnag lying beneath it at the center.
Photo Courtesy: Rajenver
Vishwanath Temple
The Vishwanath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva or Mahadev. This temple also has another temple within it dedicated to Nandi the bull, who is the companion, attendant and closest aid to Lord Shiva. Here is the list of other attractions that you can visit near Khajuraho.
Photo Courtesy: Airunp