A Perfect Blend of Architecture and History in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

The town of Khajuraho is located in the Chhatarpur District in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the most well-known places to visit in Madhya Pradesh renowned for its ancient temples featuring some of the most fabulous works of art ever created. One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, Khajuraho exhibits breathtaking displays of exquisite sculptures and extraordinary architectural dexterity.

The Khajuraho Group of Temples are what make the ancient city of Khajuraho famous. The intricately-carved structures draw a large number of tourists in the month of February. Discover wonders like the Mastani Mahal ruins and the Raneh Falls Canyon when visiting Khajuraho temples.

Why are Khajuraho temples so famous?

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments are famous for their architectural genius. The temples have been there for about a thousand years, captivating art lovers from around the world. They are a living representation of India's cultural and artistic legacy and one of the best places to visit in Madhya Pradesh. 

Khajuraho is truly one of the nation's finest historical sites. The sensual sculptures here are spellbindingly beautiful and some of the best in the world. The sculptures also depict the beliefs and way of life of the ancient people of India. 

Some cool facts on Khajuraho temples

Here are some cool facts on Khajuraho! Out of the original 85 temples constructed, only 25 remain. The Hindu and Jain religions find representation in the Khajuraho temples. Also, did you know that the famed erotic Khajuraho sculptures make up only 10% of all Khajuraho sculptures? 

Khajuraho gets its name from the common date palm here, Khajura. Panna National Park in the town is home to some of the largest predators and waterfalls in the country and one of the places to visit in Khajuraho. Panna is the biggest and the only diamond mine of Asia glistening with diamonds!

The structures of Khajuraho are regarded as one of India's seven wonders. After being earthed for centuries, the temples were discovered in the 1850s. The best preserved Khajuraho temple, Lakshmana Temple, took nearly 20 years to build is among the top places to visit in Khajuraho.

Khajuraho—History

The world-renowned and majestic Khajuraho Group of Monuments was constructed by King Yasovarma of Chandela Dynasty in the mediaeval era. It is renowned for its beautiful and ornate statues of nayikas. 

The temples constructed between 950 AD and 1050 AD portray elements like meditation, relationships, spiritual teachings, etc. They have found a place among UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India for their masterful craftsmanship, great architectural expertise and exquisite sculpture. The temples can be categorised into three categories—Eastern, Western, and Southern. Get astonished by watching the exquisite, intricate, emotive carvings of the Khajuraho temples on your trip to Madhya Pradesh.

Khajuraho—Architecture

The Khajuraho temples, covering an area of 13 square kilometres, are the finest example of Hindu temple construction in India. The temples follow Nagara style of architecture. The network of sunshines was built keeping on the East-West axis so as they face the direct rays of the rising sun. 

The sandstone temples are built on granite foundations and adhere to the Vastu-Purusha-Mandala design principle, a construction principle followed by a majority of Hindu temples. 

While each sculpture on the temples is unique, they are arranged in a symmetrical way. The carvings on the walls, pillars and ceilings of the temple are extremely detailed. The erotic sculptures on the temple walls are one of the reasons for the temples’ popularity. You will find inscriptions on the panels and statues in the temples. All the temples in Khajuraho except one face east with an entrance in the east direction.

The construction of even Buddhist and Jain temples apart from the Hindu temples is evidence of the commitment of Chandela Dynasty kings to religious neutrality. The Brahma Temple, Varaha Temple, Kandariya Mahadev Temple and Lakshmana Temple among others are some of the main temples here.

Khajuraho—Sculpture

A sculpture is a kind of visual expression and impression, and the temples of Khajuraho most effectively express that. The movement in immovable areas and the life in still stones is what makes the divine building this famous.

The temples in Khajuraho are known for beautiful architectural achievements, spiritual and erotic sculptures and their artistic ingenuity. You move from the real to the fantastical with the metaphysical significance of the temples linking you to the ultimate energy source.

The Khajuraho temples honour the aspects of life including the four aspects—Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksh. Dharma is fulfilling your responsibility, Arth is being good at financial matters, Kama is the act of making love and a basis for reproduction, and Moksha is reaching the stage of enlightenment.

The works of art cannot be isolated logically or classify them as merely sensual or spiritual or beautiful sculptures. When the incredibly divine human body strikes a pose, they take on the roles of someone's Nayika, Janani or Bhagini. The sexual sculptures depict life and created with that very idea in mind.

The legend behind the sensual sculptures of the Khajuraho temples is that the Moon God wooed and had a sexual encounter with a girl called Hemwati. The founder of the Chandel Dynasty, Chandravarman was born to her soon after. As Chandravarman grew old, his mother used to visit him in his dream and urged him to build a temple displaying each part of erotic imagination and passion in existence. The opera, still sung in Khajuraho, is filled with intrigue, tragedy, seduction, and triumph.

The Khajuraho temples are some of the best temple arts in the world and one of the top tourist attractions in Khajuraho. During your trip, as you visit places to see near Khajuraho, you can stay at the beautiful Bundela Resort, a Club Mahindra affiliate property in Khajuraho.