A village in Madhya Pradesh of India, Khajuraho is popular for housing century old temple architecture. The 9th to 12th century temples of Khajuraho sing the saga of the incredible architectural skills of the Chandela dynasty which ruled the city then. Khajuraho is isolated from the melancholic city life a little and environs thus are very soothing and comfortable. The ancient groups of temples here are reminiscent of rich culture and are mainly styled in the format of ‘Nagara’ architecture. The travellers on a Khajuraho tour can expect to see a small town oozing out dance, music, eroticism, architecture and other finesses of creative arts displayed in the form of gorgeous structures and elegant temples.

These temples were erected under the reign of Chandela dynasty and it took over 200 years of time span to complete their construction. A landscape of 8 square miles was devoted to this temple complex which was enclosed by high walls with eight gates flanked by two golden palm trees. After suffering destruction by Muslim invasions, out of 80 Hindu temples only 25 now exists along with various disfigured statues. A Khajuraho travel is an opportunity to peep into the history of India and to witness a sight of the country as it existed in the medieval times. These temples in the form of elaborate carvings depict the lifestyle and culture of that era. More significantly the erotic images of sexual life in that age are portrayed explicitly on the exteriors of the temples. This display of erotic images with such precision and beauty has the quality of inspiring and thus have been a sight of amazement for the world. UNESCO thus pronounced these temple complexes World Heritage Sites.

The Khajuraho temple tour encompasses visit to all the groups the Northern, Western and Southern group of temples. Chausath Yogini is one of the oldest surviving temples of Western group of temples in Khajuraho. The temple worshipping Goddess Kali date back to 9th century and is very simple in design. Built on a low rocky ridge the temple stands on a 14 to 18 feet high platform. Chitragupta Temple in the Western group is dedicated to Sun God and is most impressive for its five feet tall image of sun god riding a seven horsed chariot. Other displays of opulence of Chandela court life on the walls of the temple are sight of amazement for all those on a Khajuraho tour. The Vishwanatha Temple of Western group of temples is one of the most renowned temples for it is devoted to Lord Shiva and houses a giant marble Shivlinga as well as a three headed image of Lord Brahma.

The Eastern group of Khajuraho temples is situated close to Khajuraho village. It comprises of both Hindu and Jain temples out of which Parasvnath temple, Adinath Temple, Ghatai Temple are worshiped by Jain devotees. The three main Hindu temples of this complex include the Brahma temple, Vamana temple and Javari temple. The Parsvanath Temple is the largest of all the Jain temples in Khajuraho and is also one of the finest in India. Those on a Khajuraho travel must visit all these places in order to enjoy sighting the architectural marvel of these world renowned architecture.

By: Gets Anil Chand