Khajuraho Tours
Khajuraho
is a small village of the Chhatarpur district in the central Indian state
of Madhya Pradesh. The tiny village housing just about 3000 residents is
famous for its temples that display exemplary architecture and audacious
artistic statement. The village is flocked throughout the year by foreign
tourists and this huge influx has resulted in a number of hotels,
restaurants and souvenir shops coming up here. The historic temples of
Khajuraho were built by the Chandela clan of Rajputs sometime between the
9th and 13th centuries. According to historical records, 85 temples were
built in all, out of which only 25 stand now speaking of the glorious past
of the Chandela kings and displaying the hidden secrets of mankind.
History
According to legend, Hemavati, the daughter of a king's minister was
seduced by Moon god, while bathing one night. The child born to Hemavati
as a result of this union was named Chandravarman who grew up to establish
the Chandela dynasty and constructed the beautiful temples of Khajuraho.
Temple Construction
The temples have been built of coarse granite and pink and yellow
sandstone, quarried from neighbouring Panna. The temples have been built
in the North Indian or Nagara style of architecture and belong to
different sects like Shaiva, Vaishnava and Jain. Different theories are
advanced as to how the intricate carvings were done inside the temples in
such low light. According to one theory, diggings were made inside the
temples with water in them which reflected whatever little sun rays got
inside the temple.
The Temples
The walls of the temples depict among other things animals and gods,
pictures of couples in intimate positions. The pictures display the most
hidden human desires such as love, passion, sensitivity, joy and warmth.
The existing temples at Khajuraho can be divided into three groups the
Western, Eastern and Southern.
» The Western Group :
The Western group of the temples, designated a World Heritage Site, is
the most famous among visitors. The group is situated in a beautifully
laid out park. The Lakshmana Temple and the Vishvanath Temple at the front
and the Kendriya Mahadev, Jagdambi and Chitragupta Temples at the back
display the best of architecture and culture of the temples of Khajuraho.
» The Eastern Group :
The Eastern group is situated around the Khajuraho village and displaying
immaculate architecture with brilliant figures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses
portrayed all over the walls of these temples. The main temples in this
group include the Brahma Temple, Vamana Temple, Javari Temple, Ghantai
Temple, Santinath Temple, Parsvanath Temple and the Jaina Tirthankara
Temple.
» The Southern Group :
The southern group houses some of the ancient temples including the
Duladeo Temple and Chaturbhuj Temple. Recent diggings by the
Archaeological Survey of India have revealed the remains of some more
fascinating and huge temples.
Getting There
» By Air :
Khajuraho has its own airport which acts as a convenient means to get
into this tiny village. Regular flights connect Khajuraho to other
destinations in India.
» By Rail :
Khajuraho does not have its own railway station. The nearest railway
stations are at Jhansi (172 km) and Satna (117 km).
» By Road :
Khajuraho can be easily accessed through the road route with state
transport buses and taxis available to bring tourists to this temple city.
