The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India's unique gift of love to the world, are located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Famed above all for the delicate sensuality- and forthright "eroticism" - of their sculpture, were built between 950 and 1050 A.D. by rulers of the Chandela empire.The divine sculptures in these temples, are a tribute to Life itself,embodying everything that is sublime and spontaneous about it.

These magnificent temples lay abandoned,neglected, and vulnerable to the ravages of Nature for a long time. The temples rediscovered only this century,have been immaculately restored and are an inevitable stop while visiting India's ancient and historic monuments. Originally there were 85 temples, of which only 22 still exist.

Their style of architecture was also rather peculiar to their times. Each structure stands on a high masonry platform with a distinct upward direction to their build, further enhanced by several vertical projections to simulate the effect of an overall lightness.The three main compartments are the entrance (known as the ardhamandapa),behind this is the assembly hall (mandapa),and the actual sanctum where the image of the god is displayed (garbha griha). The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions : western, eastern and southern.

Western Group :
The main temples are in the western group. The enclosure is open from sunrise to sunset.

Kandariya Mahadeo : This is the largest, and most typical Khajuraho temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the main spire is 31 m high and consists of a number of smaller replicas. The sanctum enshrines a lingam, while the main shrine is ornately carved and depicts various gods, goddesses, apsaras (heavenly maidens) in elaborate detail.The entrance arch, the massive pillars and ceilings are adorned with exquisite carvings, is most popular with visitors.

Chaunsat Yogini : The oldest surviving temple in the group (900A.D.), this is the sole granite temple dedicated to Goddess Kali.Chausath mean 64 - temple was supposed to have 64 cells for the figures of 64 yoginis ( female attendants) with the presiding goddesses' in the center.

Chitragupta Temple : This temple dedicated to Surya the sun-god,faces eastwards to the rising sun. The inner sanctum boasts of an impressive image of the presiding deity - the majestic sun-god looming 5 feet high, and driving a chariot. It has some very fine sculptures that include processions, dancing girls, elephant fights and others depicting the chandela style.

Lakshamana Temple : This is one of the oldest temples in the western group. The lintel over the entrance of this temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, shows the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva with Goddess Lakshmi, Vishnu's consort.The sanctum is adorned with a three-headed idol of Vishnu's incarnations, Narasimha and Varaha. The latter, the boar incarnation also appears as a nine-feet high statue at the Varaha Temple.


Vishwanath Temple : This a Lord Shiva temple with the image of Nandi bull ( vehicle of Lord Shiva) sitting with face to the shrine. The temple enshrines a three-headed image of Lord Brahma. Steps leading upto it are flanked by Lions on the northern entrance to the structure, while elephants flank the southern side.

Matangeshwara Temple : This temple, which happens to be outside the precincts of the western group, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It boasts of an eight feet high lingam .

Eastern Group
Parsavanatha Temple : The largest in the group of three Jain temples, the Parsavanath image in this temple, was installed in 1860. The sculptures on the northern wall depict everyday activity, in awesome detail. Figures include, the figure of a women removing a thorn from her foot and another women applying eye make-up. Within the temple,a throne faces the bull emblem of first tirthankara,Adinath.

Ghantai Temple : This Jain temple has a frieze depicting the 16 dreams of Mahavira's mother, and a Jain goddess perched on a winged Garuda.

Adinatha Temple : The last of the Jain temples, is dedicated to the Jain saint, Adinatha, and is gorgeously adorned with sculptures of yakshis among others.

The three Hindu temples in this group are the Brahma temple, which has a four-faced lingam, The Vamana temple which is embellished with images of ravishing apsaras at their alluring best; and finally the Javari temple, with its ornate gateway and lavish carvings.

Southern Group
Duladeo Temple : : Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the highlights of this temple are the sensuous images of the apsaras, and other exquisite sculptures.

Chaturbhuj Temple : This temple sports a huge, elaborately carved image of Vishnu in the sanctum.

Festival
To mark the true spirit of Khajuraho, a dance festival is held here in March, every year, wherein, ace artistes of various dance forms participate.