Khajuraho Temples

Madhya Pradesh Cities - Khajuraho

Madhya Pradesh Attractions - Sanchi - Bhimbetka

Location - Madhya Pradesh

Best Time To Visit - October to April

Situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is a small village, with fascinating charm and rich cultural heritage. The magnificent temples of Khajuraho are indeed a perfect gift of love to the entire world. The ancient erotic temples of Khajuraho presents the expressions if a highly matured civilization. It is one of the most sought after tourist destinations of India. The oozing out eroticism and passion of the temples of Khajuraho is what makes them so very unique and beautiful. Seeing the great ratio of the tourists inflow to Khajuraho, an airport has also been built. Tourists visiting the place on a short notice can avail the airline services. History of Khajuraho
The temples of Khajuraho were erected between 950 and 1050 AD, during the reign of Chandela king. The place derives its name from the date palm trees (Khajur trees), which are found in abundance here. These temples showcase the highpoint of architectural genius of the medieval period. Earlier there used to 85 temples out of which only 22 are existing on the current date. In a short span of 100 years, the completion of these temples itself is a matter of great achievement. The temples attraction were at peak during the Chandela empire but with their fall, the Khjauraho temples also succumbed to the changing times. It was later that they were rediscovered and restored.

The creators of Khajuraho claimed to be descendants of Moon God. The temples of Khajuraho and the sculptures are erotic and the very purpose of this is that during those times, when the boys lived in hermitages they were supposed to live a life of Brahmacharis, till the time they attained manhood. However these sculptures were the only way to for them to prepare themselves for the worldy role of 'householders'.

Art & Architecture
The temples of Khajuraho are said to be having the theme of a woman. The various sculptures inside the Khajuraho temple complex depict the varying moods and celebrations of a woman. Every sculpture that one finds in the various temples of Khajuraho is a powerful combination of the visual and sensual pleasures combined with one's duties towards worshiping deities.

The temples are grouped in to three geographical divisions -Western, Eastern and southern. The temples were taken over by the jungle but were rediscovered in the 1830's by a British army engineer.

Khajuraho has the largest group of medieval Hindu temples, known all over the world for their erotic sculpture. The temples of Khajuraho are dedicated to Hindu gods like Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and various Devi forms like Devi Jagdamba.

Feather to the Cap
The Khajuraho temples were designated as the World Heritage Site in the year 1986.