The Khajuraho Group Of Temples In Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh

The temples of Khajuraho were constructed under the Chandella dynasty, which reigned between 950 and 1050. There are just about 20 temples left, divided into three unique groupings and belonging to two different religions — Hinduism and Jainism. They achieve an ideal blend of architecture and sculpture. The Kandariya Temple is adorned with a plethora of sculptures that rank among the greatest works of Indian art.

Universal Value Of The Temples Of Khajuraho

The Khajuraho temple complex represents the pinnacle of northern Indian temple art and construction during the reign of the Chandella dynasty in the 10th and 11th centuries CE. The 23 temples (including one partially excavated structure) that comprise the western, eastern, and southern clusters of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments are rare surviving examples that demonstrate the originality and high quality of the Nagara-style temple construction.

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments represents the peak of temple architectural development in northern India, both in terms of the plan and physical form. Each temple is elevated from its surroundings by a highly ornate terraced platform, or jagati, on which stands the body, or jangha, whose sanctum is topped by a tower, or shikhara, of a type unique to Nagara, where the verticality of the main spire atop the sanctum is accentuated by a series of miniature spires flanking it, each symbolizing Mount Kailasa, the Gods' abode.

The temple plan depicts the spatial hierarchy of axially oriented interconnecting spaces. The temples are entered via an elegant entrance porch (ardhamandapa), which leads to the main hall (mandapa), from which one can access the vestibule (antarala) before reaching the sanctum (garbhagriha). The temples' main rooms were frequently accompanied by lateral transepts with projecting windows and a circumambulatory circuit around the sanctum. Larger temples had an extra set of transepts, as well as ancillary shrines on the four corners of their jagati.

The Khajuraho temples are famous for the seamless blending of sculptures with their construction. anthropomorphic and non-anthropomorphic motifs reflecting holy and secular themes are abundantly carved on all surfaces. The holy belief system is reflected in sculptures representing acts of worship, clan and minor deities, and lovers in a union. Domestic scenes, teachers and students, dancers and musicians, and romantic couples are examples of other topics that reflect social life. The master craftsmen's composition and technique give the stone surfaces of the Khajuraho temples a special vibrancy and sensitivity to the warmth of human emotions.

Integrity

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments contains all of the features required to reflect its Outstanding Universal Value, including 23 temples that illustrate the originality and high quality achieved in northern Indian Nagara-style temple buildings. The property is of sufficient scale to permit a thorough portrayal of the features and processes that transmit the value of the property, and it is free of the negative consequences of development and/or neglect.

To conserve the temples within their landscape setting, the western, eastern, and southern groupings are each gated, defining the protected boundaries. This prevents the spread of settlements that were once part of the Chandella Empire. The neighboring Khajuraho Airport, in the form of harmful vibrations, increased volume of dust particles, and so on, has been identified as a potential threat to the property's integrity.

Architectural Significance

The temples are composed of sandstone and granite and follow the design sensibility of Nagara-style buildings. Except for the Chaturbhuja temple, all temples face the sun, which is a frequent aesthetic in Hindu temples. The male and female deities reveal a co-dependence of masculine and feminine power. The temples are based on the classic mandala shape of a square and circles. The entire precinct is divided into three zones that join together to form a pentagon. The following temples are housed in the three zones:

Kandariya Mahadeo temple, Lakshmana temple, Chausat Yogini Temple, Jagadambi temple, Chitragupta temple, Matangeshwara temple, Vishwanath temple, and Varaha temple comprise the Western Group of Temples.

Ghantai temple, Parasvanath temple, Adinath temple, Brahma temple, Hanuman temple, Javari, and Vamana temple are all part of the Eastern Group of Temples.

Beejamandal temple, Dulhadev temple, Jatkari temple, and Chaturbhuj temple are all part of the Southern Group of Temples.

Khajuraho Temple Timings

The visiting hours for Khajuraho Temple are from 8 am to 6 pm.

Light And Sound Show

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department organizes the light and sound show at the Khajuraho Temple. Two shows are accessible in two languages: English and Hindi. And the timings for these shows at the Khajuraho Temple alter between winter and summer. Winter hours are from 6.30 p.m. to 7.25 p.m. and run from October to February. Summer hours are 7.30 p.m. to 8.25 p.m. from March to September. The entry cost for Indian visitors is Rs 250, while foreign visitors pay Rs 700. There is no admission fee for children under the age of five. The ticket office and gate for the light and sound performance are separate from the main entrance to the temple complex.

How To Reach The Temple

By Air

The Khajuraho Temple Complex is only a kilometer distant from the Khajuraho Airport. It has flights from both Delhi and Varanasi.

By Train

Khajuraho Railway Station, located in the Chhatarpur district, is 5 kilometers from the Khajuraho temple. Trains run from Delhi to Khajuraho, Agra to Khajuraho, Varanasi to Khajuraho, and other cities. To get to town, take the Khajuraho-Hazrat Nizamuddin Express, the UP Sampark Kranti Express, or the Bundelkhand Link Express.

By Road

The Khajuraho Bus Stand is one kilometer from the Khajuraho Temple. Buses run from Delhi to Khajuraho, Agra to Khajuraho, Indore to Khajuraho, Bhopal to Khajuraho, and other locations.

Best Time To Visit The Temple

Winter, from October to March, is the finest time to visit Khajuraho. If you are interested in culture, you should visit Khajuraho during the annual Khajuraho Dance Festival. Every February, a week-long classical dance event is organized. It is a must-attend if you are a fan of Indian traditional dance styles or wish to admire the aesthetic of the cultural performances against the backdrop of the historic temple.