Khajuraho

Named aptly, owing to the abundance of Khajur (date) trees in the region; Khajuraho is a major landmark holding religious significance in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The world renowned tourist attraction is an archaeological site of gigantic proportions portraying splendid shrines devoted to Hindu deities Shiva, Vishnu and Jain Tirthank. Travelers can explore the exclusive Nagara-style architecture in the temple complex and browse though the many erotic sculptures depicting Gods of love.

The Rediscovered Khajuraho Temples

The Khajuraho group of monuments extends over 21 sq. km and lies in Chhatarpur District. What today, is an impressive UNESCO world heritage site was founded in the 9th century by the Rajput Chandela kings. The hallmark of Hindu and Jain religions, Khajuraho is home to a summation of 85 majestic temples depicting deities from the two religions.

Made of hard river sandstone, 20 temples from the initial 85 still remain. They are categorized in 3 distinct sections of which the Western complex is the most popular one. Therein lays the famous Kandariya Mahadev shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva by the ruler Ganda who was in power from 1017-1029 CE.

Tourism in Khajuraho

Tourists can spend their time in the village of Khajuraho and visit the rediscovered Lakshmana temple that stands testament of King Yashovarman's legacy. The Vishvanatha temple is another shrine with beautiful carvings depicting scenes from the ruler Dhanga's sovereignty.

Some of the most stunning sculptures and carvings of the Chandela era adorn the internal and external walls of the complex. Many of these are recurrently corporeal and also erotically overt.