Updated May 26, 2023
Introduction to Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho temples are a group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples located in the Madhya Pradesh state of India. The temples are famous for their intricate carvings and sculptures, depicting various human and animal figures and spiritual and mythological scenes. The temples were ancient during the reign of the Chandela dynasty between the 10th and 12th centuries.
There are a total of 85 temples in the complex, of which only 25 are still standing. The temples are on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list and a famous tourist place. UNESCO designated the Khajuraho temples as a World Heritage Site in 1986.
The Khajuraho temples have a location in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, India. They are about 620 kilometers southeast of New Delhi and 175 kilometers southeast of Jhansi. The temples have a location in a remote rural area, surrounded by forests and farmlands.
The temples have great religious and cultural significance as they depict the Hindu and Jain ways of life and religious beliefs of ancient times. Their intricate carvings and sculptures make them architectural masterpieces that are widely known.
The Khajuraho temples are a famous tourist destination in India, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Considered masterpieces of Indian art and architecture, the temples are also seen as a symbol of the golden age of Indian culture.
A brief history of the Khajuraho Temples and the Chandela Dynasty
The Khajuraho temples were of ancient times during the reign of the Chandela dynasty, which ruled over the region in central India, now known as Madhya Pradesh, between the 10th and 12th centuries. The dynasty earned a reputation for its patronage of art and architecture, with the construction of the temples considered one of their most notable accomplishments. They built the temples over several decades, likely utilizing them for religious ceremonies and as places of worship for the Hindu and Jain communities.
The Chandela dynasty reached its peak of power and prosperity during the reign of King Dhanga, who ruled from 954 to 1003 CE. He was responsible for the construction of many of the temples at Khajuraho. However, by the 13th century, the dynasty began to decline, and the temples fell into disuse and neglect. In the 19th century, people repaired them, and since then, extensive restoration and preservation efforts have been undertaken on them.
Types of temples
There are 85 temples in the Khajuraho temple complex, of which only 25 still exist. The temples have divisions into three groups: the Eastern Group, the Western Group, and the Southern Group.
#1 The Western Group of Temples is famous and most visited. It includes the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, the Chausath Yogini Temple, the Chitragupta Temple, and the Lakshmana Temple, among others. The sculptures depicting various human and animal figures and spiritual and mythological scenes, along with intricate carvings, are widely known in these temples.
#2 The Eastern Group of temples is smaller and less visited than the Western Group, but still worth a visit. It includes the Parsvanath Temple, the Ghantai Temple, and the Adinath Temple. These temples are known for their Jain architecture and sculptures.
#3 The Southern Group of Temples is the least visited of the three groups but still contains some notable temples, such as the Duladeo and Chaturbhuj Temples.
The temples are a mix of Hindu and Jain architecture. Their intricate carvings, sculptures depicting various human and animal figures, and spiritual and mythological scenes are widely known.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is Khajuraho?
Ans: Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Madhya Pradesh state of India. Its intricate carvings and sculptures in the collection of Hindu and Jain temples make them famous.
Q2: How many temples are there in Khajuraho?
Ans: There are 85 temples in Khajuraho, of which only 25 are still standing.
Q3: What is an excellent time to visit Khajuraho?
Ans: The best time to visit Khajuraho is between October and March when the weather is pleasant.
Q4: Is there an entrance fee for visiting Khajuraho temples?
Ans: There is an entrance fee for visiting the temples in Khajuraho. The price varies for Indian and foreign nationals and different age groups.
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