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KHAJURAHO
SCULPTURES THAT BAFFLE THE VIEWERS

Khajuraho has always remained tucked away from the mainstream events of history. This is probably why the famed temples escaped the ravages of invaders. The origin of these temples as well as the history of the Chandela dynasty, during whose era they were built, are not fully documented. However, it is generally agreed that they were built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. and that they numbered no fewer than 85. Today only 22 temples, in a good state of preservation, survive. The sculptures, considered to be the most perfect figures achieved in stone, depict gods and goddesses and amorous couples. The erotic tinge to many of the works here have given rise to speculations in various fields. 

Architecturally, the Khajuraho temples are unique, being very different from temple of their period. Each stands on a high masonry platform with a marked upward direction in the structure further enhanced by vertical projections to create the effect of grace and lightness. Each of the chief compartments is mounted by its own roof, grouped so that the highest is in the centre, and the lowest over the portico. A highly imaginative recreation of the rising peaks of the Himalayas, abode of the gods.  The three main compartment are the entrance (ardhamandapa), assembly hall (mandapa), and sanctum (garbha griha), with further additions in the more developed temples.

	Indian Airlines and Jet Airways connect Khajuraho with Delhi, Agra, Varanasi.
	The nearest railhead is Mahoba, 65 km. Other convenient railheads are Jhansi, 176 km, on the Delhi-Chennai route and Satna 117 km, on the Mumbai-Allahabad-Howrah route. However Harpalpur (110 km) is the nearest railhead to visit Khajuraho. Shatabdi Express, running on the Delhi-Agra-Gwalior-Jhansi-Bhopal route is the fastest link for the tourist coming from Delhi, Agra and Gwalior.
	Khajuraho is connected good roads to Agra, Bhopal, Gwalior, Lucknow, Varanasi, Allahabad etc.

Some important road distances from Khajuraho

Kandariya Mahodeo
The largest and most typical Khajuraho temple, it soars 31m high. Dedicated to Shiva, the sanctum sanctorum enshrines a linga. The main shrine is exquisitely carved and features, in delicate details, gods, goddesses, celestial maidens and lovers. Special mention should also be made of the entrance arch, the ceilings and pillars of the interior compartments.

Chausath Yogini
Only surviving granite temple of the period (900 A.D.), is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Only 35 of the original 64 shrines exist.

Chitragupta Temple
Facing eastwards, is a temple devoted to the sun god. The five feet high image of the deity driving a horse-drawn chariot is the highlight here.  Also depicted are group scenes showing royal processions, hunting scenes and group dances which reveal the lavish lifestyle of the Chandela kings.

Vishwanath Temple
A three-headed image of Brahma is enshrined here. The approach is equally impressive, with lions flanking the northern and elephants the southern steps. A Nandi bull faces the shrine.

Lakshmana Temple
Vaishnavite in architecture, shows the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva with Goddess Lakshmi, Vishnu's consort. The exquisitely carved sanctum sanctorum has a three-headed idol of Vishnu in different postures.

Matangeswara Temple
Devoted to Shiva, houses a 8 ft. high Shiva lingam.

The eastern group consists of the Parsvanatha Temple, which is a Jain temple, with exquisite sculptures on the outer walls, Inside, a throne faces the bull emblem of the first Jain trithankara, Adinatha

Parsvanath Temple
The group's largest Jain temple and exquisite in detail. The sculptures on the northern outer wall are particularly noteworthy. The themes depict everyday activity in charming detail. Within a throne faces the bull emblem of the first tirthankara, Adinath. The Parsvanath image was installed in 1860.

Ghantai Temple
Another Jain temple which depicts the 16 dreams of Lord Mahavira's mother.

Adinath Temple
Dedicated to the Jain saint Adinath, is lavishly embellished with sculpted figures including Yakshis. The Hindu temples of Brahma also belong to this group.

The three Hindu temples of the group are the Brahma, containing a four-faced linga; the Vamana, whichis adorned on its outer walls with carving of apsaras in a variety of sensuous attitudes and the Javari, with a richly carved gateway and exterior sculptures.

The southern group comprises the Duladeo Temple, dedicated to Shiva. The figures of apsaras and ornamental carvings are its highlights

Chaturbhuj Temple
houses a huge intricately carved statue of Lord Vishnu in the sanctum sanctorum.

Duladeo Temple
Dedicated to Shiva, the apsara and ornamented figures are the temple's most striking features.

Panna National Park 
A 30-minutes drive from (25 kms) Khajuraho, is spread over 543 sq. km along the eastern banks of the Ken river. There are gorges, waterfalls and wildlife such as tigers, panthers, bears, wild boars, bluebulls, gazelles, spotted deer, black bucks and birds. The parks is under Project Tiger.

Bandhavgarh National Park 
The Park is 237 km from Khajuraho and is in the heart of the Vindhya mountain ranges. The forest, tree-covered hills, archaeological remains and a variety of wildlife make the park an enchanting place. The 14th century Bandhavgarh fort and pre-historic caves with inscriptions are worth a visit.

Orchha 
165, from Khajuraho and 8 km off the Khajuraho-Jhansi highway (18 km from Jhansi) is a medieval city flanked by the Betwa river. The 16th and 17th century palaces and temples here have withstood the ravages of time. The paintings, mirrorwork, stairways and delicate trelliswork in Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and Rai Praveen Mahal are enchanting. Adding to the architectural beauty are the Ram Raja, Chaturbhuj and Laxmi-narayan temples and cenotaphs.  

Majhgawan Diamond Mines
55 kms from Khajuraho, visitors are allowed to visit the mines from 9-11 a.m. without permission of the National Mineral Development Corporation. These are the only working mine in India, and the largest in Asia. 

SHIVRATRI (March) 
This festival is usually in March to worship Lord Shiva Devotees come from far away to worship at the Matangeshwar Temple. A 10-day-long bazaar is held where traders from all over he state display their traditional wares and handicrafts. A rural circus, folk theatre, magic shows and merry-go-rounds add to the fun.

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