The temples of Khajuraho are India's unique gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy; perfect in execution and sublime in expression. Life, in every form and mood, has been captured in stone, testifying not only to the craftsman's artistry but also to the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs under whose rule the temples were conceived and constructed.
The Khajuraho temples were built in the short span of a hundred years, from 950-1050 A.D. in a truly inspired brust of creativity. Of the 85 original temples, 22 have survived till today to constitute one of the world's great artistic wonders. The creators of Khajuraho claimed descent from the moon and the legend behind the founding of this great dynasty and the temples is a fascinating one. Hemwati, the lovely young daughter of a Brahmin priest, was seduced by the moon-god while bathing in a forest pool. The child born of this union was seduced by the moon-god while bathing in a forest pool. The child born of this union was Chandravarman, founder of the Chandela dynasty. Brought up in the forests by his mother who sought refuge from a censorious society, Chandravarman, when established as a ruler, had a dream-visitation from his mother. It is said that she implored him to build temples that would reveal human passions, and in doing so, bring about a realisation of the emptiness of human desire. It is also possible that the Chandelas were followers of the Tantric cult, which believes that gratification of earthly desires is a step towards attaining the infinite liberation ofnirvana.

Architecturally too, they are unique, being very different from the temple prototype 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, the lowest over the portico; a highly imaginative recreation of the rising peaks of the Himalayas abode of the gods.

CITYSIGHTS:


Kandariya Mahadeo: The largest, most typical Khajuraho temple, it soars 31 m high. Dedicated to Shiva, the sanctum sanctorum enshrines a lingam. The main shrine is exquisitely carved and features, in delicate detail, gods, goddess, celestial maidens and lovers. Particularly noteworthy are the entrance arch, the ceilings and pillars of the interior compartments.

Chaunsat Yogini: The only granite temple and the earliest surviving shrine of the group (900 a. D.)., it is dedicated to Kali. Only 35 of the original 65 shrines remain. Another Kali temple (originally dedicated to Vishnu) is the Devi Jagdambe temple.

Chitragupta temple: Facing eastwards to the rising sun, the temple is dedicated to the sungod, Surya. The image of the deity in the inner sanctum is particularly imposing: five feet high, and driving a horse-drawn chariot. The group scenes depict royal processions, hunting scenes and group dances, reflecting the lavish lifestyle of the Chandela courts.

Vishwanath Temple: A three-headed image of Brahma is enshrined in this temple. The approach is equally impressive, with lions flanking the northern and elephants the southern steps glimpsed here, with other rare species such as the leopard, wolf and gharial. Herds of bluebull, chinkara and sambar are a common sight. On the road to Panna are the spectacular Pandav Falls. Alternate picnic sites are Benisagar Dam, Raneh Falls and Ranguan Lake, while interesting trips can be made to Rajgarh Palace, now being converted into a Heritage Hotel, and Dhubela Museum. Further away is Bandhavgarh National Park and tranquil Chitrakoot.

EXCURSION:

 

Orchha: 4 hours drive from Khajuraho. A medieval city founded by Bundela rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th and 17th century-which have remarkably withstood the onslaught of time. The city is picturesquely flanked by the river Betwa.

ACCESS:

By Air: Regular services link Khajuraho with Delhi, Agra and Varanasi.
By Rail: The nearest rail heads are Harpalpur (94 km) and Mahoba (61 km). Jhansi (172 km) is a convenient rail head for those travelling from Delhi and Madras; Satna (117 km), on the Mumbai-allahabad line of the Central Railway for those coming from Mumbai, Calcutta and Varanasi.
By Road: Kahjuraho is connected by regular buses with Satna, Harpalpur, Jhansi and Mahoba.

Best Season: July to March

Festival:

Khajuraho Dance Festival: An annual event, held every evening for a week. Shivratri: This festival is usually in March to worship Lord Shiva.


Clothing:
Summer: Light Cottons
Winter: Light woollen

Temperature:

Season	Max.	Min
Summer	34	23
Winter	21	13

 

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