Three geographical divisions group the temples: western, eastern and
southern.
Western Group
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, goddesses, 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 sun god, 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, haunting 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 that lead up to it. A Nandi bull faces the shrine.
Lakshmana Temple: The lintel over the entrance of
this beautiful Vaishnavite temple shows the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva
with Lakshmi, Vishnus consort. The finely carved sanctum has a three-headed
idol of Vishnus incarnations, Narasimha and Varaha. This boar incarnation also
appears in a nine-feet-high statue at the Varaha Temple.
Matanageswara Temple: Still a living place of
worship, the temple is dedicated to Shiva, has an eight-feet-high lingam, and is
outside the precincts of the Western Group.
Eastern Group
Parsvanath Temple: The groups largest Jain temple
and exquisite in detail. The sculptures on the northern outer wall are
particularly noteworthy. The themes depict, in charming detail everyday
activity. Within, a throne faces the bull emblem of the first tirthankra,
Adinath. The Parsvanath image was installed in 1860.
Ghantai Temple: This Jain temple has a frieze which
depicts the 16 dreams of Mahaviras mother, and a Jain goddess on a winged
Garuda.
Adinath Temple: Dedicated to
the Jain saint, Adinath, the temple is lavishly embellished with sculpted
figures, including yakshis.
The three Hindu temples of the group are the
Brahma, containing a four-faced lingam, the Vamana, which is adorned on its
outer walls with carvings of apsaras in a variety of sensuous attitudes; and the
Javari, with a richly-carved gateway and exterior sculptures.
Southern Group
Duladeo Temple: Dedicated to Shiva, the apsara and
ornamented figures are the temples most striking features.
Chaturbhuji Temple: This temple has a massive,
intricately-carved image of Vishnu in the sanctum.
Excursions
Panna National Park: Panna National Park, 32 km away and a mere 30 minute
drive from Khajuraho, spreads along the river Ken. The jungles today harbour
many species of wildlife. The tiger can be glimpsed here, with other rare
species such as the leopard, wolf and gharial. Herds of bluebull, chinkara and
sambar are a common sight.
At Ajaigarh, 80 km from Khajuraho, is a large
isolated hilltop fort. Kalinjar Fort, 25 km north, is even older.
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.
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