Khajuraho - A medieval temple town
A sleepy town located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is mostly visited for its exotic temples, built during the reign of the Chandela kings. This town houses, perhaps, the largest number of Hindu and Jain medieval temples that have been impeccably crafted, attracting the World Heritage Site recognition by UNESCO. The erotic sculpture on the walls of the temples has inspired several research cases to date!
History
The name Khajuraho has been inspired from Khajirvahaka, literally translating to the garden of dates. This has direct connection to the presence of large number of date trees that dot the area. Under the patronage of the Chandela kings, 85 intricately designed temples were built here out of which only 22 remain. Highlighting the grandeur of Indian architectural styles, the temples of Khajuraho continue to awe struck the onlookers.
Climate
Tropical climate prevails over this quaint town, located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh. Hot summers and pleasant winters characterize this place. The average summer and winter temperatures range between 45 degree and 4 degree Celsius respectively.
Attractions
Why is Khajuraho such an important tourist destination in India? Of course because of the large numbers of exquisitely designed Hindu and Jain temples those dot the city. The mesmerizing beauty of the temples of this place has contributed greatly towards bringing the sleepy town of Khajuraho on the global map!
Chausath Yogini temple Dating back to the 9th century, the Chausath Yogini temple is one of the most important temples housed here. Dedicated to the different manifestations of Mother Goddess Shakti, this temple belongs to the western group of Khajuraho monuments.
Hanuman temple Belonging to the eastern group of temples, the Hanuman temple is constructed out of pure granite and sandstone. Dedicated to lord Vishnu, the Shikara or the temple dome reflects Indian architecture at its best.
Lakshmana temple Built entirely of stone, the Lakshmana temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu and is one of the best preserved monuments of Khajuraho. The entrance of the temple is safe guarded by crocodile heads and a statue of Vaikuntha Vishnu, signifying the incarnations of the deity, is placed in the main sanctum sanctorum.
Kandariya Mahadev temple A part of the western group of temples; the Kandariya Mahadev temple dates back to the 11th century. Glorifying Indian architectural styles and housing a Shiva Linga, this temple is one of the most fondly frequented destinations in Khajuraho.
Chausath Yogini temple Dating back to the 9th century, the Chausath Yogini temple is one of the most important temples housed here. Dedicated to the different manifestations of Mother Goddess Shakti, this temple belongs to the western group of Khajuraho monuments.
Hanuman temple Belonging to the eastern group of temples, the Hanuman temple is constructed out of pure granite and sandstone. Dedicated to lord Vishnu, the Shikara or the temple dome reflects Indian architecture at its best.
Lakshmana temple Built entirely of stone, the Lakshmana temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu and is one of the best preserved monuments of Khajuraho. The entrance of the temple is safe guarded by crocodile heads and a statue of Vaikuntha Vishnu, signifying the incarnations of the deity, is placed in the main sanctum sanctorum.
Kandariya Mahadev temple A part of the western group of temples; the Kandariya Mahadev temple dates back to the 11th century. Glorifying Indian architectural styles and housing a Shiva Linga, this temple is one of the most fondly frequented destinations in Khajuraho.
