Khajuraho Temple

Khajuraho's temples almost all date from one century long burst of creative genius. These magnificent structures were almost all built between 950 and 1050 AD. Almost as intriguing as the sheer beauty and size of the temples themselves is the question of why and how they were built here. Khajuraho is simply a long way from anywhere and was probably just as far off the beaten track a thousand years ago as it is today. There is nothing of great interest or beauty to recommend Khajuraho as a building site, there is no great population centre here and during the hot season Khajuraho is very hot, very dry, very dusty and very uncomfortable. Having chosen such a strange site how did the Chandel-las manage to recruit the labour to turn their awesome dreams into stone? To built so many temples of such monumental size in just 100 years must have required a huge amount of manpower.

Lakshmana Temple: The large Lakshmana Temple is dedicated to Vishnu although in design it is similar to the Kandariya Mahadev and Vishvanath temples. It is one of the earliest of the western enclosure temples, dating from around 930 to 950 AD, but also one of the best preserved since it has not only the full five part floor plan but also still retains its four subsidiary shrines.

Lakshmi & Varah Temples: Facing the large Lakshmana Temple are these two small shrines. The Varah Temple, dedicated to Vishnu's boar incarnation or Varah Avatar, actually faces the Matangesvara Temple which is outside the enclosure.

Kandariya Mahadev: The first of the temples on a common base at the back of the western enclosure is the one temple to see in Khajuraho above all others. The Kandariya Mahadev is not only the largest of the temples it is also artistically and architecturally the most perfect. Built between 1025 and 1050 it represents Chandela art at its most finely developed phase.

Mahadeva: This small, and mainly ruined, temple stands on the same base as the Kandariya Mahadev and the Devi Jagadamba. Although it is so small and insignificant in comparison to its mighty neighbours it houses one of Khajuraho's best sculptures — a fine figure of a person (man or woman, observers have been unable to decide) caressing a lion.

Devi Jagadamba: The third temple on the common platform is slightly older than the Kandariya Mahadev and of a simpler, three-part design. The temple was probably originally dedicated to Vishnu but later changed to Parvati and then Kali. Some students believe it may still be a Parvati temple and that the Kali image (or Jagadamba) is actually an image of Parvati, painted black.

Chitragupta: The fourth temple at the back of the western enclosure does not share the common platform with the other three. Similar in design to the Devi Jagadamba, this temple is probably slightly later and is unique, at Khajuraho, in being dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. The temple has obviously been much restored and is'not in such good condition as other temples.

Parsvanath Temple: The largest of the Jain temples in the walled enclosure is also one of the finest temples at Khajuraho. Although it does not approach the western enclosure temples in size, or attempt to compete in the sexual activity stakes, it is notable for the exceptional skill and precision of its construction and for the beauty of its sculptures.

Javari Temple: You walk right through the village, a typical small Indian settlement, to this temple. Dating from around 1075 to 1100 AD it is dedicated to Vishnu and is a particularly fine example of Khajur-aho architecture on a small scale. The exterior has more of Khajuraho's delightful women.

Vamana Temple: About 200 metres north this temple is dedicated to Vamana, the dwarf incarnation of Vishnu. Slightly older than the Javari Temple, the Vamana Temple stands out in a field all by itself. It's notable for the relatively simple design of its shikara.