Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khajuraho was discovered by General Alexander Cunningham. Built by the powerful Chandelas, the temples of Khajuraho are the finest specimens of temple art. Detailed sculptures run along all the temples and up the flamboyant spires. The precision of carvings and legendary tales associated with these temples are captivating. While their erotic ornamentation is what has made them popular, they account only for 10% of the numerous sculptures. The majority of the sculptures depict medieval life. For convenience, the temples are divided into Western, Eastern and Southern Groups. Let’s explore the major attractions that make the temple city of Khajuraho truly divine.
Lakshmana Temple
Lakshmana Temple is one of the most artistically pleasing temples featuring the Trimurti of Brahma, Mahesh, and Vishnu that form the entrance to the temple. Built between 930-50 AD, the temple preserves over 600 statues of Hindu God and Goddesses. Besides beautiful figurines of apsaras, carvings related to hunting, processions, and fights adorn the walls of the sacred monument.
Matangeshwara Temple
With Lord Shiva as the presiding deity, Matangeshvara temple is the only Hindu temple that’s actively used for worship. The temple has been recognized as the “Monument of National Importance” by the Archaeological Survey of India. A large number of devotees throng the temple, especially during Shivaratri.
Adinatha Temple
Built solely to pay reverence to Jain Tirthankara Adinatha, this temple resembles Vamana temple in its elegance of plan and design. The temple is girdled round by three of bands of marvelous sculptures. Besides featuring images of Jaina yakshis on the outer facades, one can also find Hindu deities on its exterior walls. The roof of vestibule deserves special attention for its elegant décor and design.
Parsvanath Temple
Among all the Jain temples of Khajuraho, the Parsvanath temple is the most impressive. Although the temple is quite unique in the sense that it blends Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu styles, it’s the intricate carvings on its walls that capture all the attention. Besides being dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara, the idols of surasundaris are also quite prominent here.
Duladeo Temple
Quoted as the last temple of the Southern Group of Temples, the Duladeo temple is built using Nagara style of architecture. An interesting aspect of the temple is the 999 lingas that are carved on the surface of a sanctified linga. Believed to be the “last glow of Khajuraho’s architectural and sculptural mystery”, the ceiling, the walls, and pillars of the temple are carved magnificently.
The LaLiT Temple View Khajuraho
Being one of the best hotels in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, The LaLiT Temple View Khajuraho is where relaxation meets luxury. Offering a seamless blend of old-world elegance and contemporary comfort, the hotel gives you a perfect excuse to kick back and relax. Call it a day with Rejuve, the spa or head to Mahua, the bar to enjoy cocktails.
The hotel which is also one of the best wedding resorts in Khajuraho invites you to immerse yourself in serenity. Dine, rejuvenate and unwind as you prepare yourself to get lost in the “city of temples”, pulsating with life, and presenting themes of inexhaustible interest.
