Khajuraho Temples, Location, Features, Architecture, Sculpture

The Khajuraho temples are one of the best examples of medieval Indian temple architecture and sculpture. These temples are located in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh and were an important cultural and religious centre of central India. In 1986, the Khajuraho Group of Monuments was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical and artistic importance.

About Khajuraho temples 

• Khajuraho temples are located in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh. 

• These temples were built during the reign of the Chandella dynasty between 900 CE to 1130 CE. 
• In the 12th century, Khajuraho had about 85 temples spread over 20 square kilometres, but today only around 20 temples remain due to the effects of time and historical damage.
• The first mention of Khajuraho and its temples is in the accounts of Abu Rahyan al Biruni (1022 CE) and Ibn Batuta (1335 CE). 
• One of the unique features of Khajuraho temples is religious harmony. The temple complex includes structures related to Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Jainism.
• The Parsvanatha Temple Khajuraho is the largest Jain temple in the complex. Jain temples here contain images of Tirthankaras and Jain philosophical symbols.

Read about: Famous Temples in India

Khajuraho Temples Three Groups

The Temples of Khajuraho are divided into three groups, the Western Group, the Eastern Group and the Southern Group.

• Western Group: The Western group is the most important and well-preserved. It includes famous temples like the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Devi Jagdamba Temple, and Chitragupta Temple. The Chausath Yogini Temple in this group is unique because it was built mainly of granite and was associated with goddess worship.
• Eastern Group: The Eastern group contains both Hindu and Jain temples. Important temples here include the Brahma Temple, Vamana Temple, Javari Temple, and Ghantai Temple. The Ghantai Temple is known for bell-shaped chains and Navagraha representations. 
• Southern Group: The Southern group includes the Duladeo Temple and Chaturbhuja Temple Khajuraho, where the Chaturbhuja Temple is unique because it does not contain erotic sculptures.

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Architectural Style of Khajuraho Temples

The Khajuraho temples are built in the Nagara style of North Indian temple architecture.The Nagara style is characterised by a curvilinear tower called shikhara, which rises above the sanctum. The main components of these temples are:

• The Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) with antarala, a narrow ante-chamber
• The Maha Mandapa, a large hall
• The Ardha Mandapa and a mandapa, which are smaller additional halls
• The Pradakshina Path, a circumambulation path

A few temples at Khajuraho are of the Panchayatana type, with four shrines dedicated to the divinities and often another shrine in front of the portico dedicated to the vahana (vehicle) of the principal deity.

The temples are mainly built using light-coloured sandstone obtained from the quarries of the Panna region. Some smaller structures also used granite. Iron clamps were used in construction to strengthen the stone joints. Most Khajuraho temples are oriented towards the east so that the rising sun can illuminate the entrance of the temple.

Khajuraho Temples Sculptures

• Khajuraho temples are globally famous for their exquisite stone sculptures. Nearly 900 sculptures are present on the walls of major temples such as the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple.
• The sculptures depict various themes including Hindu gods and goddesses, mythological stories, musicians, dancers, ascetics and scenes from daily life
• Special emphasis was given to the representation of celestial women such as apsaras and surasundaris.
• The artistic philosophy of Khajuraho is often linked with the four major goals of Hindu life – dharma, artha, kama and moksha. 
• Erotic sculptures are one of the most discussed features of Khajuraho. These sculptures are believed to reflect the idea of female beauty and fertility. Other scenes depicted on the walls of the temples are a part of the Narathara (the human life cycle) signifying how sexual procreation and kama are an essential aspect of human life.
• Scholars have proposed different interpretations regarding these sculptures. Some believe they are related to the Shakti worship tradition, while others suggest they represent the role of devadasis in temple culture. Another theory suggests that the sculptures represent the human life cycle.

Today, Khajuraho is one of the most important heritage tourism sites in India. Nearby attractions include Panna National Park, which is famous for tiger conservation. The Khajuraho Dance Festival is organised every year in February to promote classical Indian dance. The temples are protected under the AMASR Act, 1958 and are managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. However, tourism pressure, dust pollution, urban development, and vibration effects from nearby airport activities remain major conservation challenges.