Top 10 must to visit temples of Khajuraho

Among the famous tourist destinations in India known for its beautiful temples, Khajuraho is always one of the best and preferred destinations among travelers coming from different parts of the world. The top 10 must visit temples of Khajuraho are among the most visited in India.

History of Khajuraho Temples

The Rajput Chandela kings built the Khajuraho Temples in the period ranging from 950 to 1050 AD. The Khajuraho Group of monuments consists of Hindu and Jain Temples. The place is included within the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. All the temples are the symbol of Nagara Architecture. Let us have a look at the popular temples at Khajuraho.

• Chausath Yogini: This temple is one of the very important temples of Khajuraho and was built during 885 AD.
• Lalguan Mahadeva Temple: Around 900 AD, the construction of this temple was completed. This temple is the second oldest temples.
• Matangeshvara Temple: This is the only Hindu temple where worship is still being carried on.
• Varaha Temple: Varaha is the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu and this is the main deity of this temple.
• Lakshmana Temple: Also very important temple. The main deity of this temple is three-headed and four armed Baikuntha Vishnu.
• Parshvanatha Temple: This is the famous Jain Temple built during 10^th century.
• Vishvanatha Temple: The Chandela king Dhanga constructed the temple.
• Devi Jagadambi Temple: This temple is a group of 25 temples built during 10^th to 12^th centuries.
• Chtiragupta Temple: The temple was constructed during 11^th century.
• Kandariya Mahadeva Temple: Among the temples of medieval era in Khajuraho, this temple is known to be the most ornate and vast too.

The main attraction of all these above mentioned temples of Khajuraho is the erotic artistic work on the walls of the temple. You will feel mesmerized with the creative work of the artists of that era. To get a detail description of the temples you can take a guide with you or you can attend the light and sound show organized every evening in the premise of Western group of temples.

Group of temples

The Eastern group of monuments, the Western group of monuments, and the Southern group of monuments are the top 10 must visit Khajuraho Temples.

• Eastern Group Complex: These are mainly Jain temples, but some Hindu temples also. The famous temples are Parsavanath Temple, Adinath Temple, Ghantai Temple, Brahma Temple, Vamana Temple, and Hanuman Temple.
• Western Group of temples: Most popular temples in Khajuraho. Includes Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Chausath Yogini Temple, Parvati Temple, Chitragupta Temple, and Devi Jagdambi Temple.
• Southern Group of Temples: They are equally beautiful as the Western and Eastern Group of Temples. Includes Dulhadeo Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, and Beejamandal Temple.

Khajuraho Sound & Light Show

You must attend the Sound & Light Show when you visit the top 10 must visit temples of Khajuraho. This show takes place in the evening time at the Western Group of Temple. Colorful lights illuminate the temples at this time. A multimedia audio narration shows the history of Khajuraho Temples and the Chandela rulers who built these temples. The Sound & Light Show is in Hindi and English languages.

Khajuraho Dance Festival

The famous Khajuraho Dance Festival is a 7-day dance festival that takes place in Khajuraho Temples. In this dance festival, famous dancers and artists perform classical Indian dances like Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Gaudiya Nritya, Kathak, Kathakali, and others. This dance festival takes place in an open-air auditorium in front of Vishwanath Temple and Chitragupta Temple. A handicraft exhibition also takes place during the festival.

Things to do in Khajuraho Temples

You can do many exciting things and activities when you are visiting the top 10 must visit temples of Khajuraho.

• You can take a guided Khajuraho Temple tour to fully understand the carvings and sculptures.
• You can enjoy the Sound & Light Show in Hindi and English audio narration.
• You can explore the town of Khajuraho and visit small villages.
• You can go on a wildlife safari in Panna National Park and spot jungle creatures.
• You can watch classical Indian dances at the time of Khajuraho Dance Festival.
• You can visit Ajaigarh Fort view the scenic Ken River and the ruins of this fort.
• You can visit Raneh Falls and admire the rugged canyons and jagged cliffs around the waterfall.
• You can visit various exhibits about culture, folklore, art, architecture, and history in this museum.
• This beautiful waterfall called Pandav Waterfall is in Panna National Park.
• You can walk in the ruins of Mastani Mahal and admire the architecture and folklore.
• You can visit Beni Sagar Dam near Khajuraho and enjoy water sports.
• You can take a soothing spa therapy at Ayur Arogyam.
• You can try various street foods in Khajuraho such as jalebis, samosas etc.

Interesting facts about Khajuraho Temples

It will be very interesting to know some facts about the top 10 must visit temples of Khajuraho such as the ones given below.

• The name ‘Khajuraho’ is taken from ‘khajur’, which means date palm, as in the olden days this city had many date palms growing.
• Captain T.S. Burt rediscovered the Khajuraho Temple in 1838, which was hidden by forests and hills.
• Only about 10% of Khajuraho Temples have erotic sculptures and the remaining 90% have normal sculptures and carvings.
• There were 85 temples in the 12th century, but now only 22 of them are remaining.
• According to myths, the name Khajuraho is taken from Khajura-vahaka, which is another name of Lord Shiva.
• Khajuraho Temple was built during 950 to 1050 AD by Chandela rulers.
• The erotic sculptures in Khajuraho are an educational means to show the roles of a householder.
• The erotic idols in Khajuraho are not obscene but show Tantrik philosophy.

Best season to visit Khajuraho

You should visit Khajuraho between October to March. The days are cooler and nights are pleasant during this time. You can do sightseeing, shopping and doing outdoor activities very comfortably.

How to reach Khajuraho

• Air: You can reach Khajuraho Airport by boarding flights coming from Delhi and Varanasi.
• Rail: You can catch a train from Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, and more cities to reach Khajuraho.
• Road: You can reach Khajuraho from major cities in Madhya Pradesh or other cities.

Places near Khajuraho

You can visit other places near Khajuraho such as:

• Panna National Park
• Raneh Waterfalls
• Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum
• Ajaigarh Fort
• Kalinjar Fort
• Gangau Dam
• Pandav Falls
• Jain Museum

FAQ

Conclusion

UNESCO has included Khajuraho Temples as one of the most amazing World Heritage Sites. The temple architecture, erotic sculptures, intricate carvings on stone, and the grandiose structures of these temples always fascinate travellers. They remain awe-inspiring temple complexes in the world. You must visit Khajuraho Temples to experience ancient Indian architecture, exceptional workmanship, and the glorious era of kings.