Khajuraho is a small town located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for its impressive temples with many unique motifs in their decoration. The city was founded in the 9th century by the Chandela dynasty and quickly became an important religious center. The Chandela kings built about 85 temples between 950 and 1050 AD, of which only 20 have survived the test of time. These temples are famous for their detailed and often erotic sculptures depicting various aspects of life, including divine and human figures, animals and mythological creatures. Khajuraho was a thriving city until the 12th century, when it began to decline in importance after attacks by the Chahamanas and later Qutb al-Din Aibak.

However, Khajuraho continued to be an important religious and cultural center even after its great decline. The city remained a popular pilgrimage destination for both Hindus and Jains, and many of the city’s temples were preserved and restored over the centuries. The city was rediscovered on a grand scale in the 19th century by British explorers, leading to a revival of its cultural and historical significance in a modern display. In 1986, the Khajuraho Group of Monuments was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, further cementing its status as an important historical site with historic charm. Today, the city is a major tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.

The center of Khajuraho is characterized by being a smaller tourist town, where most visitors come to visit the impressive temple complexes. However, there are also some streets such as Jain Mandir Road and Rajnagar Road, where you can find shops and cafes, and you can find a nice view from the banks of Shivsagar Lake, where you can, among other things, have a look at several temple buildings. But Khajuraho is built around all the amazing sights that the temples represent, and fortunately there is not far between the highlights.

For example, you can start a trip with a visit to the Lakshmana Temple, which was built around the year 954. It is dedicated to Vishnu and is one of the most impressive temples in Khajuraho. The temple was built by the Chandella king Yashovarman and is known for its beautiful facade and detailed sculptures. It is a sandhara temple of the Panchayatana type, which means that it has a central sanctuary surrounded by four smaller temples in the corners. The temple stands on a high platform, jagati, and has the so-called ardh-mandapa, mandapa, maha-mandapa, antarala and garbhagriha, which are the names for the sections from the entrance to the temple’s actual sanctuary. The temple is famous for its two rows of sculptures, which include divine figures, couples and erotic scenes. The main figure is a three-headed and four-armed sculpture of Vaikuntha Vishnu, with the central head being human and the two sides being of the boar, Varaha, and the lion, Narashima.

Another important attraction is the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, built between 1025 and 1050. It is the largest and most ornate Hindu temple in Khajuraho. It is dedicated to Shiva and, like other temples in the city, has an impressive architecture with detailed decorations. The temple was built during the reign of the Chandella king Vidyadhara and is an excellent example of North Indian temple architecture. The temple has a tall shikhara, which is a tower, with smaller urushringas, which are smaller towers, and it is decorated with sculptures depicting various aspects of life and various divine figures. The temple has an entrance porch, a small hall, a large hall, a vestibule and a sanctum. The sculptures on the outer walls of the temple include gods, goddesses, animals and erotic scenes, symbolizing fertility and divine union.

Next to the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is the Devi Jagdamba Temple, which was built around the 11th century. Dedicated to the goddess Jagdamba, the temple is also a temple of beautiful sculptures. The temple is part of the Khajuraho group of monuments and was built by the Chandella rulers. The temple has three bands of sculptures surrounding the body of the temple and in the sanctum is a huge statue of goddess Parvati. The temple has a sanctum, a vestibule, a maha-mandapa with lateral transepts and an entrance porch. The sculptures on the outer walls of the temple include gods such as Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma embracing their consorts, as well as representations of Varaha rising from the primordial oceans with the earth goddess Bhudevi on his arm.

In the eastern part of Khajuraho is the Parsvanatha Temple, which is a Jain temple built between 950 and 970 and dedicated to Parshvanatha. The temple was probably originally built as an Adinatha shrine during the Chandella period. The temple has an entrance porch, a small hall, a large hall, a vestibule and a sanctum. The outer walls of the temple are decorated with Vaishnava themes, and the entrance has an inscription with a perfect magic square. The sculptures on the outer walls of the temple include human and animal figures as well as religious symbols. The sculptural decoration of the temple depicts scenes from daily life.

Khajuraho is also home to the exciting Archaeological Museum, which is among the most famous museums in the area. The museum houses an extensive collection of finds and objects such as sculptures. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Khajuraho, and a visit here nicely complements a tour of the city’s temples. You can also visit the Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain Art Museum, located in the Jain Temple Complex. It is a museum that focuses on the preservation of Jain art and culture.