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Khajuraho – City of Beautiful
Temples, Madhya Pradesh, India
Madhya Pradesh is a
colorful Indian state which is home to many culturally and historically
significant towns and cities. In addition to
the
Architecture, Forts & Temples at Orchha,
Madhya Pradesh,
Khajuraho is another well known town.
The small town of Khajuraho was once, the capital city of the
Chandela rulers. Today, Khajuraho lies in the plains of Madhya Pradesh
and is more popularly known for its beautiful temples which bring back
reminisces of the past and highlight the bygone era. Due to their fine
detailing and architectural magnificence depicting the Indo Aryan
architecture, the Khajuraho Temples have been
declared a World Heritage site.
Khajuraho enjoys
global appeal and is visited every year by thousands of tourists
from all over the world who come here to appreciate the fine artistry,
stone carvings and architectural excellence which was evident between
950 A.D and 1050 A.D when the region was under the Chandela rulers. It
is believed that more than 85 temples were built in a span of 100 years
and 22 of these original temples remain till date.
Here is a list of must-sees in Khajuraho
Beautiful
Temples: Excellence in Architecture – divided into 3 geographical groups
Temple Group - Western
1. Chausat Yogini Temple, Khajuraho: If you are in Khajuraho, you
must visit the Chausat Yogini Temple which is dedicated to Goddess Kali
and is named after the 64 yoginis or attendants who were at Goddess
Kali’s service. Made out of granite stone, this is perhaps the oldest
temple of the time and was built to hold 64 cells for the images of the
yoginis.
2. Kandariya Mahadeo Temple, Khajuraho: is the largest temple of
the western group and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that
this temple portrays at best, the famous Chandela creativity and art.
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3. Matangeshwara Temple,
Khajuraho: A major distinguishing feature of this temple is the
statue of Lord Ganesha which is placed outside the temple. If you are a
true devotee of Lord Shiva, you will be enchanted by looking at the
beautiful and large shiva lingam which is placed in the sanctum.
4. Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho: is
very well preserved and stands out for the architectural detailing
including the figures of apsaras, and other Hindu gods and goddesses.
Each figure is wonderfully carved and little detail is taken care of by
the sculptors.
5. Chitragupta Temple, Khajuraho: Another beauty, the Chitragupta
temple is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. Here you will find beautiful
sculptures and figures of dancing girls, elephant fights, and scenes of
hunting. Inside, there is a breathtaking image of the Sun God, riding a
5 feet tall horse-drawn chariot. |
6. Varaha & Lakshmi
Temple: Here there are 2 small temples, one dedicated to Goddess
Lakshmi and the other to Lord Vishnu’s incarnation, the Varaha or wild
boar.
Temple Group - Eastern
1. Parsvanath Jain Temple, Khajuraho: This is the most revered
Jain Temple in Khajuraho and is dedicated to Lord Parsvanath. It is also
the largest Jain temple here.
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2. Adinatha Temple, Khajuraho:
This temple is located to the north
of the Parsvanath temple. Here you will find some very intricate and
detailed carvings which brilliantly depict different moods and emotions
in stone. Figures that can be very well seen and deciphered include that
of an aprasa or female dancer, a woman experiencing sadness and a mother
with her child.
3. Ghantal Temple,
Khajuraho: Though mostly ruined remains of this temple exist today,
it is still a holy place which showcases fine columns, bell-chain
decorations and a figure of a Jain goddess on a garuda depicting the 16
dreams of Lord Mahavira’s mother.
4. Vamana Temple,
Khajuraho: This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s Vamana avatar.
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Temple Group - Southern
1. Dulah Deo Temple, Khajuraho: This temple is located towards
the south and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The lingam in the inner
sanctum is truly beautiful.
2. Chaturbhuj Temple, Khajuraho: Here there is a large carved
statue of Lord Vishnu.
Other
Getaways near Khajuraho:
In addition to its
temples, Khajuraho is also hugely popular with travellers who come here
& then head out to visit a number of other spectacular attractions which
are situated close by. These include -
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Panna National
Park – This is a green and natural forest belt, about 32kms away
from Khajuraho and is located along the Ken River. If you are a true
nature lover, you will thoroughly enjoy your visit here and will get
to see a variety of different wildlife including tigers, sambar,
panther and gharials, etc.
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Majhgawan Diamond
Mines – Located at a distance of about 56kms, the Majhgawan
Diamond Mines have the privilege of being known as the largest mines
in Asia and the only Indian working mine, under the control of the
Indian Government.
Some of the other places
to see, visit and discover around Khajuraho includes the Benisagar Lake,
Archaeological Museum, Ken Natural Trail, Ranguan Lake, Kalinjar Fort,
Satna, Pandav Falls, & Panna, among others.
Getting There: Khajuraho
Khajuraho is well connected by road, rail and air. There is regular bus
service which connects Khajuraho with Jhansi, Panna, Indore, Agra,
Bhopal & Satna, etc.
Here are
some of metropolitan cities & places of Interest in India, each having
its own specialty and presence -
Contributing Author: Team of travel writers @
contentwriter.in
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