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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.
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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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