Top Things to do in Khajuraho
Countries
Things to do in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites
Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Madhya Pradesh. It's known for its enormous, intricately sculptured temples adorned by vignettes of passion, eroticism, dance, music and creative pursuits. It has 85 original temples, divided into three complexes. The western is the largest and best known, containing the magnificent Shaivite temple Kandariya Mahadev.
Restaurants in Khajuraho
1. Devi Jagdamba Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By Nateewutikul - Chiang Mai, Thailand
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of Hindu temples in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, India, about 175 km. southeast of Jhansi, 453 km.train distance from Varanasi. They are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures. Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 and 1050 by the Chandela dynasty. Historical records note that the Khajuraho temple site had 85 temples by the 12th century, spread over 20 square kilometers Of these, only about 25 temples have survived, spread over 6 sq. km. Of the various surviving temples, the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is decorated with a profusion of sculptures with intricate details, symbolism and expressiveness of ancient Indian art. The Khajuraho group of temples were built together but were dedicated to two religions, Hinduism and Jainism, suggesting a tradition of acceptance and respect for diverse religious views among Hindus and Jains in the region. The temple architectures were amazing, with remarkable details. They are very beautiful, worth a visit.
2. Vaman Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By chow69 - Bhopal, India
The Vamana Temple is one of the temples of the Eastern Group in Khajuraho. We visited this unique temple while on our recent trip there. It is located on the same road which leads from the Brahma Temple. The temple is enclosed by means of a wall and is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. It looks out over the surrounding fields and is a beautiful sight when the crop has still to be harvested. The temple is dedicated to the Vamana (Medieval Man) incarnation of Lord Vishnu, which is the fifth of the 10 avatars. The porch of the temple has collapsed, and thus it looks a bit stunted. The sanctum contains the dwarf image Vamana. As per mythology Lord Vishnu took this avatar to teach a haughty king a lesson. He requested the proud and haughty king for three strides of land, which was granted by the king. Lord Vishnu then took one step and covered the earth, the second the heavens and could not place his third step. The king realized his folly, bowed down before the lord, begged forgiveness and requested him to place his third step on his bowed head. The temple is thus dedicated to this incarnation of Vishnu. The temple faces east and has two bands of the usual sculptures of gods, their consorts, female figures and mythical creatures. The uniqueness of the temple is that its Sikhara (roof) is unencumbered by any subsidiary sikharas and is embellished with a series of arches. Erotic scenes are absent here except in the subsidiary niches. The temple is made later than the Kandariya Mahadev going by its sculptural type and style. A must visit temple of the Eastern Group.
3. Varaha Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By jharr1s0n - London, United Kingdom
Amazing historical temple sitting in a tranquil park with many historic temples and a great place for taking photographs
4. Viswanath Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By Brun066 - Florence, Italy
The Vishwanath Temple ("Vishwanath" means "Lord of the Universe" and is one of the attributes of Shiva) belongs to the most precious group of Hindu temples in Khajuraho, those within the Western enclosure. Its construction is dated around 1000 AD; therefore it's intermediate compared to that of the two most illustrious temples in the enclosure, the Lakshmana (before 954) and the Kandariya-Mahadev (after 1025). On the other hand, due to the 'architectural articulation and the richness and quality of his sculptures, the Vishwanath is situated only a step below them. It was originally surrounded by four minor shrines, of which only two survive. The sculptures of the temple present, at the highest stylistic levels, motifs similar to those visible in the other most famous temples in Khajuraho: deities, mythical animals, surasundari (celestial ladies) engaged in different activities: they dance, play musical instruments, cradle babies, or they simply show themselves in sensual attitudes: a feast for the eyes! Then there are the erotic scenes (maithuna) typical of the Khajuraho site, which see two or more subjects as protagonists. In conclusion, the careful visit of this temple is a worthy completion of the whole visit in Khajuraho, and in particular to its most illustrious group of temples.
5. Chitragupta Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By chow69 - Bhopal, India
We visited this unique temple located in the Western Group of Temples at Khajuraho during our recent trip there. The Chitragupta Temple is the only temple in the whole of Khajuraho dedicated to the Sun God (Surya). Located north of the Jagadambi Temple it is on the same platform as the Kandariya Mahadev and Jagdambi Temples. The temple is very similar to the Jagadambi temple in that it has a sanctum with a circumambulatory path, a vestibule, a maha-mandapa and an entrance porch. The hall has an ornate ceiling which is its greatest draw. The temple has two balconies while the ascending roof is not as impressive as that of the other larger temples in Khajuraho. In the sanctum, is a very attractive idol of God Surya riding a chariot, drawn by seven horses. Three similar figures are also carved on the lintel of the doorway. The exterior walls of the temple are covered with couples in erotic poses, nymphs of the Sun God and a 11-headed Vishnu sculpture. This sculpture shows Lord Vishnu in his supreme form with his 10 incarnations. This is a rare representation and is not seen anywhere else. The temple is a MUST VISIT.
6. Devi Jagdamba Temple
7. Dulhadev Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By yogindery - New Delhi, India
Khajraho is a City of Monument and very Historical Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva Durga and others, Maintained by Archilogical Servey of India. Dhuladev Temple is one of them very big and beautiful Temple dedicated to lord Shiva very Historical and old. Must Watch.
8. Matangeshwara Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By voyager_khushi - New Delhi, India
Only temple which are actively using for worship, 9 feet tall shiv ling. These temple is also western group of temples but not inside same premises it's situated in side of western group temple premises. No ticket is require. It's also from chandela dynasty. People say shiv ling is 9 feet below the ground also.
9. Shiva Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By violettesoleil - Los Angeles, United States
The sacred temples of Khajuraho are alive with history. Next to the temple grounds, and free the the public, was my favorite temple visit in all of India, the temple, said to be the oldest in Khajuraho, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple opens around 5am. Pilgrims walk through the mist to come and wash the lingham with honey and milk every morning as a devotional offering. There are men and women chanting, singing and mediating. The energy of faith and devotion to Lord Shiva is thick. The space is small, but it is worth trying to discover as many parts of the temple as possible. I cannot wait to come back, this is a must see!!
10. Nandi Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By chow69 - Bhopal, India
The Nandi temple as the name states is dedicated to Nandi, the bull which serves as the mount of Lord Shiva. This Shrine to Nandi is located in the Western Group of Temples at Khajuraho and is opposite the Vishwanath Temple, in keeping with the common architecture trend wherein a seated Nandi always faces the temples of Shiva and his consort Parvati. We visited this temple during our recent trip to Khajuraho. The temple stands on a rectangular modest platform (chabutara) and the main structure is in the combination of a cross and rectangle. The rectangle form the sanctum and the cross edges form the four balconies. The walls are like balcony walls and do not completely cover the sanctum, while the roof rests on a pillar in each corner. The border design is made of carvings depicting an elephant (front view with head, trunk and two legs) with human figures on both sides of the elephant. Erotic sculpture of couples are seen on the outer roof. In addition a sculpture of Shiva with trishul and snake can be seen on the outer roof and wall.
