Khajuraho Attractions
(Khajuraho is also spelled as Kajuraho)
|
|
Attraction |
|
|
Religious
|
A sumptuously decorated temple with beautiful sculptures, Adinath Temple is dedicated to the Jain saint, Adinath. Believed to be built in the 11th century, this temple is an important constituent ...
(more)
A sumptuously decorated temple with beautiful sculptures, Adinath Temple is dedicated to the Jain saint, Adinath. Believed to be built in the 11th century, this temple is an important constituent of the Jain group of temples. The walls are adorned with beautifully carved figures of court musicians. Though the temple had not been restored to its former shape, some sort of renovations helped to maintain its former glory. Only the sanctum and vestibule of the old shrine has been survived the beatings of time.
A modern entrance chamber, made of lime-plastered masonry, showing arched doorways, replaces its ‘mandapa’ and entrance porch. The temple is constructed in the form of 'sapta-ratha', and its single towered 'shikhara' gives the shrine a graceful look.
(less)
|
|
Historical
|
Located on the outskirts of the Kajuraho town, Ajaigarh Fort shows the architectural talents of the Chandela Kings. History says that this impressive fortress was built by them when their ...
(more)
Located on the outskirts of the Kajuraho town, Ajaigarh Fort shows the architectural talents of the Chandela Kings. History says that this impressive fortress was built by them when their power in the area was declining.
Ajaigarh Fort stands at an altitude of 1,111 meters on a flat-topped projection of the majestic Vindhyas. A large isolated hilltop fort, Ajaigarh fort holds the panoramic view of the beautiful Ken River. This massive structure was constructed to give protection to the local population from attacks and sieges of outsiders.
(less)
|
|
Art & Museum
|
Khajuraho is largely acclaimed for its celebrated group of medieval temples embellished with awe-inspiring sculptures. In 1910, W.A. Jardine, an innovative local officer of the British government collected the loose ...
(more)
Khajuraho is largely acclaimed for its celebrated group of medieval temples embellished with awe-inspiring sculptures. In 1910, W.A. Jardine, an innovative local officer of the British government collected the loose sculptures and architectural members of the ruined temples of Khajuraho and preserved it in an enclosure built adjoining to the Matangeshwar Temple.
Till 1952, this collection was known as Jardine Museum and then it was taken over by the Archaeological Survey of India. Now this open-air museum is used for collection of reserves wherein the public entry is prohibited.
The present Archaeological Museum was set up in the year 1967, and it displays representative collection from the reserve museum. The Brahmanical, Jaina, and Buddhist faiths displayed in the five galleries of the new museum are conspicuous and arrest ones attention.
(less)
|
|
Religious
|
A not yet excavated ruined temple of Khajuraho, Beejamandal temple is located at Vidisha. The popular belief is that this formation was under a huge stack of earth which was ...
(more)
A not yet excavated ruined temple of Khajuraho, Beejamandal temple is located at Vidisha. The popular belief is that this formation was under a huge stack of earth which was marked on the top by a white stone. From time immemorial the villagers regularly lit the holy oil-lamp each night on this mound.
The temple depicts the idols of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati along with other sculptures of human forms, describing vivid postures. Marvelously carved images of animals, beautiful pillars and walls with intricate stone carvings have been unearthed from here. Sculptures and carvings show some sort of Indonesian or South-East Asian influence on them.
(less)
|
|
Architectural
|
Situated within the outskirts of Khajuraho city, Beni Sagar Dam is a fast emerging picnic spot in the locality. Built across the majestic Khudar River, this dam offers lovely water ...
(more)
Situated within the outskirts of Khajuraho city, Beni Sagar Dam is a fast emerging picnic spot in the locality. Built across the majestic Khudar River, this dam offers lovely water spread of 7.7 square kilometer, which provides excellent opportunities of great fun.
Beni Sagar Dam is a perfect place for safe swimming and angling. This massive formation is situated in the midst of lush greenery and the boating through the water spread of the dam offers picturesque scenery of the surrounding landscapes. The dam is an ideal place to take rest and relax in the luxury of the green shades.
(less)
|
|
Religious
|
Built in 900, Brahma Temple is situated on the banks of the Ninora Tal, the largest tank in Khajuraho. It contains the images of Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. A ...
(more)
Built in 900, Brahma Temple is situated on the banks of the Ninora Tal, the largest tank in Khajuraho. It contains the images of Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. A small square shaped shrine, Brahma Temple rests on twelve pillars of granite at an elevation of 11 feet high platform.
The lofty roof, which is a characteristic phenomenon of Khajuraho temples, is made up of sandstone. The temple in its entirety presents a granite formation. Each side of the temple shows prominent projections, which gives a wonderful charm to the shrine. In short Brahma temple displays the architectural brilliance of the medieval artists in its superb form.
(less)
|
|
Religious
|
The oldest temple in Khajuraho, Chausath Yogini Temple is dedicated to the 64 yoginis who are the materialization of the Mother Goddess Shakti. Believed to be a 9th century monument, ...
(more)
The oldest temple in Khajuraho, Chausath Yogini Temple is dedicated to the 64 yoginis who are the materialization of the Mother Goddess Shakti. Believed to be a 9th century monument, this temple is in a dilapidated state and the public access is restricted in this area.
Small shrines dedicated to the goddess are raised on a massive platform, which are bounded by an open courtyard. This cluster of shrines, which are made up of granite, belongs to the Western group of temples.
(less)
|
|
Religious
|
An ancient shrine, dedicated to Lord Surya, Chitragupta Temple faces eastwards to the rising sun. A 11th century old monument this temple enshrines an impressive 5 ft high image of ...
(more)
An ancient shrine, dedicated to Lord Surya, Chitragupta Temple faces eastwards to the rising sun. A 11th century old monument this temple enshrines an impressive 5 ft high image of Lord Surya in a standing posture driving a chariot of seven horses.
Fabulously carved walls, which depicts voluptuous and full figured sura-sundaris, erotic couples, image of lord Vishnu in the 11 headed form, Chitragupta Temple really provides a rare feast to the viewer. The lintel of the intricate doorway portrays three similar but smaller figures of Lord Surya as depicted in the main sanctum.
A temple with well ornate and developed features, the Chitragupta Temple houses an ancient three-storied stepped tank, known as ‘Chopra’, which is also a worth visiting spectacle.
(less)
|
|
Religious
|
Devi Jagdambi Temple is famed for its erotic and intensely carved figures. A smaller and delicately balanced temple is bedecked with some of the premium figurines at Khajuraho. The Garbha ...
(more)
Devi Jagdambi Temple is famed for its erotic and intensely carved figures. A smaller and delicately balanced temple is bedecked with some of the premium figurines at Khajuraho. The Garbha Griha of this superb shrine houses a huge image of the goddess of the Universe.
The temple also displays a dazzling image of Goddess Parvati, along with the most talked-about image, Mithuna. The intricately carved panels with the images of Lord Vishnu evidences the belief that this pretty shrine is initially started out as a Vishnu temple.
Mesmerizing beauty of the three bands of sculptures around the temple, especially the uppermost band, makes this temple one of the finest shrines in Khajuraho.
(less)
|
|
Art & Museum
|
Located in an old fort, Dhubela Museum on the Jhansi-Khajuraho road showcases many artifacts from the ancient to the modern era. A visit to this museum provides a deep insight ...
(more)
Located in an old fort, Dhubela Museum on the Jhansi-Khajuraho road showcases many artifacts from the ancient to the modern era. A visit to this museum provides a deep insight on the history, development and decline of the great Bundelas of Khajuraho.
The architectural grandeur and historical enigma of the Bundela kings and the lifestyle of the then generation is revealed before the visitor through various sculptures and artifacts. The sculptures put on display belonged to the ‘shakti’ cult and the rare collection of articles exhibited in the museum include the garments, weapons and paintings of the Bundela kings.
(less)
|
|
Religious
|
The last temple among the Southern Group of Temples of Khajuraho Dulhadev Temple lies to the south of Ghantai temple. Built in the year 1130 AD, the lovely shrine is ...
(more)
The last temple among the Southern Group of Temples of Khajuraho Dulhadev Temple lies to the south of Ghantai temple. Built in the year 1130 AD, the lovely shrine is a classic example of Chandela art and architecture.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is a small five chambered shrine, with a closed hall. The ceiling are decorated with the apsaras and other ornamented sculptures. Images of Shiva and his wife, Parvati, richly decorated with intricately carved jewellery are very striking. Though this temple lacks the charm and magic of other western group temples, its location on the banks of the pretty Khudar stream makes it a lovely shrine.
(less)
|
|
Architectural
|
A natural dam at the convergence of the beautiful Ken and Simiri Rivers, Gangau dam is an ideal picnic spot for nature-lovers, anglers and the adventure minded. Flanked by the ...
(more)
A natural dam at the convergence of the beautiful Ken and Simiri Rivers, Gangau dam is an ideal picnic spot for nature-lovers, anglers and the adventure minded. Flanked by the Panna National Park and the Gangu Sanctuary, this dam presents a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
The land in the surrounding areas of the dam are very fertile due to the irrigation facilities provided by the dam, and every year, revenue authorities give out pattas to the local villagers for cultivation of this land. Since the flow of the Ken river is tamed by this Dam, the nearby water falls is a hotspot of adventure lovers, which offers excellent opportunities of angling and boating.
(less)
|
|
Religious
|
Built in between the years 950 and 1050 AD, Ghantai temple is one among the three famous Jain Temples found in Khajuraho. Like other ancient temples, this fascinating shrine also ...
(more)
Built in between the years 950 and 1050 AD, Ghantai temple is one among the three famous Jain Temples found in Khajuraho. Like other ancient temples, this fascinating shrine also is in ruins, yet, it provides a bit of its original charm.
The walls of the temple is ornamented by marvelous a fresco which depicts the 16 dream of Mahavir's mother, and a multi-armed Jain goddess hovering on a winged Garuda. One of the major Jain temple, Ghantai temple has played a significant role in the development of Jainism in India.
(less)
|
|
Art & Museum
|
This museum houses more than hundred Jain sculptures and was inaugurated in the year 1987. Located with in the Jain Temple Complex, this circular building is also known as Sahu ...
(more)
This museum houses more than hundred Jain sculptures and was inaugurated in the year 1987. Located with in the Jain Temple Complex, this circular building is also known as Sahu Shantiprasad Jain Kala Sangrahalaya.
Jain Museum holds a modern circular gallery filled with statues of 24 tirthankars, along with sculptures of yakshis and other figures of Jains, which makes ones visit to the museum a worthy one. At the entrance of the museum there is two ornamented ‘Makara Toranas’ arranged on both sides of the steps definitely will win ones hearts.
Jain Museum is open daily 8 am - 5 pm, except on Sundays.
(less)
|
|
Religious
|
A notable Hindu Temple, Javari Temple is located at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. It comes under the eastern group of Khajuraho temples. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this is a comparatively ...
(more)
A notable Hindu Temple, Javari Temple is located at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. It comes under the eastern group of Khajuraho temples. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this is a comparatively smaller shrine, built between 1075 and 1100 AD. This fascinating holy spot displays typical splendor of the ancient Khajuraho architecture.
The exterior of the temple is decorated with complicated carvings, which depicts beautiful figures of native maidens. A well-proportioned shrine Javari temple is a jewel of architecture. Though the temple as such exhibits a magical charm, its elaborate entrance and the slender towering sketch of its spire are worth mentioning.
(less)
|
|
Historical
|
A hub of classic monuments and sculptures, the Kalinjar Fort has a magnificient history. This colossal fortress contains numerous temples and structures within it, which replicate the creative expertise of ...
(more)
A hub of classic monuments and sculptures, the Kalinjar Fort has a magnificient history. This colossal fortress contains numerous temples and structures within it, which replicate the creative expertise of the Chandela dynasty. Like all other forts, this massive fort also is built for the purpose of defending the kingdom.
This magnificient fort situates on the top of a holy hill, which has found its mention in many Hindu scriptures. The fort’s strategic location on the rocky terrain, coupled with its strong battlements interspersed with highly fortified gates gave it an awesome look. The palaces, temples, chhatris and other structures of the fort are constructed in the Hindu style of architecture. A unique monument of its time, the fort presents an unparallel dignity, elegance and artistry.
(less)
|
|
Religious
|
The most awesome and the largest temple in Khajuraho, Kandariya Mahadev Temple is built in around 1025–1050 AD. A typical sandstone structure, the temple is dedicated to Shiva with a ...
(more)
The most awesome and the largest temple in Khajuraho, Kandariya Mahadev Temple is built in around 1025–1050 AD. A typical sandstone structure, the temple is dedicated to Shiva with a linga at the center of the Garbha Griha. The elaborately engraved main shrine is bejeweled with more than 800 images, of which most of them are three feet high. The temple architecture consists of ardhamandapa, a mahamandapa supported with pillars, the garba griha and the pradakshina.
The tower of the temple is about 100 ft high. The platform of the temple, which is decorated with sculptures of beautiful women in a variety of postures is really stunning. The southern and northern portions of this shrine depict the most erotic sculptures. The most elegant and famous temple also houses some of the fantastically ornate frescos on its wall, which speaks out the artistic grandeur of the bygone days.
(less)
|
|
Religious
|
Khajuraho, a small town in Madhya Pradesh is famed for its temples with wonderful sculptures. It is believed that there were 85 temples in the regions, out of which 25 ...
(more)
Khajuraho, a small town in Madhya Pradesh is famed for its temples with wonderful sculptures. It is believed that there were 85 temples in the regions, out of which 25 exist at present. Lakhmi temple, dedicated to goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu deity of wealth, belongs to the Western Group of temples. A comparatively smaller shrine, this temple depicts moderate sculptures. The images of two guards supporting the pillar posts in front of the sanctum sanctorum are quite remarkable.
A number of images of gods and goddesses enshrine the walls of this fascinating shrine. The temples of Kahjuraho have been included in the World Heritage List for their outstanding architecture and artistic value.
(less)
|
|
Religious
|
A well-Preserved Stone Temple of Khajuraho, the famous Lakshmana Temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu. The east-facing temple is carved with the images of more than 600 gods and goddesses ...
(more)
A well-Preserved Stone Temple of Khajuraho, the famous Lakshmana Temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu. The east-facing temple is carved with the images of more than 600 gods and goddesses of the Hindu mythology.
The delicately carved outer wall is only a beginning, every nook and corner of this marvelous shrine is inscribed with splendid sculptures. The platform of the temple has an appealing sculptural fresco of elephants and horsemen in pageant. On the southern side are a few explicitly erotic panels. Each corner of this stone temple is having a border fence and an ancillary shrine.
The most scrumptious part of this temple scheme is the bands of sculptural embellishment with delicate figures of apsaras, the guardians of the directions and other divine creatures.
Erotic panels take a central position on the two balconies of the stone temple. On the western side are a few outstanding sculptures and the full figured, buxom, sybaritic forms of nude women with ornate jewellery.
(less)
|
|
Religious
|
One of the oldest temples in Khajuraho, Matangeshvara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Made up of highly polished sandstone, the eight feet shivlingam is considered to be one among ...
(more)
One of the oldest temples in Khajuraho, Matangeshvara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Made up of highly polished sandstone, the eight feet shivlingam is considered to be one among the largest in India.
Unlike all the other ancient temples of Khajuraho, Matangeswara temple is not besieged in the protected area, and it is still in everyday use by the devotees. Morning and evening Aartis in the temple offers a perfect time for darsan. It may be the plainest temples in Khajuraho, where one cannot found exquisite carvings. The polished deity and the ceilings formed of overlying concentric itineraries are very remarkable.
(less)
|
|
Religious
|
Dedicated to one of the Jain theerthankaras, Parsvanath temple falls under the eastern group of temples of Khajuraho. Considered as the largest of the Jain temples, Parsvanath Temple lies in ...
(more)
Dedicated to one of the Jain theerthankaras, Parsvanath temple falls under the eastern group of temples of Khajuraho. Considered as the largest of the Jain temples, Parsvanath Temple lies in the protected zone. The sanctum of this medium sized shrine is adorned by the idol of Parsvanath.
One of the characteristic features of this shrine is that the sculptures of this fabulous shrine are non-erotic. The temple houses sculptures of gorgeous Surasundaries in various attractive postures, and the statue of one applying make-up and another removing a thorn from her feet on the southern façade and yet another tying on ankle-bells on the northern façade makes eye catching spectacle.
(less)
|
|
Religious
|
A famous Jain temple of Digambar sect, Shanthinath Temple belongs to the Eastern group of temples. Though this shrine resembles the other ancient temples in Khajuraho, it is somewhat a ...
(more)
A famous Jain temple of Digambar sect, Shanthinath Temple belongs to the Eastern group of temples. Though this shrine resembles the other ancient temples in Khajuraho, it is somewhat a newly built temple. Dedicated to the Jain saint Adinath, this marvelous shrine has acquired the status of an important pilgrim center of the Jains in India which attracts Jain pilgrims all around the year.
The main deity is measured about four and a half meter and it is in a standing pose. It is believed that the statue is sculpted in the year 1028 AD. Adjacent to the temple, there is a dharmasala, which provides good lodging.
(less)
|
|
Art & Museum
|
A genuine attempt to promote the centuries old Indian culture, Shilpgram, allures the tourists with its heart throbbing performances of folk arts. Located at the heart of Khajuraho, this brilliant ...
(more)
A genuine attempt to promote the centuries old Indian culture, Shilpgram, allures the tourists with its heart throbbing performances of folk arts. Located at the heart of Khajuraho, this brilliant venture is a government run cultural center started in the year 1998.
Spread over a vast area of ten acres, Shilpgram’s nights are colourful with the stunning performances of classical and folk dancers. People who are interested in watching the performances should come to the open-air stadium at 7 in the evening.
In addition to the art performances, the Shilpgram houses works of the craftsmen from various parts of India, whose work on clannish and tribal handicrafts are being sold out through the shop housed in the complex.
(less)
|
|
Miscellaneous
|
The Light and Sound show on the Western Group of temples complex the reminds the life and times of the great Chandela Kings and mark out the story of the ...
(more)
The Light and Sound show on the Western Group of temples complex the reminds the life and times of the great Chandela Kings and mark out the story of the exclusive temples from the 10th Century to the present day. The 50-minute fascinating show is held in every evening and it runs in Hindi and in English.
Amitabh Bachchan, biggest of Bollywood stars, narrates the story of the magnificient temples and his majestic voice attributes a special effect to the show. The tourism department organizes the show, which is not only entertaining but also very informative.
The first show is in English that starts at 6.30 pm and the second show is scheduled at 7.30 pm in Hindi. The entry fee for domestic and foreign tourists differs by a slight margin.
(less)
|
|
Art & Museum
|
Placed within Chandela Cultural Complex in Khajuraho, State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art symbolize the best of Indian civilization and custom and its fusion with foreign cultures that came ...
(more)
Placed within Chandela Cultural Complex in Khajuraho, State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art symbolize the best of Indian civilization and custom and its fusion with foreign cultures that came through trade and incursion. A fine assemblage of masterpieces of tribal and folk art and artifacts from all over Madhya Pradesh is exhibited at the Chandela Cultural Complex. The artifacts put on display gives a deep insight about the custom and rituals of the tribal people.
The museum flaunts more than 500 variety articles made from woodcraft, terracotta, jewelry, tattoos, masks, metal craft and tribal and folk paintings. The Museum functions between 12 noon to 8 pm, on all days, except Mondays and Government Holidays.
(less)
|
|
Religious
|
Dedicated to Lord Vaman - the dwarf lord, this lovely temple belongs to the eastern group of temples. Situated north of the Khajuraho village Vaman temple presents a pretty sigh ...
(more)
Dedicated to Lord Vaman - the dwarf lord, this lovely temple belongs to the eastern group of temples. Situated north of the Khajuraho village Vaman temple presents a pretty sigh of a lush greenery of barley fields as its background.
The temple architecture is similar to that of the largest temples of Khajuraho that consists of a sanctum, a single spire 'shikhara', an atrium, a 'maha-mandapa' with tangential transepts and a porch. Another worth mentioning characteristic of this temple is that the top or third row of the 'jangha' (wall) shows framed niches containing diamonds in the place of sculptures.
(less)
|
|
Religious
|
One among the western group temples, the magnificent Vishvanath Temple situates on north-eastern corner of the Western Group complex. This temple, which is dedicated to lord Shiva, has an exquisite ...
(more)
One among the western group temples, the magnificent Vishvanath Temple situates on north-eastern corner of the Western Group complex. This temple, which is dedicated to lord Shiva, has an exquisite marble Shivalinga as the main deity. The temple measures about 27.4 m x 13.7 m and only two subsidiary shrines of the original four remain.
Besides the main deity, an imposing image of lord Brahma also is enshrined in this temple. With lions adjoining the northern and elephants the southern steps, this image looks impressive.
The profusely carved exteriors, which depict gorgeous apsara images along with the magnificently whittled women sculptures of the interiors, add enormous charm to the beauty of the temple. The massive 6 ft high Nandi bull sits on top of a wide platform with a sphinx-like expression, present a dynamic appearance with its elegant pyramidal roofs.
(less)
|
Comments
Was this information helpful? Are we missing some attractions? Drop in a comment below, or write to us. We would love to hear from you!
|