Khajuraho

Laksham Temple was built in 954 AD and took 20 years to build this massive temple. Laksham Temple is considered as one of the best preserve of all the Khajurao temples.

On the southern side of its base are some of Khajuraho's most orgiastic carvings, including one gentleman proving that a horse can be a man’s best friend while a shocked figure peeps out from behind her hands.

Kandariya Mahadev Temple is a huge temple and is 30.5 km long that was built between 1025 and 1050. The temple has representation of female beauty and sexual acrobatics of any Khajuraho temple. There are 872 statues, most nearly 1m high – taller than those at the other temples. One frequently photographed sculpture on the south side illustrates the feasibility of the headstand position.

Matangeshwar temple lies in the Western Group of Temples which is in everyday use. The temple is not very fancy but the inside of the temple sports a polished 2.5m high lingam (phallic symbol of Shiva).

Somewhat similar to Kandariya Temple, Vishvanath temple was built in 1002 and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is an excellent example of Chandela architecture, with a riot of carved figures continuing up to the highest levels of the sikharas. Sculptures include a female doing a headstand in the north-side recess; sensuous surasundaris writing letters, cuddling babies, looking in mirrors and scratching their backs; and miniature camels, horses, musicians, elephants, warriors and dancers in the lowest frieze.

Western Group of Temples is the most preserved temples of the Khajuraho. Western Group are the only temples here you have to pay to see. An Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) guidebook to Khajuraho (₹60) may be available at the ticket office on Main Road.

The Eastern group of Temples is dedicated to the Jain pantheon and temples dedicated to Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The Jain temples of Eastern Group include Parsavanath Temple, Adinath Temple and Ghantai Temple.

Khajuraho is not only famous for temples but also for a series of waterfalls in a 30m-deep canyon carved by the Ken River, 21 km east of Khajuraho. It is worth visiting and enjoying natural excursion. The site is much beautiful after rain, when the water tumbles over the rocks in a churning mass.

To the north of the Western Group of Temples, new building of the Archeological Museum is built purposely. It contains a collection of Khajuraho sculptures in several galleries and two courtyards. It also contains information panels on Chandela history and art.

Somewhat similar to Khajuraho’s Hindu temples, Adinath temple was built in 11^th century AD and is one of the Jain Temples in Khajuraho. Like Hindu temples, it has fine carvings on its three bands of sculptures particularly Vamana. Only the striking black image in the inner sanctum triggers a Jain reminder.