Khajuraho Guide

• Overview
• How & when to go?
• What to see?
• Excursions
• Entertainment
• Where to eat?
• Events/Festivals

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Overview of Khajuraho

Constructed by the Chandela kings a millennium back and on UNESCO's World Heritage List, Khajuraho's temples are an astounding spectacle of sensuality and frozen ecstasy. The erotic art clearly reflects the then society's acceptance of sex as a source of gratification of earthly desires, and as a step towards attaining ultimate liberation or moksha.

Discovered in the jungles by a British army engineer in 1838, the temples lie in an unusual and off-beat location which witnesses climatic extremes. Thankfully, it is this very difficult location that saved these temples from the ravages of Islamic rulers. Originally 80 temples were built out of which only 22 survive. 

The interesting legend that describes the origin of this great dynasty is a fascinating one: Hemavati, the beautiful young daughter of a Brahmin priest was seduced by the Moon God while bathing in the Rati one evening. The child born of this union between a mortal and a God was a son, Chandravarman. Harassed by society, the unwed mother sought refuge in the dense forest where she was both mother and guru to her young son. The boy grew up to found the great Chandela dynasty. When he was established as a ruler, he had a dream-visitation from his mother, who implored him to build temples that would reveal human passions, and in doing so brought about a realization of the emptiness of human desire.

The popularity of Khajuraho lies in the liberal embellishment of the decorations of the temples. Around the temples are bands of artistic stonework showing many aspects of Indian life a millennium ago-gods and goddesses, warriors and musicians, real and mythological animals. The elaborate and fine sculptures over the temples are thematic on celebration of life. Every aspect of life has been sculpted. More importantly, it is a celebration of woman's beauty.

If the temples are a riot of expressions outside, they have an atmosphere of serenity inside. In fact, they are among the most perfect forms of temple architecture with series of Mandapas (prayer halls - some temples have as many as five mandapas) connected by vestibules known as Antralas. The Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum) has a Pradakshina (walkway) around it. The Shikhar (tower) above the sanctum is the tallest while those above mandapas are pyramidal structures and shorter, to indicate the supremacy of the main sanctuary. All the temples are on high plinths and have no encircling walls.

Discover Khajuraho in the following sections:

• How & when to go?
  Air, Rail and Road connections, Local commuting, Best time to go, Weather Report.
   
• What to see?
  Temples of Khajuraho speaks of women's beauty, pouting expressions, sensuous poses and the rhythm of life. 
  
  
• Excursions
  Panna National Park, Raneh Falls, Ken Gharial sanctuary, Benisagar and Ranguan lake and many more...
   
• Entertainment & Leisure
  Khajuraho's only way to break the monotony of life is Shilpgram and Kandariya art and culture museum.  
   
• Where to eat?
  Popular restaurants and the cuisine served.
   
• Events, Fairs & Festivals
  Most awaited event for the performers all over the world is Khajuraho Dance Festival.