Khajuraho is a small town in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is located about 620 kilometers away from the capital city New Delhi. It is famous for its beautiful temples. It is designated as a UNESCO World heritage site. There were originally 85 temples in Khajuraho and only 22 of them have survived the ruins of nature. These temples were built over a period of hundred years from 950 to 1050 AD, during the reign of Chandela rulers. King Chandravarman, the founder of Chandela Empire began the construction of the temples and his successive rulers continued to add to the complex. The temples are grouped into three categories- Western, Southern and Eastern. The Southern group temples in Khajuraho feature two beautiful temples- The Duladeo temple and the Chaturbhuja temple.

 

Duladeo temple:

 

The Duladeo temple that belongs to Southern group temples in Khajuraho is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also known as Kunwar Math. King Madanavarman built it around 1130 AD. It is the last temple built at Khajuraho and it stands as the finest example for the Chandela style of art and architecture.

 

Duladeo temple features five chambers and a large hall. Ardhamandapa, mandapa, maha mandapa, antarala and the garbha griha are the five chambers you can find in this temple. The ceiling of the hall is depicted with twenty beautiful apsaras images. The wall of the ceiling boasts of identical images of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The figurines are elegantly adorned with intricately carved jewelry. You can see the images of Vidhyadharas, who are celestial beings at the top row of the front wall.

 

The main shrine of Duladeo temple comprises of Linga, the phallic representation of Lord Shiva. The exterior of the temple is adorned with three bands. The uppermost band comprises of the image of Vidhyadharas. You can find the image of flying celestial body in single or in pairs. They have weapons and garlands in their hands. Some of them have swords and some others play on musical instruments. You can also see the dancing postures of Vidhyadharas. The figures of Yama, who is the god of death and dikpalas, the guardians of God’s home, can be seen here. Some figures represent Nirriti, who wear their raised curls in beautiful fan shape. The sensuous images of the apsaras and some erotic images of common people and women are other attractions of Duladeo temple.

 

There is an interesting legend attached to Duladeo temple. A groom died at the door of this temple, during the procession turned into a god.

 

Chaturbhuja temple:

 

Chaturbhuja temple belongs to Khajuraho Southern group temples and King Lakshavarman built it in 1100 AD. It is located 3 kilometers away from the Khajuraho village. It is one of the most popular architectural temples of Khajuraho. The main deity of this temple is Lord Vishnu. He is worshipped as Chaturbhuja, which is a four-armed form. The King brought the image of Chaturbhuja from Tibet.

 

Chaturbhuja temple stands on a wide platform, which can be reached by climbing over ten steps. The floor of the platform is made up of white sandstone. It is a nirandhara (full form) temple that consists of all the sections, such as shikhara, ardhamandapa, mahamandapa (main hall), the antarala and the garbha griha (sanctum). The shikhar of this temple is plain and does not feature any carvings.

 

Chaturbhuja temple is the only temple in Khajuraho that does not feature any erotic sculptures. In addition to the main shrine, the temple also enshrines other deities. You can see the image of Narasingha (one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu to kill a demon Hiranyasura and it is an incarnation featuring lion head and body of a man. The doorway of the temple is carved with striking figures of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

 

The three-band structure of Chaturbhuja temple is very attractive and it features the sculptures of ashtavasus, nymphs and the niches of mythical lions. The garbha griha or sanctum contains the statue of fourhanded form of Vishnu. A nine-foot high statue is beautifully carved in stone. The upper right arm of the statue displays abhaya and the two left arms hold lotus flowers- One lotus with a book and another with a conch shell. The lower right arm is broken and it is believed that it gestures boon giving.

 

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