Khajuraho is located in the State of Madhya Pradesh, India. It features temples, which are designated as the World heritage site. These temples were constructed between 9 and 11th century AD, during the reign of Chandela rulers. There were initially 85 temples and only 22 of them exist now. The temples are grouped into three divisions- Western, Southern and Eastern. Western group temples located in Khajuraho are dedicated to Hindu deities and they are the finest examples of Chandela style of architecture. The most important temples in Western group include Kandariya Mahadeva temple, Lakshmana temple, Chitragupta temple, Vishvanath temple, Matangeshwara temple and Varaha temple.

 

Kandariya Mahadeo temple:

Kandariya Mahadeo temple is the biggest temple in Khajuraho. It was built by King Vidhyadhara and it dates back to the 11th century AD. It is a sandstone structure that stands abut 30m above the ground level. The principal deity is Lord Shiva. The main shrine consists of the phallic representation of Lord Shiva- Linga. You can see amazingly beautiful figures of women in a variety of poses in the temple platform. Some sculptures depict women playing with a ball and some others feature women applying make-up. There are large scale erotic panels in between the balconies of Kandariya Mahadeva temple. You can view the most sensuously carved erotic images here.

 

Lakshmana temple:

Lakshmana temple is another famous Western temple group in Khajuraho. The main deity of this temple is Lord Vishnu. It is one of the earliest temples in Khajuraho, which dates back to 930 AD. It was built by King Yasovarman. The outer wall of this temple features exquisitely carved details. You can see awe-inspiring artworks in every inch of space. This temple is best preserved by Indian archeology. The temple features two open pavilions. The Varaha mandapa is located on the south and it houses the image of the standing varaha, which is one of the ten Avatars of Vishnu. The body of Varaha (wild boar) is carved along with more than 600 figures of Gods and goddesses. The temple stairs lead to a broad platform that has sculptures of elephants and horsemen in procession. You can see the most stunning statue of Vaikunta Vishnu in this temple. The statue depicts Vishnu with three heads. There are some erotic panels in the southern side of the temple. On the western side, various forms of nude women with ornate jewelry can be seen. You can view some of the amazingly carved figures of apsaras, guardians and divine creatures.

 

Chitragupta temple:

The Chitragupta temple is one of the famous Western group temples in Khajuraho. You can see the image of Surya (Sun) in this temple. He is driving his chariot with seven horses and he is wearing an armored coat. The outer wall of this temple is decorated with beautiful sculptures of apsaras, mithunas (erotic images) and deities. In the balcony panels, about seventy figures are carved. The eleven headed Vishnu in the South wall is the master piece of this temple. The central head is of Lord Vishnu and the other ten heads depict his ten avatars. You can view some delicate sculptures of elephant fights, processions and dancing girls in this temple. The intricate doorway represents the small figures of Lord Surya.

Chaunsat Yogini temple:

Chaunsat Yogini temple is one of the most prominent temples in Western group, Khajuraho. It is a granite temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, but the image of Kali has not survived. This is a simple structure having quadrangular design. The name Chaunsat refers to the number Sixty-four. The Goddess Kali has 64 attendees or Yoginis and the temple had 64 cells to represent each Yogini. Out of them, only 35 have survived the ravage of nature.

 

Vishwanath temple:

Vishwanath temple is located in the north east corner of the Western group Khajuraho temple complex. It is the most magnificent temple here. It has a gorgeous marble Shivalinga in the main shrine. It was built in early 11th century. You can view an impressive image of Lord Brahma in this temple. Lion statues guard the entrance and the elephants adore the southern steps. The outer wall portrays beautiful apsaras images and women sculptures. The main attraction of this temple is the Nandi mandapa. Nandi is the holy bull and is the vehicle of lord Shiva. The mandapa has an elegant pyramidal roof. The six-foot Nandi sits at the top of a broad platform. It seems the Nandi is pensively looking at his master, Shiva.

 

Matangeshwara temple:

Matangeshwara temple in Khajuraho Western group temple complex features eight foot high linga, which is a form of Lord Shiva. It was built in 1000 AD. The roof of this temple is pyramidal and it does not feature any ornamentation. This temple is thronged by devotees, during Shivaratri, an important festival to Shiva. You can find an open air archeological museum at the southern side of this temple, which displays a rich collection of statues and frescos. You can view a massive statue of Bhairava on the way to Matangeshwara temple. It is 5.5 foot high and it dates back to early 10th century.

 

Devi Jagdambi temple:

Devi Jagdambi temple was built during the period between 1000 and 1025 AD exclusively dedicated to Devi. A Yajna Kunda was offered by the King of Chhatarpur in 19th century for performing rituals. You can see a massive image of the goddess in the Garbha graham. It is a small temple that is adorned with fine sculptures. It boasts of three bands of delicate sculptures and the uppermost band features the most famous erotic sculptures.

 

Varaha temple:

Varaha temple is located straight opposite to Lakshmana temple. It is an open pavilion that enshrines the image of varaha. Varaha is one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu. He took the form of wild boar to defeat a demon, when he took the Earth to the bottom of the cosmic ocean. The image of Varaha is carved in a single piece of Yellowstone. The varaha sanctuary is canopied by a beautiful lotus ceiling.

 

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