|  The Western Group Temples are the largest of all temple groups in  Khajuraho. Most of the temples here are dedicated to Lord Shiva and  Vishnu. In addition, this complex also hosts the daily  Sound-and-Light Show in the evening. The most prominent temples in  this complex include: The  Kandariya Mahadev Temple: This is the largest and architecturally  splendid temple of Khajuraho standing at a staggering 31 mt! The  temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, whose shrine is 102 feet long, 67  feet wide, and has a tower 118 feet high. Built intricately, the  temple can be approached by the eastern stairway and houses within an  ardha-mandapa, mandapa, a maha-mandapa, the garba-griha and the  pradakshina. The sanctum of the temple houses a lingam, and the walls  are decorated with carvings of gods, goddesses, apsaras and erotic  figures of men and women. Especially noteworthy are the ceilings and  the pillars which are beautifully carved. The outer walls have panels  depicting Hindu gods as well as groups of lovers. Step down to the  platform and you would find sculpted figures of women playing with a  ball, writing a letter and applying make-up, processions of horses  and elephants – almost 800 such sculpted images adorn the walls.  Giant reliefs of Shiva as destroyer and protector also ornament the  walls. Lakshmana  Temple: Dedicated to the Vaikuntha manifestation of Lord Vishnu,  this exquisite temple is one of the best preserved of Khajuraho  temples. The temple inside, houses Vishnu idol, which is said to have  been brought from Tibet and the walls are covered with carvings of  Hindu gods and goddesses. The most interesting display is a lintel  work depicting Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Lakshmi. Step inside the  sanctum, where you’d find a three-headed image of Vishnu as  Narasimha and Varaha. The main shrine is surrounded by smaller  shrines, which have a garbha-griha and ardh-mandapa. The base of the  temple is also carved with depictions of battle scenes, hunting and  royal processions. The ceiling here is also beautiful with its lotus  carvings and images of apsaras. Like all temples here, carvings of  erotic structures decorate a small fraction of the temple. In the  main temple, look out for the larger-than-life boar figure made of a  single block of yellow sandstone engraved with 627 miniature figures  in 12 carved rows.  Vishwanatha  Temple: Designed similar to the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, the  exquisitely carved Vishwanatha Temple is dedicated to Shiva. The  entrance has magnificent stone lions and a procession of elephants  that guard the temple. It houses a marble shivalinga and a  three-headed image of Brahma. Its most impressive structure is the 6  ft high image of the Nandi Bull. The southwest of the temple has a  smaller shrine dedicated to Parvati. Chaunsath  Yogini: Dedicated to Goddess Kali, this temple is one of the  oldest surviving temple complexes. It is built in granite and houses  almost 35 shrines (it originally had 65). This is one of the simplest  temples and you’d hardly find any carvings or ornamentation. Chitragupta  Temple: The only temple in Khajuraho dedicated to the Sun God,  true to this it faces east. A 5 ft high image of the Sun God driving  his seven-horsed chariot adorns the inner sanctum. Other interesting  features include depictions of the royal procession, dancers and  scenes from the Chandela court-life. This temple is particularly  striking during the Khajuraho Dance Festival, when cultural  performances bring these stone structures to life. Matangeshwara  Temple: Located a little away from the Western Temple complex,  this is another Shaivite temple known for its 8 ft lingam and a  11-headed figure of Vishnu. The temple is also site to the  Archeological Museum that houses statues and remnants collected from  temples that no longer exist. This temple is also the scene of great  activity during the Mahashivratri festival. Devi  Jagadambe Temple: Earlier built for Lord Vishnu, today it is  dedicated to Goddess Kali. Its highlight is the richly decorated  ceiling and walls that are carved with figures of gods, goddesses,  celestial beings and erotic lovers. It is similar to the Chitragupta  Temple, though smaller in size. The balconies of the maha-mandapa are  larger that any of the other temples in the complex. The Eastern Group Temples are a set of relatively isolated Hindu  and Jain temples dedicated to Brahma, Vamana, Javari, Ghantai,  Adinath and Parsvanatha.  The  Parshvanatha Temple: This is one of the largest Jain Temples  housing an image of the Jain Tirthankara Parsvanatha. The main  sanctum is surrounded by a wall, which is richly carved with  figurines of men and women. However, you wouldn’t find any sexual  motifs here. Among the notable sculptures are the lovely  sura-sundaris (celestial beauties) – one applying make-up, the  other removing a thorn from her feet and another tying ankle-bells.  The outer wall is covered with carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses  and actions from daily lives. Catch the exquisite creations of a  woman writing a letter, a girl removing a thorn from her foot, and  sculptures of elephants, lions and sea nymphs. The  Adinath Temple: Another temple dedicated to the Jain saint  Adinath, it is the smallest of the other Jain temples in the complex.  The sanctum houses a 10 ft statue of Adinath seated on a lotus. The  architecture of the sanctum is very simple, though the ceiling is  exquisite carved in a lotus shape. Surrounded by smaller shrines, the  temple is created in yellow with black trimmings. While the inner  walls are almost devoid of any carving, the outer walls are covered  in beautiful sculptures. Notable among these are a woman reading a  sad letter, female dancers, apsaras looking into the mirror, applying  eye make-up and a mother kissing her child.Note  – Shoes must be removed before entering the sanctum
 The  Brahma Temple: This is one of the three most important Hindu  Temples in this complex. It could be dedicated to Brahma, though the  sanctum doorway also has the figure of Lord Vishnu carved on it.  However, the sanctum inside has a four-faced idol of Brahma and the  temple is placed on a platform, which is 11 ft high. The temple is  extremely simple made of granite and sandstone. The  Vamana Temple: Dedicated to the Hindu god Vamana, dwarf  incarnation of Vishnu, it is famous for its graceful figure-carvings  and carved arches. The temple is topped by a single shikhar. The  temple has a sanctum, a maha-mandapa and a framed area in the wall,  which has diamonds instead of sculptures! Around the temple are  numerous carvings of celestial maidens in interesting postures.  The  Ghantai Temple: Another Jain Temple, it derives its name from the  chain and bell motifs adorning the pillars. Though this temple is  almost in ruins, you can still see the porch, the maha-mandapa and  its frieze depicting the 16 dreams of Mahavira’s mother and a  many-armed Jain goddess riding the Garuda. Hanuman  Temple: Housing an 8 ft colossal statue of Hanuman, the temple is  almost in ruins. It has an old inscription of the pedestal and the  architecture is absolutely simple. Javari  Temple: This temple complex is known for its ornate gateway and  lavish carvings of erotic sculptures. The Southern Group Temples are dedicated to the Hindu gods Shiva  and Vishnu. However, unlike the Western and Eastern Groups, these  temples lack their architectural splendor and are not as  well-preserved, hence these are often considered the least important  of Khajuraho Temples. Dulhadeo  Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is one of the two important  temples in this complex. It is also known as the Bridgroom Temple and  the sanctum within houses a shivalingam. The facades of this temple  have carved images of Shiva and Parvati. The temple has the five  sections within, including the ardha-manadap, mandapa, maha-mandapa,  antarala and the garbha-griha. The ceiling has circular cravings and  the entrance to the sanctum has images of Shiva. The outer walls of  the temple are more sculpted and ornate. Notable works include  images, which are depicted flying, carrying weapons and playing  musical instruments. Crocodile figurines and sensual images of  apsaras are other interesting works. Chaturbhuj  Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it boasts of a 9 ft intricately  carved image of Lord Vishnu as four-armed or Chaturbhuja. Approach  the temple by a flight of 10 stairs. The platform is done in white  sandstone. Architecturally similar to the Javari Temple, its shikhara  is quite simple and no erotic structures adorn its walls. However,  carvings of nymphs, lions and gods are quite prevalent. On the  entrance you’d find carvings of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. 
All  Temples Open from: 8.00 am-6.00 pm
 Entry  fee – Rs 10
 Khajuraho  Archeological Museum: This is the best place to get a glimpse of  the culture of Khajuraho. This museum houses an impressive array of  statues and sculptures rescued from the temples of Khajuraho. Among  significant displays are the Nritta Gansha, Uma-Maheshwara,  Andhakasuravadhamurti and Vaikuntha. Open  from: 10.00 am-7.00 pm (Saturday-Thursday)
 Adivart  Tribal and Folk Art Museum: This houses a selection of folk art,  including wood work figures, paintings and silverwork.Open  from: 10.00 am-5.00 pm (Tuesday-Sunday)
 Panna  National Park: A perfect escape for wildlife lovers, Panna  National Park is located almost 60 kms away from Khajuraho and close  to the Ken River. With its deep gorges, tranquil valleys, and dense  teak forests it is home to a number of wildlife species. You could  sight tigers and panthers, and even herds of chinkara. The Panna  Diamond Mines are also located closeby and although entry to the  mines is restricted, you can still visit the area.  Raneh  Falls: This waterfall is famous for its lovely rock formations  and the multicolored crystalline canyon. In addition, its seasonal  waterfalls make it a popular picnic area. |