The temples of Khajuraho are India’s unique gift to the world. They express love in its most unique form. Khajuraho Temples are the most graphic, erotic and sensuous Indian sculptures, the world has ever known.  They are famous for their erotic carvings.  Khajuraho Temples are standing testimonials of the glorious past of India.
History

The Khajuraho temples were built between 950 and 1050 AD in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. They were built during the Chandela dynasty of Central India (These rulers claimed descent from the moon, hence the name Chand-ela). After the decline of the Chandela dynasty in 13th century, the temples were left under the cover of dense date palm trees for many years, which gave the city of Khajuraho its name, Khajur in Hindi means a date.

In 1838, a British army engineer, Captain T.S. Burt rediscovered them. It had at least eighty-five temples, out of which twenty-two exist today.

Something interesting regarding Khajuraho Temples is how its name came into existence. Khajuraho derives its name from the tree khajur (date palm), which can be found in abundance in that area.

Location:

Khajuraho temples are situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh in the Chhatarpur district. They are famous all over the world for their spectacular architecture and bold artistic statement. They are quite different in architectural style and are the one of the most captivating temples in India.

Khajuraho temples are grouped into three categories namely Eastern group, Western group and Southern group.
Some of the important temples to visit at Khajuraho include the Lakshmi and Varaha temples, Kandariya Mahadev, Devi Jagdamba, Vishvanath Temple, Chausath Yogini and so on.

Western Group of Temples:

These are the largest and the richest temples in Khajuraho:

Lakhmana Temple – It is one of the oldest and finest temples in this place. The unique aspect of this temple is the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva with Lakshmi ( Lord Vishnu’s consort).

Devi Jagdamba Temple – This temple has some of the finest sculptures of Khajuraho. It is dedicated to the Goddess (devi). The Devi Jagdamba temple is known for its erotic sculptures and houses Khajuraho’s most talked-about image, the mithuna (the sensuously carved figures of amorous couples). It has three bands of sculptures, of which the third and uppermost of these houses some of the most erotic sculptures.

Chaunsat Yogini – It is the oldest surviving shrine out of the three granite temples dedicated to Godess Kali. It is the only granite temple in the Khajuraho temples group.

Chitragupta temple – It is dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and faces eastwards to the rising sun.

Eastern Group of Temples –

This group consists mainly of Jain and Hindu temples.

Parshvanath Temple – It is the largest and the finest temple in this group. An amazing feature of this temple is the exquisite carvings that depict the timeless beauty of a women. The sculptures on the northern outer wall are something that you should not miss.

Adinath Temple – It is dedicated to the Jain Saint, Adinath. It consists of a lot of sculpted figures.
Brahma Temple – It is one of the oldest temples of Khajuraho and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is made entirely in granite and sandstone.
The Hanuman temple, Ghantai temple, Vamana temple and Javari temple are some other outstanding temples in Khajuraho that have excellent architecture.

Southern Group of Temples –

Dulhadev Temple – Duladeo temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It lies south to the Ghantai temple and is the last temple of Khajuraho. It enshrines a Shivalingam and the most notable feature of this temple is the apsara and ornamented figures.

Chattarbhuj Temple or the Jatkari Temple – It was built in 1100 A.D., and it is well known for its architecture. It is the only temple that is devoid of any erotic sculpture. An outstanding feature of this temple is the massive 9 feet Vishnu Idol that has been intricately carved.

Spectacular Khajuraho Temples:
Khajuraho Temples are particularly known for their erotic sculptures that undoubtedly fan the flames of physical desires of an individual. Khajuraho Temples are an excellent example of outstanding human creativity in the form of sculptures. Unlike other temples Khajuraho temples are said to have a theme (women), which comes in front while going through the temples.  The Khajuraho Temples are famous for their sensuous depiction of the Art of Love making. Candid Eroticism and delicate sensuality have found their ultimate heights in the Khajuraho temples.

Dance Festival:
Khajuraho festival is a 7 day festival celebrated with fervour and joy, during the pleasant Hindu spring month of Phalguna (spring), corresponding with the months of February/March. There are many celebrations that involve Indian Classical dance and music. These are believed to have originated in the Hindu temples. In the month of march, visitors are drawn to a dance festival which attracts some of the best and outstanding classical dancers of India.

Trip Schedule:

Visiting Khajuraho is an exciting experience. The temples can be explored in one full day. If you happen to be here in the month of March then the dance festival will be an added bonanza in your itinerary.

Summer: Summer 47 Deg. C. 21 Deg. C.
Winter: Winter 32 Deg. C. 4 Deg. C.
Rainfall: 114 cm. July-September
Best Season: October to March.

Travel Connectivity:
Khajuraho is easily accessible through air, rail and road.
» By Air: Regular services link Khajuraho with Delhi, Agra, and Varanasi.
» By Rail: The nearest railheads are Harpalpur (94 Km) and Mahoba (61 Km). Jhansi (172 Km) is a convenient railhead for those traveling from Delhi and Chennai; Satna (117 Km), on the Mumbai-Allahabad line of the Central Railway for those coming from Mumbai, Kolkata and Varanasi.
» By Road: Khajuraho is connected by regular buses with Satna, Harpalpur, Jhansi and Mahoba.