Discover the Facts & Divine Sensuality of Khajuraho Mandir
Derived its name from the common date palm – Khajura, Khajuraho Mandir is famous for its exotic sculptures. The name originated from Kharjura-vaahaka, which is a symbolic name for Shiva. Another perspective of such a splendid name is, that it was once considered that this city was surrounded by date palm trees only. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is the wide collection of Hindu and Jain temples found popularly in Madhya Pradesh, India. Khajuraho mandir is one of the most sacred Hindu and Jain pilgrimages having a grave significance.
In What Style Are The Khajuraho Temples?
The prominence of the Khajuraho mandir is due to its Nagara-Style architecture and graceful sculptures of nayikas and deities. It has captivating erotic sculptures that will steal your attention with one glance. This temple breaks stereotypical norms and highlights the bygone era by showcasing carvings depicting complex sexual activities. The temples are famous for their craftsmanship, which comprises splendid demonstrations of fine sculptures and integrated architectural skills, making them one of the most exceptional UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
Khajuraho Sculptures
Architecture of the Khajuraho mandir
Made up of granite and sandstone, all the Khajuraho temples are facing towards the sun, fulfilling the Hindu auspicious aesthetic. Comprising squares and circles, the temple runs on the basic Mandala design and smashes patriarchy by showcasing male and female deities that express the aspect of codependence between male power and female power. There are sculptures of potters, musicians, farmers, and women also that silently portray the medieval period.
Mystery Of Khajuraho Mandir
- Khajuraho temple was known as Khajupura and Khajura Vahika in ancient times.
- All the Maithuni idols are inscribed in Khajuraho, which used to be unmanned by human beings of ancient times.
- Kama sutra is inspired by the sculptures of Khajuraho temple that possess intricate artwork.
- Khajuraho temple is also described by James McConnachie in his book “The History of Kama sutra”.
- All the temples of the Khajuraho group of monuments are connected in the shape of the North Indian Shikhar Temple.
- Every idol of the Khajuraho temple faces toward the sun, pleasing the Hindu aesthetic.
How Old Is Khajuraho Temple?
Khajuraho Mandir History
Built 1000 years ago by the Chandela rulers, the Khajuraho temple portrays Hindu iconography and the primary belief system of Hinduism: Dharma, Kama, Karma, and Moksha. Most of the temples were built by kings Dhangadeva and Yashovarman between 950 and 1050 AD. These temples represent various forms of expression like meditation, spiritual teachings, and relationships, through stimulating art. There were some 85 temples till the 12th century but in the 13th century, some of these were destroyed. Today, there are only 22 temples left in the complex.
Laxmi Temple, Khajuraho India
Dedicated to the Hindu Goddess of wealth and prosperity – Laxmi, consort of Lord Vishnu, The temple is located in the Western Group of Khajuraho Temples. It was built around 900–925 AD by the great Chandela ruler Yashovarman. The epitome of divinity is made up of yellow sandstone. The Laxmi temple is adorned by 674 figures of Gods and Goddesses.
Yashovarman’s legacy is best exhibited by the Laxmi Temple. Another remarkable feature of this temple is that it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
Why Must Every Senior Visit A Temple?
It is believed that after a certain age level, people connect to devotion and get closer to God. A sense of serenity and devotion runs through the nerves of senior citizens, they tend to visit temples and devotional pilgrimages more frequently, they worship God regularly, read holy books and chant mantras. To keep this connection intact and pay tribute to divine God, senior citizens should visit temples more often. It brings relaxation, peace of mind, and fuels up your heart with admiration and gratitude.
The Extent Of Khajuraho Mandir
The groups of Khajuraho Temples are widely expanded. One of the largest Khajuraho temples built is Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, this temple structure is 109 ft in length by 60 ft, rises 116 ft above ground and 88ft above its floor. The central padas are surrounded by three rows of sculptured figures with over 870 statues, most being half-life size (2.5 to 3 feet).
How To Visit Khajuraho Mandir?
Khajuraho Mandir is situated in northern Madhya Pradesh, known for being the land of the Khajuraho temple. Unsurprisingly, the Khajuraho mandir receives a major chunk of tourists every year as it is one of the major tourist spots in Madhya Pradesh. One of the advantages of visiting the Khajuraho temple is that it is an easily accessible and convenient place for tourists as it is well-connected with the nearest railway station, airport, and bus stands. The airport is the best option to reach Khajuraho most quickly. You can also visit the temple by taking a bus from Chhatarpur.
| Nearest Airport | Khajuraho Airport |
| Nearest Bus Stand | Khajuraho Bus Stand |
| Nearest Metro Station | NA |
| Nearest Railway Station | Khajuraho Railway Station
|
The Nearest Railway Stations to reach Khajuraho Temple
Khajuraho temple is famously located in the Chhatarpur district. From Khajuraho temple, Khajuraho Railway Station is only 5 km away. You can also take a train from stations like Khajuraho to Agra, Delhi, Varanasi, and many more. You can opt for a variety of train options like UP Sampark Kranti Express, Bundelkhand Link Express, and Khajuraho-Hazrat Nizamuddin Express to reach the city and enjoy the divinity.
The Nearest Airport way to reach Khajuraho Mandir
Khajuraho Temple Complex is nearest to the Khajuraho Airport, only a kilometer away. You can also opt for a flight from Delhi and Varanasi.
The Nearest Metro Station to reach Khajuraho Mandir
Till now no metro station is built in Khajuraho, but you can opt for various routes and mediums to reach Khajuraho in the fastest and easiest way.
Visiting hours – The visiting hours for Khajuraho Temple are from 8 am – 6 pm.
Khajuraho Museum Timings
The Khajuraho museum’s opening time is from 8 am – 5 pm and remains closed only on Fridays. The ticket price of the museum is quite fair, for BIMSTEC, Indians, and SAARC tourists it is priced only Rs 10 while the foreign tourists have to pay Rs 250 for an entry ticket.
Khajuraho Mandir Ticket Fees
| Entry Fee (Indian) | INR 40 |
| Entry fee (SAARC and BIMSTEC) | INR 40 |
| Entry fee (foreigners) | INR 600 |
| Entry for children below the age of 15 | Free |
Ticket prices are quite reasonable to enjoy and experience the beauty of Khajuraho. The entry ticket in Khajuraho mandir for non-nationals is rated Rs 600 and for Indians, it is Rs 40 for Western temples. For tourists like SAARC and BIMSTEC, the fee is similar to citizens of India, which is Rs 40 each. For children, temple visit is free, if they are below the age of 15. If you are keen to visit the museum as well, it is located near the Matangeshwar temple around the Western group of temples.
When To Visit Khajuraho Mandir?
If looking for the best time to visit the Khajuraho temple beauty, then the winter between October and March is a perfect time. If you are fond of festivities and are culturally inclined, then you must plan your trip for the duration of the annual Khajuraho Dance festival – the grand cultural extravaganza. Every February, the week-long classical dance festival is held in Khajuraho. It is accompanied by the celebration of the Indian classical dance forms being performed by renowned artists coming from different cities and towns in India. It is a must-attend if you are a fan of aesthetic cultural performances against the framework of the marvelous ancient temple.
Parking Area
You will easily find safe and paid parking, available nearby Western Temple.
Transport Facility
You can commute to Khajuraho temples by airplane, train, and bus at your convenience.
Bus Timing
Khajuraho travels bus routes and timing -
| Route | First bus | Last bus |
| Chhattarpur to Delhi | 19:30 | 20:00 |
| Chhattarpur to Agra | 19:30 | 20:00 |
| Jhansi to Delhi | 22:15 | 22:45 |
| Chhatarpur to Gwalior | 19:30 | 20:00 |
| Chattarpur to Jhansi | 19:30 | 20:00 |
| MauRanipur to Delhi | 21:00 | 21:00 |
| Chhatarpur to Mathura | 19:59 | 20:00 |
| Delhi to MauRanipur | 19:30 | 21:00 |
| Delhi to Chhatarpur | 19:30 | 21:00 |
| Delhi to Nowgong (Madhya Pradesh) | 19:30 | 21:00 |
Nearby Hotels
Keeping your comfort first and quality stay at reasonable prices there is a wide range of hotels nearby Khajuraho Temple.
- Hotel Khajuraho Temple View
- The Radisson Jass Hotel Khajuraho
- Clarks Khajuraho Hotel
- Ramada by Wyndham Khajuraho
- Yogi Ashram Guest House
- Hotel Harmony
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Learn Also Famous Mantras
| ओम भूर्भव: स्व: तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं । भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो न: प्रचोदयात्।। | Gayatri Mantra |
| “ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥” | Mahamrityunjay Mantra |
| ॐ आरोग्य प्रदायकाय सूर्याय नमः | Surya Namaskar Mantras |
| “ॐ यक्षाय कुबेराय वैश्रवणाय धनधान्याधिपतये धनधान्यसमृद्धिं मे देहि दापय स्वाहा॥” | Kuber Mantra |
Frequently Asked Questions
Khajuraho temples were built by Dhangadeva and Yashovarman, the famous Chandela rulers, for over 100 years. Captain T.S. Burt, a British army captain, ‘re-discovered’ and introduced these temples to the world in 1838 during his trail of revealing hidden gems in India.
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of Hindu and Jain’s temples located in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, India, about 175 kilometers southeast of Jhansi.
Khajuraho temple has a significant history portraying Hindu iconography and the core belief system of Hinduism: Karma, Dharma, Kama, and Moksha. Most of the temples were built by kings Dhangadeva and Yashovarman, the great Chandela rulers between 950 and 1050 AD. These temples represent various forms like meditation, spiritual teachings, and relationships, through stimulating art.
Khajuraho temples are built to preach to the people about meditation, spiritual teachings, and relationships in the form of stimulating art. Khajuraho temples were built to smash stereotypes surfacing around complex sexual desires and erotica. This temple was also built to highlight the medieval period.
