Khajuraho Group of Monuments

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UNESCO World Heritage Site
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
Name as inscribed on the World Heritage List

Country India
Type Cultural
Criteria i, iii
Reference 240
UNESCO region Asia-Pacific
Inscription history
Inscription 1986 (10th Session)

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments in Khajuraho, a town in the Indian state of Madhya
Pradesh, located in Chhatarpur District, about 620 kilometres (385 mi) southeast of New Delhi,
is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Khajuraho has the largest group of
medieval Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculptures.
The name Khajuraho, ancient "Kharjuravāhaka", is derived from the Sanskrit words kharjura =
date palm and vāhaka = "one who carries". In the 19th century, British engineer T.S. Burt arrived
in the area, followed by General Alexander Cunningham. Cunningham put Khajuraho on the
world map when he explored the site on behalf of the Archaeological Survey of India and
described what he found in glowing terms. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments has been listed
as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered to be one of the "seven wonders" of India.

Contents
 1 Town
 2 History
 3 Architecture
 4 Chronology
 5 Statues and carvings
 6 Landscape
 7 Tourism and cultural events
 8 Recent discovery
 9 See also
 10 References
 11 Further reading
 12 External links

Town
Khajuraho
—  city  —

Khajuraho
Coordinates: 24.85°N 79.93°ECoordinates:
24.85°N 79.93°E
Country India
State Madhya Pradesh
 District Chhatarpur
Elevation 283 m (928 ft)
Population (2001)
 • Total 19,282
Languages
 • Official Hindi
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)

Khajuraho is a town in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, located in Chhatarpur District,
about 620 kilometres (385 mi) southeast of New Delhi,[1] the capital city of India. According to
the 2001 India census,[2] Khajuraho has a population of 19,282. Males constitute 52% of the
population and females 48%. The town has an average literacy rate of 53%, lower than the
national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 62%, and female literacy is 43%. In Khajuraho, 19%
of the population is under 6 years of age. Khajuraho is located at 24.85°N 79.93°E[3] and has an
average elevation of 283 metres (928 feet).

Khajuraho is served by Khajuraho Airport and there is a railway station in the centre of the town.

History
Some Bargujar Rajputs moved eastward to central India; they ruled over the Northeastern region
of Rajasthan, called Dhundhar, and were referred to as Dhundhel or Dhundhela in ancient times,
for the region they governed. Later on they called themselves Chandelas; those who were in the
ruling class having gotra Kashyap were definitely all Bargujars; they were vassals of Gurjara -
Pratihara empire of North India, which lasted from 500 C.E. to 1300 C.E. and at its peak the
major monuments were built. The Bargujars also built the Kalinjar fort and Neelkanth Mahadev
temple, similar to one at Sariska National Park, and Baroli, being Shiva

The city was the cultural capital of Chandel Rajputs, a Hindu dynasty that ruled this part of India
from the 10-12th centuries. The political capital of the Chandelas was Kalinjar. The Khajuraho
temples were built over a span of 200 years, from 950 to 1150. The Chandela capital was moved
to Mahoba after this time, but Khajuraho continued to flourish for some time. Khajuraho has no
forts because the Chandel Kings never lived in their cultural capital.

The whole area was enclosed by a wall with eight originates, each flanked by two golden palm
trees. There were originally over 80 Hindu temples, of which only 25 now stand in a reasonable
state of preservation, scattered over an area of about 20 square kilometres (8 sq mi). Today, the
temples serve as fine examples of Indian architectural styles that have gained popularity due to
their explicit depiction of sexual life during medieval times. Locals living in the Khajuraho
village always knew about and kept up the temples as best as they could. They were pointed out
to the English in the late 19th century when the jungles had taken a toll on the monuments.

Architecture
Lakshmana temple at Khajuraho, a panchayatana temple. Two of the four secondary shrines can
be seen. Another view

Devi Jagadambi Temple

Dulhadeo Temple

The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions: western, eastern and southern.

The Khajuraho temples are made of sandstone. The builders didn't use mortar: the stones were
put together with mortise and tenon joints and they were held in place by gravity. This form of
construction requires very precise joints. The columns and architraves were built with megaliths
that weighed up to 20 tons.[4]

The Saraswati temple on the campus of the Birla Institute of Technology and Science in Pilani,
India, is modeled after the Khajuraho temples.
Chronology
The temples have been assigned the following historical sequence by Dr. Kanhaiyalal Agrawal.[5]

Sequence Modern name Original Deity Note

1 Chausath Yogini 64 Yoginis Est 9th c.
2 Brahma Brahma Eastern group
3 Lalgun Mahadev Shiva Contemp to 2
4 Matangeshwar Shiva In active worship
5 Varaha Varaha
6 Lakshmana Vaikuntha Vishnu Lakshavarma Inscription
Pahil inscription 954 AD, Jain
7 Parshvanath Adinath
Compound
8 Vishvanath Shiva Dhanga inscription Sam 1059
Initially Vishnu but today
9 Devi Jagadambi
Parvati
10 Chitragupta Surya
Kandariya
11 Shiva Largest
Mahadeva
12 Vamana Vamana Eastern Group
13 Adinath Jina Jain compound
14 Jawari Vishnu Eastern group
15 Chaturbhuja Vishnu Southern
16 Dulhadeo Shiva South end
17 Ghantai Jina Only some columns remaining

Statues and carvings

The Khajuraho temples contain some sexual or erotic art outside the temple or near the deities.
Also, some of the temples that have two layers of walls have small erotic carvings on the outside
of the inner wall. There are many interpretations of the erotic carvings. It has been suggested that
these suggest tantric sexual practices. Meanwhile, the external curvature and carvings of the
temples depict humans, human bodies, and the changes that occur in bodies, as well as facts of
life. Some 10% of the carvings contain sexual themes; those reportedly do not show deities:
They show sexual activities between people. The rest depict the everyday life of the common
Indian when the carvings were made and activities of other beings. For example, those depictions
show women putting on makeup, musicians, potters, farmers, and other folk. The mundane
scenes are all at some distance from the temple deities. A common misconception is that, since
the old structures with carvings in Khajuraho are temples, the carvings depict sex between
deities.[6]
Another perspective of these carvings is presented by James McConnachie. In his history of the
Kamasutra, McConnachie describes the zesty 10% of the Khajuraho sculptures as "the apogee of
erotic art":

"Twisting, broad-hipped and high breasted nymphs display their generously contoured and
bejewelled bodies on exquisitely worked exterior wall panels. These fleshy apsaras run riot
across the surface of the stone, putting on make-up, washing their hair, playing games, dancing,
and endlessly knotting and unknotting their girdles....Beside the heavenly nymphs are serried
ranks of griffins, guardian deities and, most notoriously, extravagantly interlocked maithunas, or
lovemaking couples."

Kandariya Mahadeva temple

Chaturbuj Temple

Lakshman temple


Lakshman temple

Lakshman temple

Lakshman temple

Lakshman temple
 

Lakshman temple

Erotic scene with a horse - Lakshman temple

A temple relief at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, India features a couple in a sexual

embrace with a man and a woman masturbating to either side.

Outside wall of one of the temples

While the sexual nature of these carvings have caused the site to be referred to as the Kamasutra
temple, they do not illustrate the meticulously described positions. Neither do they express the
philosophy of Vatsyayana's famous sutra. As "a strange union of Tantrism and fertility motifs,
with a heavy dose of magic" they belief a document which focuses on pleasure rather than
procreation. That is, fertility is moot.[citation needed]
The strategically placed sculptures are "symbolical-magical diagrams, or yantras" designed to
appease malevolent spirits. This alamkara (ornamentation) expresses sophisticated artistic
transcendence over the natural; sexual images imply a virile, thus powerful, ruler.[7]

Between 950 and 1150, the Chandela monarchs built these temples when the Tantric tradition
may have been accepted. In the days before the Mughal conquests, when boys lived in
hermitages, following brahmacharya until they became men, they could learn about the world
and prepare themselves to become householders through examining these sculptures and the
worldly desires they depicted.[citation needed]

While recording the television show Lost Worlds (History Channel) at Khajuraho, Alex Evans, a
contemporary stonemason and sculptor gave his expert opinion and forensically examined the
tool marks and construction techniques involved in creating the stunning stonework at the sites.
He also recreated a stone sculpture under 4 feet that took about 60 days to carve in an attempt to
develop a rough idea how much work must have been involved.[8] Roger Hopkins and Mark
Lehner also conducted experiments to quarry limestone which took 12 quarrymen 22 days to
quarry about 400 tons of stone.[9] These temples would have required hundreds of highly trained
sculptors.

Landscape

This section does not cite any references or sources. (August 2012)

The Khajuraho temples are now set in a parkland landscape. When India gained independence
from Britain in 1947 the landscape setting was semi-desert and scrub. The archaeological park
now has something of the character of a public park, with mowed grass, rose beds and
ornamental trees. This design is aimed for tourists comfort but has no relationship with the
historic landscape at the time the temples were built.

The development of landscape archaeology as an academic discipline raises questions

concerning the earlier landscape of Khajuraho and the original relationship between the temple
complex and the surrounding area. There are no records of what the original landscape might
have been, but it is known that a large community of priests used the temple complex and that
Indian gardens in the tenth century were predominantly tree gardens. They did not have lawns or
herbaceous flowering plants.

Tourism and cultural events

This section does not cite any references or sources. (August 2012)

The Khajuraho temple complex offers a professional light and sound show every evening. The
first show is in English language and the second one in Hindi.[10] The show is about an hour long
and covers the history, philosophy and the art of sculpting of these temples. It is held in the open
lawns in the temple complex.

The Khajuraho Dance Festival, held every year in the first week of February (1st to 7th), is an
opportunity for visitors to experience various classical Indian dances set against the backdrop of
the Chitragupta or Vishwanath Temples.

Recent discovery
The Archaeological Survey of India has recently[when?] started digging on a mound where perhaps
the largest underground temple in Khajuraho has been unearthed. The dig will take at least a
couple of years to conclude.[11] The M P Tourism Development has set up kiosks at the Railway
Station itself, (which is 9kms away from the city) with helpful tourist officers to guide the
travellers. The temples in Khajuraho are broadly divided into three parts : the Eastern group, the
Southern Group and the Western group of temples of which the Western group alone has the
facility of an Audio guided tour wherein the tourists are guided through the seven eight temples.
There is also an audio guided tour developed by the Archaelogical Survey of India which
includes a narration of the historical data related to the temples.

See also
 Bambar Baini the famous temple located on a hill in Laundi.
 Kandariya Mahadeva
 Hemvati
 Beejamandal
 Jain temples of Khajuraho
 List of megalithic sites
 Bandhavgarh National Park

References
1. ^ Khajuraho
2. ^ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages
and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on
2004-06-16. Retrieved 2008-11-01.
3. ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Khajuraho
4. ^ "Lost Worlds of the Kama Sutra" History channel
5. ^ Khajuraho, Kanhaiyalal Agrawal, Macmillan India, 1980 (in Hindi)
6. ^ "Khajuraho", liveindia.com
7. ^ McConnachie, James (2005). The Book of Love, the Story of the Kamasutra.
Metropolitan Press. pp. 46–47.
8. ^ "Lost Worlds of the Kama Sutra," History Channel
9. ^ Lehner, Mark, The Complete Pyramids, London: Thames and Hudson (1997) p.
202-225 ISBN 0-500-05084-8.
 10. ^ Khajuraho
11. ^ http://www.iloveindia.com/indian-monuments/khajuraho-temples.html

For more details about Kalinjar Please visit: http://www.kalinjar.in

Further reading
 Phani Kant Mishra, Khajuraho: With Latest Discoveries, Sundeep Prakashan (2001)
ISBN 81-7574-101-5
 Devangana Desai, The Religious Imagery of Khajuraho, Franco-Indian Research P. Ltd.
(1996) ISBN 81-900184-1-8
 Devangana Desai, Khajuraho, Oxford University Press Paperback (Sixth impression
2005) ISBN 978-0-19-565643-5

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Khajuraho group of monuments

 Khajuraho
 Images of Khajuraho Sculptures
 Archeological Survey of India, Bhopal Division

[hide]

 v
 t
 e

World Heritage Sites in India

 Agra Fort
 Buddhist Monuments atSanchi
 Fatehpur Sikri
 Humayun's Tomb
 Keoladeo National Park
 Khajuraho Group of Monuments
North
 Mountain Railways of India (Kalka-Shimla Railway)1
 Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
 Qutub Minar and its Monuments
 The Red Fort complex
 Taj Mahal
  Kaziranga National Park
Northeas
 Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
t

 Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya

 Mountain Railways of India (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway)1
East  Sun Temple at Konark
 Sundarbans National Park

 Great Living Chola Temples at Thanjavur, Gangaikonda

Cholapuram and Darasuram
 Group of Monuments at Hampi
 Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
South
 Group of Monuments at Pattadakal
 Mountain Railways of India (Nilgiri Mountain Railway)1
 Western Ghats

 Ajanta Caves
 Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
 Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
 Churches and convents of Goa
West  Elephanta Caves
 Ellora Caves
 Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
 Jantar Mantar
World Heritage Sites – Khajuraho
  Group of Temples, Khajuraho (1986), Madhya Pradesh

Khajuraho, the ancient Kharjjura-vahaka represent today a distinct pattern of art and temple architecture of its own
reminding one of the rich and creative period it witnessed during the Chandella rule. It was the principal seat of
authority of the Chandella rulers who adorned it with numerous tanks, scores of
lofty temples of sculptural grace and architectural splendour. The local tradition
lists eighty-five temples but now only twenty-five are standing examples in
various stages of preservation. But for Chausath-Yogini, Brahma and Mahadeva
which are of granite, all the other temples are of fine grained sandstone, buff,
pink or pale yellow in colour.

Yasovarman (AD 954) built the temple of Vishnu, now famous as Lakshmana
temple is an ornate and evolved example of its time proclaiming the prestige of
the Chandellas.

The Visvanatha, Parsvanatha and Vaidyanatha temples belong to the time of king
Dhanga, the successor of Yasovarman. The Jagadambi, Chitragupta, are
noteworthy among the western group of royal temples of Khajuraho. The largest
and grandest temple of Khajuraho is the immortal Kandariya Mahadeva which is
attributed to king Ganda (AD 1017-29). The other examples that followed viz.,
Vamana, Adinatha, Javari, Chaturbhuj and Duladeo, are smaller but elaborately
designed. The Khajuraho groups of temples are noted for lofty terraces (jagati) and functionally effective plans
comprising of an ardhamandapa, acting as entrance generally adorned with makara torana and kakshasana, the
mandapa, as the hall with antarala leading to garbha griha or sanctum. The larger temples have mahamandapas in
front of the ardhamandapa. They also have minor shrines at four corners and thus categorized as pancayatana. The
exterior of the temples are richly decorated. In contrast, Javari and Brahma temples are simpler creations.

The sculptural embellishments include, besides the cult images; parivara, parsva, avarana devatas, dikpalas, the
apsarases and sura-sundaris which win universal admiration for their delicate, youthful female forms of ravishing
beauty. The attire and ornamentation embrace the winsome grace and charm.

The recent excavation at Bija Mandal in Jatkara near Khajuraho has revealed the remains of a huge temple base
datable to 11th century A.D. which extends over 4 m than the largest known temple (Kandariya Mahadeo Temple).
An exquisite image of Sarasvati was also found from here.

Open from sunrise to sunset

Entrance Fee:

Citizens of India - Rs. 10/- per head

Others: US $ 5 or Indian Rs. 250/- per head

(children up to 15 years free)

Khajuraho - Land Of The Moon God
Tour Packages
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Best Of Madhya Khajuraho Bonanza North India Royal Tour To
Pradesh Rendezvous Khajuraho

About Khajuraho Khajuraho Hotels

Temple town of Khajuraho is Hotel Chandela is one of its
much different from any kind a true blue five star
other temple city of India. It hotel. Apart from being part
is not about religion and of the world famous Taj
worshipping and deities. The temples of group of hotels Hotel Chandela has set
Khajuraho are instead famous for the eroticism standards that are at par with any international
etched, hotel.
History of Khajuraho Excursions Hotel Chandela Hotel Greenwood
Khajuraho Khajuraho Close Look Hotel Clarks Hotel Jass Trident
Khajuraho Temples Khajuraho Dance Hotel Grand Temple Hotel Usha Bundela
Khajuraho Festival
Architecture

Location: In Madhya Pradesh, India.

Significance: Well-known for the sculptures in erotic poses in its temples.
Climate: Khajuraho has extreme tropical climate with temperature as high as 47°C in summers
and as low as 4°C in winters.

How to Reach:
By Air: Khajuraho has daily domestic flights to and from Agra, Varanasi and Kathmandu.
By Train: The nearest railway stations to Khajuraho are Mahoba, Satna and Jhansi. All of these
are well connected to most of the major cities of India.

The 9th to 12th century temples of Khajuraho is the evidences of the architectural geniuses
during the times of Chandela dynasty. Situated in Madhya Pradesh, India, Khajuraho oozes with
passion, eroticism, dance and music and other finesses of creative arts depicted in sculpture and
images of the temples. The 85 temples were built in North Indian 'Nagara' style of architecture,
though only 20 of them have survived the rough weather conditions over long years of time. The
two richer distinctive groups of temples are the Western and Eastern group of temples.

Temple town of Khajuraho is much different from any other temple city of India. It is not about
religion and worshipping and deities. The temples of Khajuraho are instead famous for the
eroticism etched on its walls in the form of sculptures. An amalgamation of science and art of
architecture, these 10th-11th century temples have a very interesting legend behind them that
connects them to the origin of Chandela dynasty. It is said that in a fit of passion and lust, the
Moon God seduced and ravaged a beautiful Brahmin girls known as Hemvati, resulting in the
birth of Chandravarman (the founder of the Chandela dynasty). Later, Chandravarman had a
dream where his mother requested him to make a temple, which would reveal all aspects of the
treasure of passion and erotic fantasy to the world.

Khajuraho - Madhya Pradesh

Erotic Art on the Khajuraho Temples – Exploring the

Truth Behind

The Khajuraho temples are one of the seven wonders of India, second only to the
incredible Taj Mahal. While the brilliant architecture and symmetry remains a point of
amazement, the Khajuraho temples mainly in the limelight because of the
incredible erotic art and carvings. Although the erotic sculptures make for just 10% of the
temples, the temples [...]

Read More


The Western Group of Temples, Khajuraho

  A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khajuraho has the largest group of medieval Hindu
and Jain temples and has awed generations of people with its architectural brilliance,
intricate carvings and sculptures. Originally there were said to be 80 temples at
Khajuraho, of which about 22 remain today. These temples are divided into three sections
or [...]

Read More


Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho

A trip to Khajuraho can never be complete without a visit to the Lakshmana temple.
Located in western side of the complex, the Lakshmana temple is the second largest
temple in Khajuraho. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu the temple was built during 930-950
A.D. Built by Chandela king Yashovarman, the Lakshmana temple is one of the [...]

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Khajuraho Temple Sculptures: Stone Spectacle at

Display
  

The Khajuraho temples have two major highlights – architecture and sculptures. While
the architecture displays the best of medieval Hindu style, the sculptures represent the
best of human skill, perfection and knowledge of human anatomy. The range and
complexities of these sculptures truly make the Khajuraho temples a stone spectacle on
earth. Features of Khajuraho Sculptures The [...]

Khajuraho - Madhya Pradesh

Eastern Group of Temples at Khajuraho – The Lesser

Known Wonders

Usually a discussion about Khajuraho eventually veers to majestic and elaborately carved
larger-than-life temples of the western group. The western group has the largest as well
as the most popular temples famous for their stunning beauty and splendid architecture.
However, the eastern group too has some interesting temples that are worth a visit.
Exploring the [...]

Read More


Major Attraction of Khajuraho – Kandariya Mahadeva

Temple

One of the most celebrated temples not just in Khajuraho but in the whole of India, the
Kandariya Mahadeva is a pinnacle of symmetrical structures and proportionate
sculptures. This is the tallest temple in Khajuraho with a height of 30.5 meters. This cave-
like temple gets its name from the word kandara (cave). It is said [...]

Read More

Popular Places to Visit around Khajuraho

  

Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most sought after tourist
destinations, especially for those who have a penchant for heritage art and architecture.
The spectacular carvings and erotic sculptures of Khajuraho have always been a point of
fascination for everyone. While the temples are definitely the main attraction, there are
several [...]

Read More

Old Erotic Art – Khajuraho

While the Khajuraho temples are famous for their glorious architecture and inimitable
carvings, they are mainly associated with erotic art. Although these sculptures make for
only 10% of the total sculptures, they are considered to be the pinnacle of erotic art. It is
because of these erotic sculptures that these temples are also known as [...]
 Read More

Incredible India
Incredible India
 Erotic Art on the Khajuraho Temples – Exploring the Truth Behind
 The Western Group of Temples, Khajuraho
 Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho
 Khajuraho Temple Sculptures: Stone Spectacle at Display
 Eastern Group of Temples at Khajuraho – The Lesser Known Wonders
 Food Specialities in Khajuraho
 Major Attraction of Khajuraho – Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
 The Splendour of Indian Culture and Tradition – Madhya Pradesh
 Popular Places to Visit around Khajuraho
 Old Erotic Art – Khajuraho

Chaturbhuj Temple – The Gem Of

Khajuraho
Among the many temples of Khajuraho, the Chaturbhuj temple is one of the most popular and is
located in the southern side of the complex. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu (the Hindu God
considered the preserver or life on earth), the Chaturbhuj temple is the only temple that lacks
any erotic or tantric sculptures.

Chaturbhuj Temple
Chaturbhuj – Deity with Four Hands

The temple gets its name from the Sanskrit word “Chatur – which means four and bhuja – which
means arms”. The temple is so named because the idol of the presiding deity, Lord Vishnu, has
four arms. Dating back to 1100 AD the Chaturbhuj temple is also known as Jatakari temple,
named after the village Jatakari where it is located.

Architecture

Like the other temples of the Khajuraho temple, the Chaturbhuj temple too boasts of
magnificent and typical Chandela architecture coupled with ornate carvings. The temple is built
on a raised platform and has the usual features like an outer wall, a mandapa, a shikhara (spire)
and the main sanctum sanatorium.

Chaturbhuj Temple

The outer wall consists of exquisitely carved statues of lions, divine and semi-divine beings. The
idols of dikpalas and asthavasus lend a pure and somber air to the entire ambience of the temple.

The main idol of Lord Vishnu is located in the sanctum sanatorium. An intricately carved stone
idol, it is nine feet long and has four hands. The two left arms hold a lotus with a book and a
conch shell respectively. The lower right arm can be seen giving blessings, though it is now
broken. The upper right arm displays fearlessness.

Apart from the main idol, there is yet another idol of Lord Vishnu known as the Narsimha Avatar
or the form which symbolizes half man and half lion form of Lord Vishnu. Also, on the outer
wall there is a beautiful sculpture of Lord Shiva (the Hindu God of destruction or transformation)
along with his incarnation of the Ardhanarishwara – an androgynous deity.

There has been a debate that the Chaturbhuj idol is actually Lord Shiva. However, most experts
believe that the idol is of Lord Vishnu, thereby putting an end to the debate. The Chaturbhuj
temple is a must visit, especially for those who have a taste for ancient mythology.
Khajuraho

Explore :

In the temple architecture of India, the Khajuraho complex remains unique. One thousand years
ago, under the generous and artistic patronage of the Chandela Rajput kings of Central India, 85
temples, magnificent in form and richly carved, came up on one site, near the village of
Khajuraho. The amazingly short span of 100 years, from 950 AD - 1050 AD, saw the completion
of all the temples, in an inspired burst of creativity. Today, of the original 85, only 22 have
survived the ravages of time; these remain as a collective paean to life, to joy and to creativity; to
the ultimate fusion of man with his creator. Why did the Chandelas choose Khajuraho or
Khajirvahila - garden of dates, as it was known then - as the site for their stupendous creations?
Even in those days it was no more than a small village. It is possible given the eclectic patronage
of the Chandelas and the wide variety of beliefs represented in the temples, that they had the
concept of forming a seat of religion and learning at Khajuraho. It is possible that the Chandelas
were also believers in the powers of Tantrism; the cult which believes that the gratification of
earthly desires is a step closer to the attainment of the infinite. It is certain however, that the
temples represent the expression of a highly matured civilization. Yet another theory is that the
erotica of Khajuraho, and indeed of other temples, had a specific purpose. In those days when
boys lived in hermitages, following the Hindu law of being "brahmacharis" until they attained
manhood, the only way they could prepare themselves for the worldly role of 'householder' was
through the study of these sculptures and the earthly passions they depicted.

 Facts / Did you know?

The creators of Khajuraho claimed descent from the moon. The legend that describes the origin
of this great dynasty is a fascinating one: Hemavati, the beautiful young daughter of a Brahmin
priest was seduced by the moon god while bathing in the Rati one evening. The child born of this
union between a mortal and a god was a son, Chandravarman. Harassed by society, the unwed
mother sought refuge in the dense forest of Central India where she was both mother and guru to
her young son. The boy grew up to found the great Chandela dynasty. When he was established
as a ruler, he had a dream-visitation from his mother, who implored him to build temples that
would reveal human passions, and in doing so bring about a realization of the emptiness of
human desire. Chandravarman began the construction of the first of the temples, successive
rulers added to the fast growing complex.