Khajuraho is a town in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, located in Chhatarpur District.The town's name, anciently "Kharjuravahaka", is derived from the Sanskrit word kharjur meaning "date palm". The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of Hindu temples and Jain temples in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, India, about 175 kilometres (109 mi) southeast of Jhansi. The Khajuraho group of temples were built together but were dedicated to two religions, Hinduism and Jainism, suggesting a tradition of acceptance and respect for diverse religious views among Hindus and Jains in the region.They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 AD and 1050 AD by the Chandela dynasty. . It was the golden period of Chandella rulers
The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures.
Many people find those sculpture offensive due to posture of idol. Perhaps they missed the ideology behind these .The temple in fact illustrate the idea of life that engaged aesthetic objects to create something inspirational. These erotic sculpture cover only 10 percent of temple. So lets think beyond than this.Rest of 90 percent carving depicts the common routine of daily activity at that time.
Arrangements of these carvings divided into three parts ; upper line of carving dedicated to activities in sky. This line dedicated to Hindu God Brahma, middle line shows activities on earth, this line dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu, last line shows activities on underworld.This line dedicated to Hindu God Shiva.All these erotic sculpture are shown in middle line only not anywhere else.
How to reach:
Via train: There is a regular train from New Delhi for Khajuraho called the Khajuraho-Hazrat Nizamuddin Express, which takes around 10 to 11 hours to reach Khajuraho. The second major railway station connecting Khajuraho with other Indian cities is in Mahoba, about 75 km away.
Via flight: Khajuraho has its own domestic airport
Via bus: Khajuraho is well connected with a good bus network. Direct from from delhi to chattarpur (MP). From chattarpur to khajuraho take a bus.Which is 55 Km from chattarpur.
Best time to visit: October to February
March to June
Entry fee: 40 INR for indian
600 INR for foreigners
Some temples have no entry fee.
Minimum cost: 3000-4000 (For two people)
Minimum days required: 2-3 days
Places to visit:
· Temples:
Lalgun Mahadev, Brahma Temple, Lakshmana, Varaha, Parshvanatha, Ghantai, Mahishasuramardini, Vishvanatha, Matangeshwar, Javeri, Chaturbhuja, Duladeo (Duladev)
· You can enjoy Folk dances and music also in evening.
Travel tips:
· If you are travelling in summer. wear hat and sunglasses because place is really hot.
· Have bottle of water always with you.
· For very old people ( Above 80) I would not recommend because stairs are very high. so chances of fall is there.
Happy Wandering!!
My trip before #Lockdown