Western Group of Temples

Travel to Khajuraho, the exotic destination of India which offers the best temple architecture one can find anywhere in the world. One thousand years ago, under the generous and artistic patronage of the Chandela Rajput kings of Central India, the magnificent temples of Khajuraho are poetries in stone. The architectural beauty of the exquisite sculptures, the temples are unlike any other in India or anywhere in the world. The main temples are in the western group, which is the largest, compact and centrally located group in Khajuraho, includes some of the most prominent monuments, built by the Chandela rulers.

The Kandariya Mahadeo is considered the most evolved example of central Indian temple architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is also the largest of Khajuraho's temples.

The Lakshmana Temple is one of the oldest and finest of the western group of temples. The temple is rather big with four other shrines attached to it. Although the general norm in other temples is three bands of sculpture, this temple has only two. Recurrent themes are battles, hunting and women.

The Devi Jagdamba Temple is considered by many to be one of the most erotic temples of Khajuraho. The temple houses Khajuraho's most talked-about image, Mithuna and the sensuously carved figures. It is not clear until today as to which deity this temple is dedicated.

The Vishvanath Temple and Nandi celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva with Parvati. The way women have been depicted in this temple draw the most attention. From traditional images of women fondling babies and writing letters, they are seen also as the most provocative of images.

Chaunsat Yogini is the oldest of the surviving temples of Khajuraho. This temple is dedicated to goddesses Kali. This is the only temple in Khajuraho that is built in granite. The name chaunsat (sixty-four) comes from the cells of 64 attendants of Goddess Kali. Goddess Kali herself was the 65th one.

Other important temples in the western group are the temples of Lakshmi and Varaha, Mahadev, Chitragupta, Parvati and Matangesvara.