Khajuraho is a small town located in the bundelkhand region Chhatarpur District of Madhya Pradesh and is well-known for groups

of Hindu and Jain temples.

The temples of Khajuraho were built between 950 to 1050 A.D. during the Chandela dynasty of Central. After the refuse 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 the ancient times it was known as Vatsa.

In 1838, a British army engineer, Captain T.S. Burt rediscovered them. By that time only 22 of the original 85 temples had survived.

The temples are grouped into three physical divisions :

Western Eastern & southern

Lakhmana Temple Kandariya Mahadeo Temple Devi Jagdamba Temple Chaunsat Yogini Chitragupta Temple Matanageswara Temple

Parsvanath Temple Ghantai Temple Adinath Temple Hanuman Temple Brahma Temple Vamana Temple Javari Temple

Dulhadev Temple Beejamandal Temple Chattarbhuj Temple Or The Jatkari Temple

There is a entry fee of Rs. 10/- (for Indians) and USD $ 5 (for foreigners) to go in the Western Group of temples All the temples are open from sunrise to sunset. These are the richest and largest of all temple groups

Lakhmana Temple : The oldest and finest of the western group of temples, named after the ruler that built the temple. The A horizontal beam over the entrance of this stunning Vaishnavite temple shows the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva with Lakshmi, Vishnus consort. Kandariya Mahadeo Temple: This temple is ornamented with a abundance of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art.

Kandariya Mahadeo Temple: This temple is ornamented with a abundance of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art.

Devi Jagdamba Temple : devoted to the Goddess(devi), this is smaller and much more delicately proportioned temple and is home to some of the finest sculptures of Khajuraho.The garbha griha has a enormous image of the Devi of the Universe (Jagdambi), though it appears to have started as a Vishnu temple. It has the usual three bands of sculptures, but the third and most highest of these houses some of the most erotic sculptures.

Chaunsat Yogini : The only granite temple in the Khajuraho group. Chitragupta Temple : This temple is devoted to the Sun God (Surya), it faces eastward to the rising sun. Matanageswara Temple : A temple devoted to Shiva, a huge 8ft Lingam adorns the temple.

Parsvanath Temple : biggest among the group, with beautiful carvings in detail. The sculptures on the northern outer wall are the tourist attractions of this temple. The image was installed in 1860. Ghantai Temple : This Jain temple has a wall painting which depicts the 16 dreams of Mahavira's mother, and a jain goddess on a winged Garuda.

Adinath Temple : devoted to Jain Tirthankar(God), adinath, the temple is plentifully overstated with sculpted figures, including yakshis. Brahma Temple : measured to be one of the oldest temples of Khajuraho made entirely in granite and sandstone, is devoted to Vishnu.

Vamana Temple : Vamana Temple is the dwarf form of Lord Vishnu, situated in a secluded place and is known for its simple architecture.

Dulhadev Temple : The very last temple of Khajuraho, lies to the south of Ghantai temple. The temple enshrines a Shivalingam. The apsara and decorated figures are the temple's most striking features. Beejamandal Temple : It is a ruined temple, and is near the Chattarbhuj Temple.

Chattarbhuj Temple Or The Jatkari Temple : Built in 1100 A.D., is renowned for its construction, and is also the only temple to be devoid of any erotic sculpture. 3 km away from the Eastern Group. Facing West, have to take 10 steps to reach the sanctum. The massive 9 feet intricately carved Vishnu idol in Chaturbhuja (four-armed).

The Khajuraho Dance Festival takes place every year during the spring and this festival celebrates the splendor of the temples. The festival is of classical dances is held every year in February or March and continues for one week. It takes place against the spectacular backdrop of the splendid temples.

The Khajuraho Dance Festival is a cultural festival that tourist attractions the richness and depth of the different Indian classical dance styles such as Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali. The performances are given by of some of the best exponents in the field. contemporary Indian dance has also been integrated lately.

The dances are performed in an open air audience which is in front of the Chitragupta Temple. The Chitragupta temple devoted to Surya or the Sun God and the Vishwanath Temple devoted to Lord Shiva.

The main idea behind organizing this dance festival is to make the heritage of Khajuraho related to the present day society and also for the coming generations. This festival is attended by number of tourists. Number of seminars and workshops take place during the Khajuraho Dance festival which is attended by renowned artists and craftsmen.

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