Khajuraho Temples
KhajurahoMadhya Pradesh
10th–11th century CE; Chandela dynasty under Yasovarman and Dhanga
fire
A Temple Record

Khajuraho Temples

HinduismJainism
Enter the Record
↓
I.Overview

A Sacred Site

In Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, there stands Khajuraho Temples — originally 85 temples built by the Chandela kings; 25 survive. Famous for Nagara architecture and sculptures depicting tantric cosmology.

II.Architecture

The Built Form

Jain Maru-Gurjara

2
Gopurams
12m
Height
0
2
Hectares

Vimana / Gopuram

Dravidian vimana over the sanctum — single prakara with modest shikhara

Sanctum Sanctorum

Garbhagriha — Single prakara with modest shikhara

Construction Material

granite

Originally 85 temples built by the Chandela kings; 25 survive

§Plan View

An architectural reading of Khajuraho Temples — a top-down plan derived from the temple's recorded data.

SanctumVimana 12mEast GopuramSouth GopuramN
Legend
Gopurams (2)
Vimana & Sanctum
III.Timeline

Sacred Timeline

  1. Construction 10th–11th c. CE

    Originally 85 temples; Chandela kings built them as celebration of cosmic creation

  2. UNESCO World Heritage inscription (1986)

    Recognized for Nagara architecture and sculptural art

V.Patrons

Royal Patrons

  1. Yasovarman

  2. Dhanga

VII.Trade

Trade Routes

  1. Central Indian trade routes linking Bundelkhand to the Gangetic plains

X.Sacred Story

A Temple Record

An editorial reading of the site, woven from its architectural, historical, and scriptural data.

In Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho Temples — a 10th–11th century ce; chandela dynasty under yasovarman and dhanga site — originally 85 temples built by the Chandela kings; 25 survive. Famous for Nagara architecture and sculptures depicting tantric cosmology.

§Historical Arc

The site is associated with the patronage of Yasovarman and Dhanga. The earliest event recorded here is construction 10th–11th c. ce. Through the centuries, the temple witnessed unesco world heritage inscription (1986). Originally 85 temples; Chandela kings built them as celebration of cosmic creation.

§Reading the Built Form

Built in the Built in the Jain Maru-Gurjara tradition, the temple's 2 gopurams rise 12 metres into the sky the garbhagriha holds garbhagriha — single prakara with modest shikhara . Originally 85 temples built by the Chandela kings; 25 survive

Construction 10th–11th c. CE
§A Visitor's Approach

01Walk the pradakshina path. Note the earliest event recorded here — construction 10th–11th c. ce.

02Look up. The vimana above the sanctum is the temple's vertical sermon — each tier a step toward the divine.

03The tradition here is hinduism. Sit. Listen. The darshan is its own teaching.

§Practical Notes
When to Visit
Open year-round. Visit at dawn for the deepest quiet.
Tradition
Hinduism · Jainism
Historical Depth
2 recorded events

End of record · Khajuraho Group of Monuments

§Sacred Connections

Other sites derived from shared frontmatter data — tradition, era, region, or built form.

Of the Same Tradition

6

Ashta-Lakshmi

Hinduism

Kurma

Hinduism

Mahavidyas

Hinduism

Matsya

Hinduism

Narayana

Hinduism

Durga and Kali

Hinduism

In the Same Region

6

Chitrakūṭa — Rama's forest exile

Chitrakoot, Satna, Madhya Pradesh

Devi Kushmeshwar

Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh

108 Divya Desams — Vishnu's Sacred Abodes

Ujjain, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Pithoro / Bāvjī — supreme among the Bhils

Jhabua region, Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh

Hardaul / Hardevji

Orchha, Niwari, Madhya Pradesh

24 Tirthankaras — Jainism's Liberated Souls

Sonagiri, Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh

Of the Same Architectural Style

1
Shikharji — The Peak of Salvation

Shikharji — The Peak of Salvation

Jain Maru-Gurjara

vahana: "lāñchana (emblem — Jains distinguish by lāñchana, not vahana)" sacred_colours:

  • white (marble)
  • red
  • gold sacred_flowers:
  • lotus
  • jasmine sacred_flowers:
  • lotus
  • mango-leaf garlands sacred_trees:
  • kalpavṛkṣa (wish-fulfilling tree)
  • mango sacred_animals:
  • lion (lāñchana)
  • elephant sacred_colours:
  • white (marble)
  • red
  • gold vahana: "Nandi (sacred bull)" primary_scriptures:
    • title: "Ādipurāṇa" type: "scripture" festival_dates:
  • "Mahāvīra Jayantī (Mar–Apr)"
  • "Paryushana (Aug–Sep)"

Khajuraho Group of Monuments — Stone Encyclopedias of Medieval India

Cosmic Creation in Stone

Originally 85 temples, 25 survive today. The Chandela kings built these temples as a celebration of cosmic creation, where the erotic sculptures represent the union of purusha and prakriti — not mere sensuality but tantric cosmology. The temples combine Hindu and Jain traditions, showing medieval India's religious pluralism.

The Kandariya Mahadeva

The largest and most ornate temple, the Kandariya Mahadeva, is dedicated to Shiva. Its inscription names the architect Virmani — a rare case where the builder is known by name. The temple rises in a series of vertically clustered towers, creating a mountain-like silhouette.

Sculptural Spectrum

The sculptures cover the full spectrum of life — from gods and wars to musicians, teachers, and lovers — making Khajuraho a visual encyclopedia of medieval Indian civilization. The famous erotic panels represent only about 10% of the total sculptures; the majority depict divine beings, animals, and daily life.

Inscriptions

Inscriptions record donations from queens, merchants, and courtesans. Jain temple inscriptions document Chandela tolerance, showing that the dynasty patronized both Hindu and Jain temples simultaneously.

Standard Disclaimer

⚠️ This entry is REVIEWED — Advisory Council review pending.

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