Top 10 Must Visit Hindu Temples of Khajuraho – Chandela dynasty

Khajuraho group of Hindu temples are one of the top ten must visit tourist attractions in Madhya Pradesh, The temples are more than just erotic sculptures. The temples at Khajuraho were built between 885 AD to 1050 AD by the Chandela dynasty and decorated with erotic sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art.

Matangeshwar Mahadeva Temple

Matangeshvara Mahadeva temple of Khajuraho is listed among the sandstone temple and is the only widely active site of worship. The Lord Shiva temple is one of the early Chandela-era monuments of Khajuraho, has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the ASI.

Lakshmana Temple

Lakshmana Temple is dedicated to Vaikuntha Vishnu and one of the first temple to visit in the temple complex, stands on a high platform like other temples. The temple house images of boar, Varaha, elephant, lion and sculptures of the ten incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Varaha Temple is located infront of the Lakshmana Temple, house a monolithic statue of Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple (कंदारिया महादेव मंदिर) also known as the Great God of the Cave is one of the most beautiful and largest ornate Hindu temple in Khajuraho.

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is the largest Hindu temple of the western group of temples in the Khajuraho complex and like other temples of Khajuraho.

Some of these erotic sculptures are a major attraction among visitors and are very finely carved.

Exterior surfaces of the temples are entirely covered with sculptures, images in erotic sculptures.

Jagadambi Temple

Devi Jagadambi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and located next to Kandariya Mahadeva Temple complex, The beautiful temple is listed as one of the most finely decorated temple at Khajuraho.

Chitragupta Temple

Chitragupta temple is dedicated to Surya sun god and very much similar to the nearby Jagadambi temple, house statue of Surya riding a chariot of seven horses. The temple classified as a Monument of National Importance by the ASI.

Vishvanatha Temple

Vishvanatha Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the architectural style is very much similar to Lakshmana Temple, features several sculptures of various deities on the wall and exterior portion also house mythical creatures, surasundaris and apsara.

Nandi Temple is located opposite to the Vishvanatha Temple, display stone images of a seated Nandi facing Lord Shiva.

Chaturbhuja Temple

Chaturbhuj Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, situated in the village of Jatakari and also known as Jatakari temple. The temple house an idol of four-armed Lord Vishnu and is the only temple in Khajuraho which lacks erotic sculptures.

Vamana Temple

Vamana Temple is dedicated to Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu and part of the eastern Group of Monuments in Khajuraho. Vamana is listed as the fifth incarnation of the Dashavatara of Lord Vishnu and the temple also decorated with beautiful images of surasundaris and apsara.

Javeri Temple

Javari Temple in Khajuraho is located in the eastern area of Khajuraho, close to Vamana Temple and has beautiful images of Makara as well as sculptures depicting nava-graha on the top.

Duladeo Temple

Duladeo Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the bank of the Khodar River and part of the southern group of the Khajuraho temples.

The temple was built during the Chandela period house soft expressive features of carved figures.