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Khajuraho – A peaceful journey from Earth to Heaven

Khajuraho is an epic place in the heart of India, captivating tourists from all over the world with its exceptionally beautiful sculptures and culture. It’s famous for its eroticism as well as its unique perspectives on women’s contentedness, making it a subject of great interest for tourists, both domestic and international.

Where is it located? Khajuraho, a UNESCO heritage site, is situated in the heart of India with the backdrop of the Vindhya mountain range. It impresses its audiences with Indo-Aryan architecture and erotic rock carvings.

How did it get its name? As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Khajuraho is believed to have had over 85 temples, of which 22 remain today. It covers an area of approximately 20 square kilometers in the northeastern part of Madhya Pradesh, in the Bundelkhand region (Chhatarpur District). The city is divided into three sections/zones: West, East, and South. The entire Khajuraho was enclosed by a wall with about 8 gates used for entry/exit. It is believed that each gate is flanked by two date palm trees, which gave Khajuraho its name, Khajur-Vatika. In history, Khajuraho is also described with the name of Jejakbhukti.

History

The temples were built between 950 -1050 AD during the reign of the Chandela dynasty. After the demise of the Chandela dynasty in the 13th century, the temples were left under the cover of dense date palm trees for many years, which gave the city the name Khajuraho. Khajuraho in Hindi means “date.”

Architecture of the temple

Khajuraho temples portray a unique style of carvings. Although eroticism is emphasized in most of them, only about 10% of its carvings depict eroticism. Khajuraho temple goes beyond Kamasutra or sex. Different carvings are seen on the outer margins of the temple, but as soon as we enter the temple, there are no carvings of this nature. It is often said that it teaches us that we can’t achieve spiritual satisfaction without sexual satisfaction.

They are divided into three main groups: Western, Eastern, and Southern. Most of the erotic sculptures are seen in the Western Group of Temples. A few temples in the Eastern Group are dedicated to Jain Teerthankaras.

There has been a misconception among people that all temples only show erotic images. However, when you visit, you will see women putting on makeup and making music. Erotic sculptures are truly captivating, but interestingly, most erotic themes are neither prominent nor emphasized at the expense of the rest; they are in proportional balance with the non-sexual images.
Some of the main temples in the Western zone include Lakshmana Temple, Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, and Chausath Yogini Temple. We can see an amalgamation of Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Jainism in Khajuraho. Owing to its architectural wonders and peaceful environment, Khajuraho has gained popularity among many foreign tourists.

Get up close to the culture of the town as you watch different folk dances, light and sound shows that are organized at the temple premises and other centers. And in case you thought it’s just art and culture that will keep you on your toes, then you will be surprised by the variety of cuisines available, from Italian to Mexican, Chinese to Thai, and continental to Mughlai.

All in all, Khajuraho offers an enriching offbeat getaway from the usual tourist places in India.

Best time to visit?

The best time to visit Khajuraho temples is during the winter months, from October to February. The weather is pleasant during this time, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. The temples are also less crowded during this period, allowing for a more leisurely experience.

Most important things to see?

I have already talked about the temples, but if you are visiting Khajuraho, there are other things you must notice:

Panna National Park –

The Panna National Park is located about 100 kilometers from Khajuraho. This is a great place to go for a safari and see tigers, leopards, and other wild animals.

The Khajuraho Dance Festival –

If you are a hardcore lover of traditional dance, then this festival is held every year in the month of February, and you can see and join them.

The Khajuraho Temple Light Show –

The Khajuraho Sound and Light Show is a popular evening event that takes place at the Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho. The show is narrated by Amitabh Bachchan, the famous Indian actor. He uses his deep and resonant voice to bring the story of the temples to life. The music for the show is composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, a famous Bollywood music composer duo. The music is beautiful and enchanting, creating a magical atmosphere for the show. This is a great way to learn and understand the history of Khajuraho temples. The show is available in both Hindi and English at different timings.

Where to stay?

There are many places to stay in Khajuraho, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts.

How to get there?

There are several ways to reach Khajuraho Temple. Here are a few options: •

  • By plane: The nearest airport is Khajuraho Airport, located about 5 kilometers from the town of Khajuraho. There are direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Varanasi.
  • By train: There are several train stations near Khajuraho, including Jhansi Junction Railway Station, Satna Junction Railway Station, and Bina Junction Railway Station. From these stations, you can take a taxi or bus to Khajuraho.
  • By bus: Several bus services operate between Khajuraho and major cities in India, including Delhi, Agra, and Varanasi. Once you arrive in Khajuraho, you can either walk or take a rickshaw to the temples.

You can adjust the mode of transportation according to your budget and preferences.

Some special tips:

  • You should visit the temples in the
  • morning as it is less crowded. • Entrance fees are charged only for the temples situated in the western zone. Temples in the eastern zone are completely free.
  • Rates are different for foreigners; foreigners are charged more than what Indians pay. •
    Taking a guide is a good idea when visiting the Khajuraho temples. They can help you understand the history and significance of the temples.
  • Dress appropriately as you are visiting a holy site, and remember to maintain ethical decorum. •
    Take your time to enjoy and explore the real beauty and essence of Khajuraho temples.

My experience when I first visited them was so captivating. I was enchanted by the peaceful essence of the temple. They are even more impressive in person than they are in pictures. The sculptures are incredibly detailed and intricate, a testament to the skill and artistry of the people who built them.

Along with that, other things like the light show and Panna National Park also add to its beauty.

This journey, which I once made in my life, has always remained in my memories and will stay with me until my death.

People often tend to visit hill stations, but I strongly believe that India’s beauty lies in its culture, which is beautifully portrayed by its temples.

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