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Home
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Exotic Palaces
> Khajuraho
> Places To See |
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| Places
To See |
Western
Group
Kandariya Mahadeo:
This is the largest, and most typical Khajuraho temple.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it soars 31 m high. The sanctum
enshrines a lingam, while the main shrine is ornately
carved and depicts various gods, goddesses, apsaras
(heavenly maidens) in elaborate detail. The entrance
arch, the massive pillars and ceilings are adorned
with exquisite carvings, that leave the visitor spellbound.
Chaunsat Yogini:
The oldest surviving temple in the group (900 A.D.),
this is the sole granite temple dedicated to Goddess
Kali. Another Kali temple, which was originally dedicated
to Lord Vishnu, is the Devi Jagdambe temple.
Chitragupta Temple:
Dedicated to the sun-god, Surya, this temple
faces eastwards to the rising sun. The inner sanctum
boasts of an impressive image of the presiding deity
- the majestic sun-god looming 5 feet high, and driving
a chariot. The other group scenes depict royal processions,
group dances and other scenes of sheer luxury, typical
of the Chandela court-life.
Vishwanath Temple:
The temple enshrines a three-headed image of
Lord Brahma. Lions guard the northern entrance to
the structure, while elephants flank the southern
flight of steps that lead upto it. A Nandi bull faces
the shrine.
Lakshamana Temple:
The lintel over the entrance of this temple
dedicated to Lord Vishnu, shows the holy trinity of
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva with Goddess Lakshmi, Vishnu's
consort. The sanctum is adorned with a three-headed
idol of Vishnu's incarnations, Narasimha and Varaha.
The latter, the boar incarnation also appears as a
nine-feet high statue at the Varaha Temple.
Matangeshwara Temple:
This temple, which happens to be outside the
precincts of the western group, is dedicated to Lord
Shiva. It boasts of an eight feet high lingam.
Eastern Group
Parsavanatha Temple:
The largest in the group of three Jain temples, the
Parsavanath image in this temple, was installed in
1860. The sculptures on the northern wall depict everyday
activity, in awesome detail. Within the temple, a
throne faces the bull emblem of first tirthankara,
Adinath.
Ghantai Temple:
This Jain temple has a frieze depicting the
16 dreams of Mahavira's mother, and a Jain goddess
perched on a winged Garuda.
Adinatha Temple: The last of the Jain
temples, is dedicated to the Jain saint, Adinatha,
and is gorgeously adorned with sculptures of yakshis
among others.
The three Hindu temples in this group are the Brahma temple, which has a four-faced lingam, The Vamana temple which is embellished with images of ravishing apsaras at their alluring best; and finally the Javari temple, with its ornate gateway and lavish carvings.
Southern Group
Duladeo Temple:
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the highlights of this temple
are the sensuous images of the apsaras, and other
exquisite sculptures.
Chaturbhuj Temple:
This temple sports a huge, elaborately carved image
of Vishnu in the sanctum. |
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| Around
Khajuraho |
Benisagar
Lake (11 km) -
A picnic spot and a dam of the Khudar river. Ideal
for boating and angling.
Ranguan Lake (25 km)
- A dam site at the confluence of the Ken and
Simri rivers.
Pandav Waterfall (30 km)
- A waterfall on river Ken. The Pandavas of
the Mahabharata are believed to have spent a part
of their exile here.
Ranch Waterfalls (20 km)
- Waterfalls on the Ken river, famous for rock
formations.
Rajgarh Palace (25 km)
- More than 150 years old, this palace nestles
at the foot of the Manjyagarh hills.
Panna (45 km)
- A historic town and capital of the Bundela
kingdom.
Dhubela Museum (64 km)
- The museum is located in an old fort, on
the Jhansi-Khajuraho road. It houses the personal
effects of Chhatrasal and other Bundela rulers.
Ajaygarh Fort (80 km)
- An old fort, built at a height of 688 metres,
and capital of the Chandelas during their decline.
Kalinjar Fort (100 km)
- The fort is located on the Vindhya range,
38 km away from the Atarra Railway station. It was
built during the Gupta period and captured by Shri
Yashovarman, the Chandela king, in the 10th century.
Panna Diamond Mines (56 km)
- India's only diamond mines, located at Majhgawan.
Panna National Park (40 km) - It is
spread over 546 sq. km along the east bank of the
river Ken. Dense forest cover, rocky gorges and waterfalls
make for ideal wildlife watching.
Bandhavgarh National Park (237 km)
Lesiure activities
- Angling at Benisagar and Ranguan lake. Permission
of the Assistant Director Fisheries Department, Nowgong,
Madhya Pradesh is necessary. Boating facility is available
at Benisagar lake. |
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Winter: October to March.