Khajuraho (Madhya Parades) India The temples of Khajuraho are India’s unique quite gift to the world. Representing, as they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy, perfect in execution and sublime in expression, life in every form and mood, has been captured in stone, testifying, not only to the craftsman’s artistry but also to the extraordinary breadth of vision of the chandela Rajputs under whose rule the temples were conceived and constructed. The Khajuraho temples were built in the short span of a hundred years, from 950-1050 AD in a truly inspired burst of creativity. Of the 85 original temples, 22 have survived till today to constitute one of the world’s great artistic wonders. Architecturally too, then are unique, being different from the temple prototype of their period. Each stands on a high Masonry platform with a marked upward direction in the structures further enhanced by vertical projection to create the effect of grace and lightness. Each of the chief compartments is mounted by its own roof, grouped so that the imaginative recreation of the rising peaks of the Himalayas, abode of the gods. The three main compartments are the entrance (ardha-mandapa), assembly hall (Mandapa) and sanctum (Garbha griha), with further additions in the more developed temples western, eastern and southern. Khajuraho Tourism Western Group Kandariya Mahadeo : The largest and the most typical of the Khajuraho temples, it soars 31 m high . Dedicated to Shiva, the sanctum enshrines a lingam. The main shrine is exquisitely carved and features in delicated details, gods, goddesses, celestial maidens and lovers, Particularly noteworthy are the entrance arch, the ceilings and pillars of the interior compartments. Chansath Yogini : The only granite temple and the earliest surviving shrine of the group (900 AD), it is dedicated to Kali. Only 35 of the original 65 shrines remain.Another Kali temple (originally dedicated to Vishnu) is the Devi Jagdambe temple. Chitragupta Temple : Facing eastwards to the rising sun, the temple is dedicated to the sun god. Surya. The image of the deity in the inner sanctum is particularly imposing: five feet high, and driving a horse-drawn chariot. The group scenes depict royal processions, hunting scenes and group dances, reflecting the lavish lifestyle of the Chandela courts. Vishwanath Temple : A three headed image of Brahma is enshrined in this temple. The approach is equally impressive, with lions flanking the northern and elephants the southern steps that lead up to it. A Nandi bull faces the shrine. Lakshmana Temple : The lintel over the entrance of this beautiful Vaishnavite temple shows the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva with Lakshmi, Vishnu’s consort. The finely carved sanctum has a three-headed idol of Vishnu’s incamations, Narashimha and Varaha. This boar incarnation also appears in a nine-feet high statue at the Varaha Temple. Matangeswara Temple : Still a living place of worship, the temple is dedicated to Shiva, has an eight feet high lingam and is outside the precincts of the Western Group. Eastern Group Prasvanath Temple : The group’s largest Jain temple and exquisite in de tail. The sculptures on the northern outer wall are particularly noteworthy. The themes depict, in charming detail, everyday activity. Within , throne faces the bull emblem of the first tirthankara, Adinath. The Parsvanath image was installed in 1860. Ghantai Temple : This Jain temple has a frieze which depicts the 16 dream of Mahavira’s mother, and a Jain goddess on a winged Garuda. Adhinath Temple : Dedicated to the Jain saint, Adinath, the temple is lavishly embellished with sculpted figures, including yakshis. The three Hindu temples of the group are the Brahma, containing a four-faced lingam, the Vamana, Which is adorned on its outer walls with carving of apsaras in a variety of sensuous attitudes; and the Javari, With a richly carved gateway and exterior sculptures. Southern Group Duladeo Temple : Dedicated to Shiva the apsara and ornamented figures are the temple’s most striking features. Chaturbhuj Temple : This temple has a massive, intricately-carved image of Vishnu in the sanctum. Sound & Linght Show : This fascinating Son-et-Lumiere spectacle evokes the life and times of the Great Chandela Kings and traces the story of the unique temples from the 10th Century to the present day. Mounted in the complex of the Western Group of temples the 50-minute show runs in Hindi and in English every evening. Amitabh Bachchan, the Indian super star narrates the story of Khajuraho in His mesmerizing voice. State Museum of Tribal and Folk Arts : A fine collection of masterpieces of tribal and folk arts and artifacts from all over Madhya pradesh is on display at the Chandela Cultural Complex. The state Museum has more than 500 representative items of terracotta’s, metal craft, woodcraft, tribal and folk paintings, tattoos, jewellery and masks. Timing: the museum is open on all days except Mondays and Government Holiday from 12 noon to 8: 00 P.M.