Let’s cut to the chase.

Yes, some sculptures at Khajuraho show people doing things you can’t discuss during dinner with your parents. But here’s the secret: Khajuraho is way more than just that.

It’s about:

• Architectural precision

• Spiritual symbolism

• Celebration of life, energy, and inner consciousness

• And yes — acceptance of desire as part of divinity

If temples could talk, Khajuraho wouldn’t whisper.

It would sing, dance, and wink at you from across the courtyard.

Where & When Did All This Start?

Located in Madhya Pradesh, this cluster of temples was built between 950 and 1050 CE by the

Chandela dynasty.

Chandelas were known for:

• Art patronage

• Political independence

• And building a town where 85 temples once stood (only 25 survive today)

The temples were gradually forgotten, overgrown by forests, and literally lost in time... Until Captain T.S. Burt, a British engineer, “discovered” them in 1838, and let’s just say — he was shocked.

Why Khajuraho Is a Big Deal (Even Without the Sculptures)

These temples represent:

• The Nagara style of North Indian architecture

• Perfect alignment with cardinal directions

• Raised platforms, ornate spires (shikharas), layered sanctums, and intricate symmetry

• Carvings that depict everything — from mythology to daily life to ahem, bedtime stories And get this — no cement was used.

Just interlocked sandstone blocks, carved and placed like giant puzzles. Still standing. Still stunning.

Even after 1,000 years of sun, rain, invasion, and British eyebrows raised in scandal.

The Temple Groups – Like Netflix Genres, But in Stone

Khajuraho’s temples are divided into three groups:

1. Western Group (The Rockstars)

Main complex, best preserved, ticketed entry

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

• The largest and most ornate

• Dedicated to Lord Shiva

• 31 metres tall, layered like a mountain

• Outer walls filled with over 800 sculptures, including gods, musicians, apsaras, mythical creatures — and some very limber couples

Lakshmana Temple

• Dedicated to Vishnu

• Smaller than Kandariya but equally detailed

• Famous for its Varaha (boar incarnation) sculpture — full-body, detailed, majestic

Vishwanatha Temple

• Another Shiva temple

• Known for its elegant proportions and dancing maidens

Devi Jagdambi Temple

• Believed to be for Parvati or Kali

• Walls filled with divine figures and flirtatious nymphs

• Rare because it’s dedicated to Surya, the Sun God

• Sculpted horses, warriors, and celestial drama

Chitragupta Temple

2. Eastern Group (The Spiritual Set)

Near Khajuraho town, more subtle

Includes:

• Jain temples (Parshvanatha, Adinatha, Shantinatha)—calm, elegant, full of serene carvings

• Brahmanical temples like Vamana and Javari

These temples are less erotic, more introspective.

3. Southern Group (The Hidden Gems)

A bit remote, quiet, peaceful

• Duladeo Temple – The “bridegroom temple” with softer carvings

• Chaturbhuj Temple – No erotic sculptures here, just a massive 2.7m-tall Vishnu idol Great for escaping crowds and sitting in silence with centuries.

About Those Sculptures...

Yes, let’s talk about it.

Roughly 10–15% of Khajuraho’s carvings depict sexual themes.

They are:

• On the outer walls, never inside sanctums

• Interspersed with musicians, warriors, dancers, daily life scenes

• Often symbolic of Tantra, life cycles, and the merging of Purusha (male energy) and Prakriti (female energy)

Khajuraho doesn’t treat desire as dirty.

It says, “Desire is part of life, and life is sacred. So what’s the problem?”

Also, some say the erotic images were meant to:

• Educate

• Celebrate human life

• Keep evil spirits away

• Or simply depict the completeness of creation

Take your pick. The stones won’t judge.

Best Photo Spots

• Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, full frontal at sunrise

• Jali windows with sunlight slanting in

• Silhouettes of shikharas against the evening sky

• Close-ups of apsaras, musicians, and yes, maybe one or two romantic panels

Where to Eat in Khajuraho

It’s a small town, but flavourful.

Raja Café

Near Western Group

Continental + Indian + rooftop views

Madras Coffee House

For filter coffee and South Indian tiffin

Budget-friendly and peaceful

Zorba the Buddha

Great veg food, chill vibes, banana lassi that deserves an award

Also try:

• Kachori + Jalebi for breakfast

• Khajuraho thali at local dhabas

How to Reach

By Air:

• Khajuraho Airport (HJR) – Well-connected to Delhi, Varanasi

By Train:

• Khajuraho Railway Station – Connected to Jhansi, Bhopal, Delhi

By Road:

• Frequent buses from Satna, Jhansi, Bhopal

• Roads can be a little rough — so pack snacks and patience

Entry Fees & Timings

• Western Group Ticket: ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (Foreigners)

• Other groups: Free or nominal charges

• Open: Sunrise to Sunset

• Sound & Light Show (evening): Don’t miss it – adds life to history

UNESCO World Heritage Status

• Declared: 1986

• Why?

“Outstanding example of a cultural tradition illustrating artistic and architectural excellence of the Chandela dynasty. Unique representation of sensuality, spirituality, and symmetry in harmony.”

Final Thoughts – Temples That Tell You to Live Fully

Khajuraho isn’t vulgar.

It’s visionary.

It reminds us:

• The sacred doesn’t have to be silent

• Beauty includes body and soul

• And real heritage celebrates all of human experience — not just the parts we’re comfortable with

With Nadodigal, we don’t tiptoe around history — we listen, laugh, blush, learn, and bow down to it.