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Western Group of Temples, Khajuraho
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Information about the Western Group of Temples
The temples of Khajuraho are the India's unique gift to the world. During the rule of the Chandela dynasty, 85 magnificent and richly cared temples were built near Khajuraho. Within a period of 100 years i.e. from 950 to 1050 AD, all the temples were completed. But now, out of 85 temples, only 22 temples have survived. These temples are a collective salute to life, joy and creativity. The architectural style of the Khajuraho temples was very different from the temples of that period. The three main compartments of the temple are the entrance (Ardha Mandapa), assembly hall (Mandapa) and an inner sanctum (Garbha-griha). The temples are divided into three geographical groups mainly, Western Group, Eastern Group and Southern Group.

quadrangular in shape. But now out of 65 cells only 35 cells remain and the image of goddess Kali also does not survives. This temple is one of the earliest shrines, dating back to 900 A.D. The Devi Jagdambe Temple is another Kali temple, which was originally dedicated to God Vishnu. North of the Devi Jagdambe temple and facing eastwards to the rising sun, is the Chitragupta Temple. This temple is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. The image of the god is about 5 feet high, and it drives a seven-horsed chariot. The group scenes depicted on the walls of the temple are equally spectacular with royal processions, elephant fights, hunting scenes and group dances. These images represents the lavish lifestyle of the Chandela kings and their courts.

The Vishwanath temple's architecture is same like the architecture of the Kandariya Mahadeo Temple. The steps leading to the temple on the northern side are flanked by lions and on the southern side by elephants. Inside the temple there is an impressive three-headed image of God Brahma. The exteriors of the temple are very beautifully carved. In front of the Vishwanath temple is a Nandi Temple. This temple houses a massive 6 feet high Nandi bull. Some of the Chandela rulers were devotees of Vishnu and so they built some of the Vaishnavite temples. One of the finest temple is the Lakshmana Temple. The lintel over the entrance shows the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, with Lakshmi, Vishnu's consort. The sanctum is richly carved and has a three-headed idol of Vishnu's incarnations, Narasimha and Varaha. The Varaha Temple is another Vaishnavite shrine. In this temple there is an idol of Varaha, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu which is about 9 feet high. Its surface is covered with figures from the Hindu pantheon. Some of the temples are now no longer the living places of worship, but a few exceptions are there. Matangeswara Temple is still a living place of worship. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and has an 8 feet high lingam.

Western Group of Temples

Perfectly symmetrical, it soars 31 km high. Though the four temples that stand at the corners of the main shrine are now in ruins, the main shrine has an exquisitely carved entrance arch with a multitude of themes. Celestial beings, lovers serenading musicians... movements captured in stone, frozen in time, yet retaining a quality of warm, pulsating life. The very stone seems to have taken on the living, breathing quality of the carved figures. Beyond the archway of the Kandariya Mahadev, lie the six interior compartments; the portico, main hall, transept, vestibule, sanctum and ambulatory. The ceilings are particularly noteworthy and the pillars supporting them have intricately carved capitals. The transept's outer walls have three horizontal panels showing deities of the Hindu pantheon, and groups of lovers, a pageant of sensuousness, vibrantly alive.

Chaunsath Yogini Temple
Chaunsath Yogini is the only granite temple in the Khajuraho group. Dedicated to Kali, it is also unique in being quadrangular in plan. Only 35 of the original 65 cells remain and no image of Kali has survived: not surprisingly, since this is the earliest surviving shrine of the group dated to 900 AD.

Chitragupta Temple
Facing eastward to the rising sun, the temple, is dedicated to the sun-god, Surya. The image of this powerful deity in the inner sanctum is particularly imposing: 5ft high, and driving a seven-horsed chariot. The group scenes depicted are equally spectacular: royal processions, elephant-fights, hunting scenes, group dances. The lavish lifestyle of the Chandela kings and their court is here in all its pomp and glory.

Matangeswara Temple
Still a living places of worship, the temple is dedicated to Shiva, has an eight feet high lingam and is outside the precincts of the western group.

Vishwanath Temple
Lions flank the northern steps and elephants the southern, leading up to the temple. Within, there is an impressive three headed image of Brahma. The exteriors are profusely carved. Facing the shrine is a Nandi Temple with a massive, 6 ft high Nandi bull. Since the first few Chandela rulers were devotees of Vishnu, there are some important Vaishnavite temples in the Khajuraho group.