Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho constitute some of the most splendid and architecturally marvelous specimens of temple architecture in India. The group includes magnificent temples like Kandariya Mahadeo Temple, Chaunsat Yogini Temple, Chitragupta Temple, Lakshamana Temple, Matangeswara Temple, and Varaha Temple.
Kandariya Mahadeo Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the largest of Khajuraho temples, reaching to a height of 31 m. The sanctum sanctorum enshrines a lingam, a phallic symbol associated with vigor, fertility and potency. The main shrine of the temple is known for its exquisite representation of gods, goddesses, along with celestial maidens and lovers. Chaunsat Yogini Temple, dedicated to goddess Kali, is the earliest surviving shrine of the western group.
Lakshamana Temple is famous for the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, along with goddess Lakshmi. What is truly remarkable here is the three-headed idol of Vishnu's incarnations, Narasimha and Varaha in the finely carved sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
Chitragupta Temple, dedicated to Sun God, is famous for the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, along with goddess Lakshmi. Chitragupta Temple, dedicated to Sun God, is famous for a three- headed image of Brahma, enshrined in this temple. Varaha Temple houses a nine feet high boar-incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Khajuraho temples, constructed with spiral superstructures, adhere to a northern Indian shikhara temple style and often to a Panchayatana plan or layout. A few of the temples are dedicated to the Jain pantheon and the rest to Hindu deities - to God's Trio, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, and various Devi forms, such as the Devi Jagadambi temple. A Panchayatana temple had four subordinate shrines on four corners and the main shrine in the center of the podium, which comprises their base. Khajuraho is a village in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, located in Chhatarpur District, about 620 kms southeast of Delhi, the capital city of India. The Khajuraho group of monuments has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
