Khajuraho

Khajuraho refers to a town in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, India, and to the nearby Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site comprises about 25 temples built between the 9th and 12th centuries by the Chandela dynasty and arranged in three clusters: Western, Eastern, and Southern. The Western group contains the best-preserved temples, including Kandariya Mahadeva, the largest and most elaborate temple dedicated to Shiva, along with Lakshmana and Vishwanath temples. The Eastern group houses Jain temples such as Adinath and Parshvanath, while the Southern group includes smaller shrines.

Architecturally, Khajuraho ensembles exemplify Nagara-style temple architecture and are renowned for their exterior reliefs. The carvings depict a wide range of subjects, including deities, celestial beings, mythological episodes, and scenes of everyday life and intimacy. The sculptures are celebrated for their detail and craftsmanship and are valued for insights into medieval Indian religious and social life. The monuments were constructed during the height of Chandela power, roughly from the 10th to the mid-11th century CE.

In 1986, the Khajuraho Group of Monuments was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its artistic excellence and its representation of a thriving medieval culture. Today, the site is a major tourist destination and is supported by ongoing preservation efforts. The annual Khajuraho Dance Festival, held nearby, highlights classical Indian performing arts and attracts visitors from around the world.