The Sacred Pilgrimage of Khajuraho
Nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is globally renowned for its group of Hindu and Jain temples, celebrated for their intricate sculptures, spiritual depth, and architectural brilliance. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khajuraho transcends the physical with a spiritual narrative that blends divinity, sensuality, and cosmic symbolism.
Built between 950–1050 CE by the Chandela dynasty, the temples of Khajuraho once numbered over 85; around 20 still survive today. Contrary to popular perception, these temples are not merely about erotic art — they embody a spiritual journey, illustrating human life in all its facets: dharma (duty), artha (prosperity), kama (desire), and moksha (liberation).
The art here seeks not to glorify sensuality but to depict the path from the worldly to the divine — a form of Tantric philosophy that accepts the material world as a step toward the ultimate spiritual goal.
Places to Visit During Your Yatra
Kandariya Mahadev Temple
The largest and most majestic of all temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its towering shikhara (spire) rises about 31 meters, symbolizing spiritual ascent. The temple is adorned with over 800 statues, radiating energy, life, and devotion.
Lakshmana Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is known for its richly detailed sculptures and excellent preservation. The sanctum houses a striking image of Vaikuntha Vishnu with three faces.
Vishvanatha Temple
Also dedicated to Shiva, this temple features intricate carvings of celestial beings, mythical animals, and scenes from daily life, creating a spiritual tapestry in stone.
Chitragupta Temple
Uniquely dedicated to Surya (the Sun God), it showcases a striking idol of Surya in a chariot drawn by seven horses — a rare devotion in Hindu temple tradition.
Parsvanatha Temple
Part of the Jain group, this is the largest of the Jain temples in Khajuraho, dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara. It exemplifies the Jain principles of purity, simplicity, and sacred geometry.
Khajuraho Dham Yatra Guide
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Khajuraho is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. Summers (April to June) can be extremely hot with temperatures soaring up to 45°C, making outdoor exploration challenging.
The monsoon season (July to September) brings lush greenery to the region but can sometimes cause inconvenience due to heavy rainfall and possible flooding of the Mandakini River.
Special Festival Times:
- Ram Navami (March-April): Celebrates Lord Ram's birthday
- Deepotsav (October-November): Grand celebration during Diwali
- Maha Shivratri (February-March): Special celebrations at Kamtanath temple
How to Reach
By Air
Bamrauli airport at Allahabad is the nearest airport, 106 km. away from Chitrakoot. Next is Khajuraho Airport which is 167 km away from Chitrakoot. Both the airports have daily flight services to Delhi.
By Train
From Chitrakoot to Hajrat Nizamuddin (N. Delhi) via Banda.
From Chitrakoot to Allahabad, Mughal Sarai, Hawraha via Manikpur.
From Chitrakoot to Kurla (Mumbai) via Jhansi.
From Chitrakoot to Lucknow via Banda.
From Chitrakoot to Varanasi via Manikpur.
By Road
From Chitrakoot to Mirzapur via Allahabad.
From Chitrakoot to Rajapur.
From Chitrakoot to Panna via Attra & Naraini.
From Chitrakoot to Banda, Kanpur & Lucknow.
From Chitrakoot to Sagar via Mahoba.
Accommodation Options
Chitrakoot offers a range of accommodation options catering to different budgets and preferences:
- Dharamshalas: Run by various trusts and religious organizations, offering simple and affordable accommodation.
- Government Guest Houses: Comfortable stay options managed by the government tourism department.
- Private Hotels: Several budget to mid-range hotels are available in and around Chitrakoot.
- Ashrams: Some ashrams offer accommodation for spiritual seekers with simple facilities.
It's advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons and festivals.
Essential Tips for Pilgrims
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear as you'll be walking a lot.
- Carry a water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat, especially during summer.
- Remove footwear before entering temples as a mark of respect.
- Photography may be restricted in some temple areas; always ask for permission.
- Maintain silence and decorum in temple premises.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples.
- Consider hiring a local guide for a better understanding of the historical and religious significance.
- Plan for at least 2-3 days to cover all the important religious sites comfortably.