Discover Khajuraho: The Complete List of All Surviving Temples

Khajuraho, the UNESCO World Heritage site in Madhya Pradesh, is world famous for its 85 temples built by the Chandella dynasty between 950–1050 CE. Today, only 24–25 temples survive, divided into three clusters: Western, Eastern, and Southern groups. This comprehensive guide covers all surviving temples with their deities, historical periods, and unique features - perfect for heritage travelers, volunteer groups visiting cultural sites, and sustainable tourism enthusiasts exploring India's rich history. Khajuraho Permaculture Farm is conveniently located at just 4 Km from Western Group of Temples.

Khajuraho is famous for its erotic sculptures, but sexual themes represent less than 10% of the artwork. The temples tell a deeper story about the four goals of human life (dharma, kama, artha, moksha), religious tolerance (Hindu & Jain temples together), and the sacred integration of nature, spirituality, and daily life.

For Khajuraho Permaculture Farm guests and volunteer travelers, understanding each temple's significance transforms a simple visit into a spiritual-cultural journey. Here's the complete guide:

Western Group: The Heart of Khajuraho

The Western Group contains 11–12 temples and is the UNESCO core with the most famous, ornate, and well-preserved temples featuring intricate erotic sculptures.

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple stands as the largest and most magnificent temple, built around 1000 CE. Dedicated to Shiva, it represents the pinnacle of Nagara architecture with over 600 sculptures.
Devi Jagadambi Temple (975 CE) is dedicated to Goddess Parvati or Vishnu and showcases exquisite sculptures that highlight Chandella artistic mastery.
Laxmana Temple (954 CE), also called Lakshman, is the oldest major Western temple dedicated to Vishnu, featuring detailed carvings and classical proportions.
Matangeshwar Temple (900–925 CE) also called Matangesvara, is the oldest surviving temple and remains in active worship today, making it one of the most sacred and continuously used shrines.
Vishwanath Temple (1002 CE) dedicated to Shiva sits near Kandariya Mahadeva with similar architectural style and ornate sculptures.
Varaha Temple (900 CE) dedicated to Varaha, Vishnu's boar avatar, is small but features highly detailed carvings and sits near Laxman Temple.
Parvati Temple (950–1002 CE) is another Western temple dedicated to Parvati or Vishnu with well-preserved sculptures.
Nandi Temple (1002 CE) is dedicated to Nandi, Shiva's bull devotee, and complements the Vishwanath Temple complex.
Chitragupta Temple (1000–1025 CE) is unique as it's the only temple in the Western Group dedicated to Surya, the Sun god, with solar imagery throughout.
Chausath Jogini (Chaunsath Yogini) Temple, Oldest temple (885 CE). Only granite-built temple at Khajuraho; circular with 65 chambers (64 for Yoginis + 1 for Kali). Among few preserved Yogini temples in India. Represents ancient Shiva-Shakti cult.
Lalguwan Mahadev Temple, c. 900 CE Shiva temple; partially ruined but historically significant as early Chandela architecture.

Eastern Group: Mixed Hindu and Jain Temples

The Eastern Group contains 8 temples located near Khajuraho town, featuring both Hindu and Jain religious architecture.

Brahma Temple (925 CE) is the oldest surviving temple overall at Khajuraho, dedicated to Shiva/Vishnu, and predates all other major structures.
Vamana Temple (1050–1075 CE) is a small Vaishnav temple dedicated to Vamana, Vishnu's dwarf avatar, with simple but elegant design.
Javari Temple (1075–1100 CE) is a well-preserved Vaishnav temple featuring beautiful sculptures and classical Chandella proportions.
Adinath Temple (11th century CE) is an important Jain shrine dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankara, with intricate carvings.
Parsvanath Temple (954 CE) is the largest Jain temple at Khajuraho, featuring sculptures of all 24 Tirthankaras and considered the most significant Jain monument.
Shantinath Temple (1028 CE) is another important Jain temple dedicated to Shantinath, the 16th Tirthankara.
Ghantai Temple (10th century CE) is a ruined Jain temple that once housed massive sculptures, including a famous 16th Tirthankara relief now partially excavated.
Kakramath is a Hindu temple of unknown period within the Eastern Group, adding to the cluster's mixed religious heritage.

Southern Group: Distant and Ancient

The Southern Group contains 4 temples located farthest from town, featuring some of the oldest surviving structures.

Dulhadev Temple (1100–1125 CE) is dedicated to Shiva and famous for its geometric patterns, maze-like designs, and late Chandella period architecture.
Chaturbhuja Temple (also called Chaturbhuj, 1100 CE) is dedicated to Vishnu and unique for having no erotic sculptures despite its ornate appearance, featuring a 9-foot Vishnu idol.
Bijamandal Temple is partially excavated with unknown period and deity, representing ongoing archaeological work at Khajuraho.

Philosophical Significance: What Khajuraho Teaches Us

The Four Goals of Life (Purusharthas)

Khajuraho's sculptures symbolically represent Hinduism's four necessary pursuits:

Goal - Meaning - Temple Representation

Dharma - Righteousness/duty - Daily life scenes, deities
Kama - Desire/sensual fulfillment - Erotic sculptures (10% of art)
Artha - Purpose/economic activity - Farmers, musicians, potters
Moksha - Liberation/self-realization - Deity inside sanctum

Planning Your Khajuraho Visit:

Best time to visit: October–March (cooler weather)
Western Group: Start here with Kandariya Mahadeva as the centerpiece.
Eastern Group: Located near town, easy to combine with Western temples.
Southern Group: Most distant, best for dedicated heritage exploration.
UNESCO site: All temples are part of "Khajuraho Group of Monuments"
Distance from the Khajuraho Permaculture Farm Stay: 4-6 km from Western Temples (5 Min Drive)
Festival: Yearly Khajuraho Dance Festival (February) features classical Indian dances against temple backdrop.

This comprehensive temple list provides the foundation for creating educational content about India's cultural heritage while supporting sustainable tourism initiatives that align with permaculture principles of respecting natural and cultural ecosystems.

Stay at Khajuraho Permaculture Farm for an authentic farm stay experience, cultural heritage tours.

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