Khajuraho is a small town in Madhya Pradesh which is famous for to its temple complex of the medieval period. Amidst the jungle and wildlife, this small town developed and flourished during the Chandela dynasty. Unfortunately not many events are recorded n history and the origin and the purpose of the temple is all entangled in myths and mythological beliefs. The Khajuraho group of temples was constructed in a span of 200 years from 9th century and 11th century. It is believed that King Chandravarman, the founder of the Chandela dynasty started building these temples on the wish of his mother Hemvathy. According to mythology, the moon god once saw the beautiful Hemvathy bathing in a lotus pond and was filled with desire and ravished her. Chandravarman was the son born after this communion.
There were about 85 temples in Khajuraho which have been built in the typical Nagara style of architecture of North India. There are just about 20 odd temples existing now and have been grouped as Eastern, Western and Sothern group of temples. The unique factor about this temple is that there are a lot of sculptures that depict erotic lovemaking on the exterior walls of the temples. The reason behind installing such sculptures in a place of worship is unknown. There are no erotic figures inside the temple and it is believed that this is to send the message that all the devotees should shed their carnal thoughts outside the temple and have a true spiritual mindset when they come inside it. Some of the popular deities of these temples are the Chitragupta Temple, Vishwanatha Temple and Lakshmana temple to name a few.
