"The Khajuraho" Group of Monuments in Khajuraho (385 mi from delhi), is in Chhatarpur District of Madya Pradesh and remains as one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Khajuraho, abode of one of the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples is famous for their erotic sculptures by chandale kings .
The name Khajuraho, ancient "Kharjurav?haka", is derived from the Sanskrit wordskharjura = date palm and v?haka = "one who carries". There is a deep set of connection and reverence which the locals have with these temples. They were first pointed out in the late 19th century by British engineer T.S. Burt who arrived in the area, followed by General Alexander Cunningham who established it in ASI. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered to be one of the "seven wonders" of India
Once a great Chandela capital, Khajuraho is now a quiet village in Madhya Pradesh which is fast metamorphosing into a tourist town. Essentially a small hamlet with about 12000 residents, the place has been drawing a number of foreign tourists to it since the last two decades. The temples are well preserved and have not been destroyed by invaders like other temples in northern India. |
