The Khajuraho temples were built during the reign of the Chandelas who trace their origin to the mythical sage Chandratreya born of the moon. According to the different versions of the origin of the city, Khajuraho owes its existence to an enchanting maiden named Hemvati.
The legend that describes the origin of the great dynasty of Khajuraho is a fascinating one: Hemavati, was a beautiful young daughter of a Brahmin priest and was a child widow.
The temples of Khajuraho are a fine example of religion laced with erotica and the visitor to Khajuraho cannot but be attracted to the vivid erotic sculptures on the temples walls.
Though highly sensual and erotic, the engravings on these temples have a symbolic importance and there have been many interpretations of their existence. One theory connects them with Indian sects who invest sex with a ritual symbolism and considered Yoga and bhoga as two different paths leading to the same goal, that is moksha, self-deliverance.
The largest of all temple groups of Khajuraho, the Western Group include some of the most renowned and noteworthy temples. Most of the temples of the Western group are dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. Situated at the center of the massive temple complex are several large and small shrines.
Hindu and Jain temples make up the Eastern Group, which lies close to the Khajuraho village. The larger group located within an enclosure is entirely dedicated to the Jain pantheon. The three Jain temples in the eastern group of Khajuraho temples are Parasvnath temple.
The Southern group of Khajuraho temples consists of only - the Dhuladeo temple, and the Chaturbhuj temple. The former is dedicated to lord Shiva while the latter is dedicated to lord Vishnu. The southern groups of temples lies 5 km from the Khajuraho village.
