Western Group of Temples
The Western group is certainly the best known, because it is to this group that
the largest and most typical Khajuraho temple belongs: The Kandariya Mahadev.
Chitragupta Temple
A three- headed image of Brahma is enshrined in this temple. The approach is
equally impressive, with lions flanking the northern and elephants the southern
steps that lead up to it. A Nandi bull faces the shrine.
Kandariya Mahadeo
The largest, most typical Khajuraho temple, it soars 31 m high. Dedicated to
shiva, the sanctum sanctorum enshrines a lingam. The main shrine is exquisitely
carved and features, in delicate detail, gods, goddesses, celestial maidens
and lovers. Particularly noteworthy are the entrance arch, the ceilings and
pillars of the interior compartments.
Chaunsat Yogini
The only granite temple and the earliest surviving shrine of the group (900
A.D.), it is dedicated to Kali. Only 35 of the orginal 65 shrines remain. Another
Kali temple (originally dedicated to Vishnu) is the Devi Jagdambe Temple.
Lakshamana Temple
The lintel over the entrance of this beautiful Vaishnavite temple shows the
trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva with Lakshmi, Vishnu's idol of Vishnu's
incarnations, Narasimha and Varaha. This boar incarnation also appears in a
nine-feet high statue at the Varaha Temple.
Matangeswara Temple
Still a living place of worship, the temple is dedicated to shiva, has an eight
feet high lingam, and is outside the precincts of the Western Group.
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