On the morning of Feb 9th we fly to Khajuraho in the northern Madhya Pradesh. This area is famous for the Hindu architecture and sculpture that escaped the destruction of the Muslim invasions. The Chandela Temples at Khajuraho were built in the 9th and 10th centuries. Of the 85 original temples, 25 are still standing today. Of the three main groups of temples, we visit the western group of which there are 8 temples. The temples, constructed of light colored sandstone, were elaborately carved and the sculptures reveal the life of the peoples showing gods and goddesses, battles and hunting, dancers, musicians and of course the erotic scenes which these temples are famous for. Our local guide has a great sense of humor in his descriptions of the sculptures.
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| Parvati Temple |
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| Kandariyâ Mahâdeva Temple is the largest and most ornate temple |
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| Kandariyâ Mahâdeva Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva |
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| Kandariyâ Mahâdeva Temple main spire rises 31 m to depict Mount Kailash, the Himalayan mountain abode of Shiva and is surrounded by 84 miniature spires. |
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| Ornate carvings and sculptures |
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| Ganesha Scuplture (Outer Wall), Lakshman Temple |
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| One of the most subdued of the erotic sculptures. |
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