The beautiful temples of Khajuraho believed to be built by the mighty Chandela rulers in 9th and 10th century AD are the perfect examples of art and culture in India. The engravings on these temples are highly sensual and erotic still they have a symbolic importance. Tantricism and the Shakti cult, where the pancha makaras (five tenets), namely, matsya (fish), madira (wine), maithun (sexual activity), mamsa (meat), and mudra (gesture) were to release the human spirit from the bondage of the flesh, have been described as the possible explanations for the sensuality of Khajuraho sculpture.

Out of the total 85 temples, only 20 temples have survived the ravages of time. Made of sandstone blocks fitted together, the temples are aligned east west. Architecturally, the Khajuraho temples followed a three- or five-part floor plan. The larger temples premises have an ardhamandapa (porch), then a mandapa (hall) leading to a mahamandapa (main hall) from where an aunterale (vestibule) leads to the Garbha Griha (sanctum) containing the devta (god) or devi (goddess). An enclosed pradakshinapathar (corridor or verandah) runs around this sanctum.

In the smaller temples, the second and the last feature are absent. Each component of the temple was topped by pyramid-shaped tower leading in ascending order like a series of mountain peaks to the soaring shikhara (tower). The ornate vertical elements are balanced by horizontal bands of sculpture running round the temple. Fantastic in execution, they merge beautifully with the overall temple design. The temples of Khajuraho are basically divided into western group of temples, eastern group of temples and southern group of temples.

Western Group of Temples

The Kandariya Mahadeo which exemplifies central Indian temple architecture is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is the largest of the Khajuraho's temples. The Lakshmana Temple is one of the oldest and finest of the western group of temples. Recurrent themes carved out in the images are battles, hunting, and women. The temple of Devi Jagdamba is considered to be one of the most erotic temples of Khajuraho. The temple houses the most popular image, mithuna, and the sensuously carved figures therepof. The temple of Vishwanath and Nandi celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva with Parvati. The most capturing feature of this temple is the images of women. From traditional images of women to the most provocative images of women are present here in this temple. Chaunsat Yogini, dedicated to goddesses Kali, is the oldest of the surviving temples of Khajuraho. This is also the only temple in Khajuraho built in granite. The name chaunsat (sixty-four) comes from the cells of 64 attendants of Goddess Kali. Other important temples in the western group are the temples of Lakshmi and Varaha, Mahadev, Chitragupta, Parvati, and Matangesvara.

Eastern Group of Temples

The temple of Parsvanath is the largest of the Jain temples in Khajuraho without any sexual motifs. Near to it is the temple of Adinath with fine carvings. Shantinath is just a century old; the youngest of all the temples in Khajuraho. The temple has a 4.5-meter statue of Adinath. The dilapidated temple of Ghantai has fine columns and chains and bells, with a figure of a Jain goddess on a garuda. The Brahma and Hanuman temple is built mostly of granite and sandstone dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Two other notable temples are Javari and Vamana temple.

The Southern Group of Temples

Only two temples belong to the southern group of temples. The Duladeo temple is somewhat new with wooden structures. The other temple is of Chaturbhuja, which houses a 3-m-high statue of Vishnu.