Khajuraho Temples

Khajuraho is famed for the erotic sculpture on its great temples. Like all Hindu temples, it was built at a sacred places in the landscape. It might have been a swampy woodland with views of the hills through agricultural glades. Tourists are drawn by the eroticism and Khajuraho now has a collection of luxury hotels with tropical gardens. The statues of temple dancers were for the gods who lived in the temples.

Amazingly, the Western Group of temples have been set in what could be mistaken for one of London's Royal Parks designed in the High Victorian Mixed Style (no band stands but many buildings with domes and columns). The temples have become garden ornaments - well cared for but spiritually sterile. The ancient character of Khajuraho is perhaps best appreciated around the old village and the Vamana and Brahma temples. They should be protected from tourist development. See notes on Vastu Shastra and on Hindu gardens.