Tantra Temples in India - Jwala Mukhi Temple, Himachal Pradesh

The JwalaMukhi Temple

30 kms south of Kangra valley in the lap of Shivalik range and 56 kms from Dharamshala, is the Jwalamukhi temple, dedicated to the "GODDESS OF LIGHT" or  "GODDESS OF FLAME".  

Positioned besides a cliff, Jwalamukhi Mandir is built on a wooden platform in the Indo-Sikh style of architecture. The structural design of the temple is simple, but the religious aura makes it undoubtedly divine. The dome and spire of this temple are covered with Gold. The main door of the shrine is plated with silver. In front of the main shrine, there is a huge brass bell that was presented by the King of Nepal. 

One of the Tantra Temples, it is a note worthy fact that there is no idol in it. An eternally burning and shining blue flame emanating from a rock sanctum is only worshipped here as a manifestation of the goddess. Dedicated to the deity of Flaming Mouth or goddess Jwalamukhi, the temple is one of the 51 power spots or Shaktipeethas of India. One of the most revered temples of the Hindus, the temple possesses a golden dome, gifted by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The temple is at its best during Navratri festival in early April and mid October. 

Inner Portion of the Temple

History of Jwalamukhi Temple[Kangra]-Himachal Pradesh

Dating back to the origin of Adishakti or Sati, the temple basks in a glorious past. It was to get respite from the unending atrocities of the demons that the gods concentrated their individual energies at one point, thus giving birth to Sati. Brought up in the house of Prajapati Daksha, Sati got married to Lord Shiva later. 

Once Prajapati Daksha organized a yajna and invited al the gods and goddesses to it barring Lord Shiva. Sati wanted to partake in this grand affair so she reached the place of the Yajna uninvited. All her sisters were welcomed by her father there except her. Daksha did not even dedicate the sacred portion of the Yajna Prasad to Lord Shiva. This made Sati feel immensely humiliated. Therefore, she immolated herself in the fire of the Yajna. 

Sati's end disturbed the Lord Shiva immensely. He sliced Daksha's head. On his reparation, the Lord affixed the head of a male goat to him. Unable to restore his mental peace even then, He roamed in the entire universe carrying Sati's burnt body. Foreseeing a calamity approaching, the gods requested Lord Vishnu to diffuse the anger of Shiva. At this, Lord Vishnu cut apart Sati's body into several pieces with his Sudharshan Chakra. Wherever those pieces of sati's body fell on earth, a shaktipeetha or the power centre of the goddess came up. 

The Jwalamukhi temple is the place where Sati's tongue fell. The goddess therefore is manifested as tiny flames here that burn through the fissures in an age old rock. There are nine flames at the temple that have been burning here without any oil or cotton since ages. 

A Temple with a Strong Historical Background

The temple also has a great historical significance dating back to the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar. Amazed at the continuity of these flames, he tried to extinguish these. He tried a lot of methods for this but in vain. Finally, he submitted to the power of the goddess. He went to the shrine bare footed and presented a golden umbrella to the goddess. But the goddess denied this offering and the Chhatra turned into a colossal metal. Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab also paid a visit to the temple in the year 1809. The building of the temple has a gilt dome gifted by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and silver plated folding doors. 

Pathway Around the Temple

Inside the temple, there is a 3 feet square pit with pathway all around. In the centre of which is a hollowed rock over a primary fissure of flame. This one is regarded as the mouth of Mahakali. Nine flames in total emanate from different points in the pit and represent Saraswati, Annapurna, Chandi, Hing Laj, Vindhya Vasini, Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, Ambika and Anjana - the forms of goddess. Thousand of devotees flock the temple round the year to pay homage to the goddess and to get their wishes fulfilled.

View of the Jwala Mukhi Temple

Being an important pilgrimage of the Hindus, devotees come to this temple in large numbers. During the days of Navaratri, the temple is thronged by countless number of devotees. Colorful fairs are also organized for the period of Navaratri in March-April and Sep-October. Earlier, this temple was administered by the descendants of Raja. After Independence, this temple was declared as the site of Cultural Heritage and that time onwards, it is under the management of the Government. There are not less than 102 priests to look after the sermons of the temple and even these priests are paid by the Government. 

Legend behind the Temple

Jwalamukhi refers to the deity with flaming mouth. As per the legends, the mouth of Sati fell here at the time of self-sacrifice. Ever since, the Goddess occupied the place and she manifested in nine flames. After years, one day Raja Bhumi Chand Katoch, a resident of Kangra and a great devotee of Goddess Durga, dreamt of the holy place.

The JwalaMukhi Temple Dome

He sent his men to locate the place. With the grace of the Goddess, the site was found and Raja started constructing a temple. It is believed that Pandavas also contributed in the erection of this temple. However, the construction of this temple was completed in the 19th century, when Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his son, Kharak Singh, gave the Gold and Silver for the dome and door respectively. 

Legend about Akbar, the Mughal Emperor

During the ruling period of Akbar, he learned about the legends of Jwalamukhi. In a fit of anger, he tried to douse the flames with a stream of water. The great power of the Goddess, still kept the flames burning. Realizing the power of Jwala Devi, Akbar came with his army to this temple. He brought a Gold umbrella [Chatra] for the Goddess, but on offering, the umbrella turned into an unknown metal suggesting that the Goddess didn't accept his offering.

The Towering peak of Jwala Mukhi Temple

The Jwalamukhi Temple lies on the ridge west of Kathmandu. This is as a "short & sweet" trek.It is an excellent opportunity to see Nepali lifestyle, culture and tradition. Trekkers should have superb views of towering peaks: Manaslu, Ganesh Himal range, Annapurna range, Himalchuli, Buddha Himal,Larkya La peak, along with the twin waterfalls of Ganga Jamuna, and the Bhudhi Gandaki valley. This is a land of ancient temples. Trekkers with visit Gorakhnath, Gorakhkali and Jwalamukhi; the goddess temple. The palace of late king Phrithvi Narayan Shah; who unifies present Nepal is another major attraction of the route. In short; the treks presents pristine natural beauty, abundante, and the opportunity for cultural encounter. 

Airial View of the Temple of JwalaMukhi

How to get to the Temple:

By Air - The nearest airport at Gaggal in Himachal Pradesh is 50 km from Jwalaji.Chandigarh Airport is about 200 Kms .Airport at Shimla is about 160 Kms. The distance from Kullu airport in Himachal Pradesh is about 250 Kms. National & International Airport is at the national capital Delhi is about 480 Kms.

By Rail - The nearest narrow gauge railhead is Jawalaji road Ranital at a distance of 20 km from the shrine.The nearest broadgauge railhead is Pathankot at a distance of 120kms.Chandigarh Rly Station is at a Distance of 200 Kms. 

By Road - Motorable roads connect this Shrine from Delhi, Chandigarh & Dharamshala. Taxis can be hired from these places.This all is hilly area with a beautiful scenic view all along the valley. Frequent state transport bus service is available from all important cities of Punjab, Haryana, New Delhi and J & K. The shrine is well connected by road. Frequent bus and taxi services are available.

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Tantra Temple in India - Kaal Bhairav Temple, Varanasi

Kaal Bhairav, Varanasi

Kaal Bhairav Temple today is one of the most intresting in Varanasi. Entering from the street , through a door guarded by Bhairava's mount, the dog, one finds a fine courtyard, in the center of which is the main shrine of Bhairava. Only the silver face of kaala bhairava, garlanded with flowers, is visible through the doorway of inner sanctum. The rest of Bhairava's image-said to be pot-bellied, seated upon a dog, holding a trident-is hidden behind a cloth drapery. 


I am very proud and happy to say here that I was very fortunate to have darshan of Kaal Bhairav during my religious visit to Prayag/Varanasi/Gaya ,in the month of September/October,2009.  For more info on Kashi, you may visit my website:  http://punithayatra.blogspot.com

Kaal Bhairav Temple is situated in Varanasi. Varanasi, the "City of Temples" is picturesquely situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy Ganga, Varanasi, one of the ancient seats of learning in India, is said to be a compound of the names of two streams, the Varuna and the Assi, which still flow in the north and south of the city respectively. This name seems to have been corrupted, in medieval times to Banaras, which was in use till May 24, 1956 when it was changed to Varanasi, by an order of the Government of India. Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient living cities in India. From time immemorial it has been a great religious center for Hindus and one of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people every year.

Situated in Visheswarganj, Kaal Bhairav, is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are nine other Bhairav temples in the city. Kaal Bhairav, the "Black Terror," is widely known as the Kotwal, the "police chief," of Kashi, and the section of the city in which his temple stands is known as Kotwalpuri. Bhairav is considered a fearsome manifestation of Shiva. He wears a garland of skulls and carries a club of peacock feathers. Kaal Bhairav, whose name, Kaal means both Death and Fate, in addition to meaning Black. He is the black one who has also assumed the duties of the God of Death in Kashi. Even Death, it is said, is afraid of Kaal Bhairava.

Devotees at Kaal Bhairav Temple,Varanasi

For many centuries, this temple was a spiritual center in Kashi for the most severe of Shiva ascetics, the "Kapalis" or "Skull-Bearers," and their later descendants, the Gorakhnathis. Today, however, the temple is no longer the exclusive domain of such extremist yogis and is, rather patronized by ordinary householders for his protective blessings.This temple is popular and beloved among those who live under its influence in the surrounding Kotwalpuri section of the city.  

The Inspector of Kashi - Kaal Bhairav

The Kaal Bhairav is said to be the Inspector of Kashi. It is believed if he gets angry on someone, the person cannot leave Varanasi for his entire life. The legends says that even death is scared of Kaal Bhairav. People who go on pilgrim visit to Varanasi, do not forget to visit Kaal Bhairava Temple.  


Important Days for Worship:


Ashtami day [eighth day after Poornima] in the month of Margashirsha is an important day for worshipping Kaal Bhairav.  Besides sundays, tuesdays, Ashtami and Chaturdasi days are very important for worshipping Kaal Bhairav.  A person who circumabulates Lord Kaal Bhairav 8 times will be absolved of all the sins committed by him.  It is also believed that a devotee who worships Kaal Bhairav for 6 months will attain all types of Siddhi [ as mentioned in Kashi Khand Chapter 31].  

Old timers in Kashi believe whenever residents of Kashi leave the city for short journeys, they worship Kaal Bhairav[taking his permission] and on return back to Kashi, they again worship Kaal Bhairav.  It is said that those living in or visiting Kashi, must worship Kaal Bhairav and he in turn, grants protection/shelter to all his devotees.  

Selling of Kasi Thread to Devotees

This is the temple where Kasi thread [Black] is available. Kala [Black] Bhairavar [Form of Lord Shiva] is the significance of the name.

The temple remains open from 5.00 am to 1.30 pm and from 4.30 pm to 9.30pm.  There is heavy rush of devotees on sundays and tuesdays.  

Inner Sanctum of the Temple

How to get to the Temple:


Kaal Bhairav temple is located at K-32/22, Bhaironath.  People can approach this place by rickshaw either through Bisheshwarganj cross roads or through Golghar. This is a very famous temple and all the devotees wishing to have darshan of Kaal Bhairav will be guided well  by the local residents.  
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Local Transport- Hand Rickshws of Varanasi

Local Transport of Varanasi include the Auto-rickshaws, hand-rickshaws and taxis. Its best to walk down or get a Rickshaw to move in the Old Varanasi. For other parts of city, Auto-rickshaws are a good option.

Varanasi

How to Reach Varanasi

By Air : 
Varanasi is well connected and accessible by flights. It is well connected to major Indian cities and tourist spots like Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, Jaipur, etc.

By Rail :
Varanasi is well connected by rail to all the major cities of India.

By Road :
Varanasi is well connected to all the major cities of Uttar Pradesh and India like Patna, Agra, Allahabad, Bodhgaya, Kanpur, Bhopal, Lucknow, Khajuraho, Sarnath, Lumbini (now in Nepal), Kushi Nagar, Gorakhpur, etc.

Tantra Temples in India - Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

The Mahakaleshwar Temple,Ujjain

Ujjain is situated on the banks of the Shipra River, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, in central India. From times immemorial this area and the Shipra River have been considered as most sacred.Ujjain is known for the famous Mahakaleswar Temple which is among the 12 celebrated Jyotirlingas in India. The Mahakaleshwar temple is located near a lake and has five levels, one of which is underground. Brass lamps light the way to the underground sanctum of the temple. The glory of this temple has been vividly described in various puranas. 

Temple Dedicated To Lord Shiva -The Destroyer of Universe

MahakaleshwarTemple, mentioned by the great poet Kalidasa in his works, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Destroyer of the Universe. The Shiva linga is worshipped throughout India as it symbolises Shiva’s incarnate power on earth. On the other hand, a jyotirlinga is the swayamabhu [self-manifested] linga, which is found only in 12 places in India.

Rituals Performed 

One of the rituals performed in this temple is the Bhasm Arti that involves smearing the linga with hot ashes from the burning ghats [cremation grounds]. Shiva is believed to dwell in cremation grounds, and the ash-smearing ceremony is a homage to the Destroyer of the Universe himself. This form of worship is symbolic of Death and Life being inseparable, an idea that is inherent to most of the Hindu schools of thought. The idol of MahakaleshwarTemple is called Dakshinamurtias it faces south [dakshin: south, and murti: idol].

It is also regarded as one of the top 10 Tantra Temples of India, and has the only Bhasm-Aarti [ash ritual] of its kind in the world. However, does it live up to its hype?  

The first thing you hear when you tell locals that you are planning to visit the Mahakaleshwar temple is that you must ensure you attend the “Bhasm-Aarti”. The Bhasm-Aarti is the first ritual conducted everyday at the temple, which is to wake the God Shiva up, perform “Shringar” [anoint and enrobe him for the day] and offer the first aarti [an offering of fire to the deity by circulating lamps, incense and other items]. The unique thing about this aarti is, however, the inclusion of “Bhasm” or ash from funeral pyres as one of the offerings. Mahakaleshwar is a name for the God Shiva, and means the god of Time or Death. This may be one of the reasons of the inclusion of the funeral ash. You will be assured that this aarti is something that you should not miss. The aarti begins only when fresh ash is brought in.  

ShivaLinga after Aarti

Mahakaleshwar Temple Aarti Entry

The Aarti begins at 4 a.m. and if we are to offer our own puja [prayer] separately, we will have to do it only after the aarti is over and we might have to wait for a couple of hours.  There are two ways to gain entry into the temple to watch this aarti –- one is through the free entry line, where you don’t have to pay except for any offerings that you want to take in. The other is through a “VIP” ticket, which lets you into a shorter line and helps you gain quicker entry to the sanctum. Furthermore, if you’re in the free entry line, you’re allowed to wear what you want, as long as it is appropriate. If you’re in the VIP line, men have to wear the traditional dhoti, and women must wear sarees.

Mahakaleshwar Temple Aarti VIP Tickets

VIP tickets are available at the shrine board  only between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. 

The “VIP” ticket is a feature followed by some of the most popular temples in India, eg. Tirupathi Temple in the South.  However, the perks of the “VIP” ticket vary.  Using a VIP ticket shortens the wait time to about two hours or less.  But, the free entry and VIP lines merge before you enter the sanctum, so that eventually there is no difference in the two entry types.

In Ujjain, however, it is found that a  VIP entry assures you really that " VIP treatment".

Reconstruction of The Temple

Mahakaleshwar Temple View

The original temple was destroyed during Muslim invasions, and the temple was rebuilt recently by the Sindhias in the traditional Central Indian style.
It is a five-storeyed structure at the south end of the city. The curved superstructure is adorned with motifs on all sides, rising above the colonnaded porches.
Along the walls of the corridors in the temple rest old statues and sculptures, while in the courtyard lie ruined ancient shrines.

The storeys are ornamented with pierced balustrades, and the balconies have richly decorated roofs reminiscent of the Rajput style of architecture. Screens and pavilions are combined with marble colonnades leading to the linga within the sanctuary, making Mughal architecture come alive right in the heart of this Hindu temple. The Mahakaleshwar Temple is indeed a cherished site and a sculptural delight as well.  

The sanctum sanctorum of Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain.

Ujjain the city of Lord Mahakaleshwar, situated in western Madhya Pradesh, will draw devotees in lakhs every year when the Simhastha festival - better known as the Kumbh Mela - is celebrated from April 5 to May 5. The festival is called Simhastha due to the configuration of celestial bodies so that the sun is in Aries and Jupiter is in Leo - known as Simha rasi. It is customary for devotees to take a holy dip at this time. A snaan [bath] in the river Kshipra during the Simhastha is a way, feel the devout, to be absolved of all past sins.

The Puranas tell us that when the Devas and Asuras churned the Ocean of Milk to obtain the nectar of immortality - amrit - their joint venture resulted in a skirmish when both parties wanted to monopolise the fruit of their labour. As soon as Dhanvantari, the heavenly physician, emerged from the ocean holding the pitcher of amrit, one of the demons snatched it from him and ran off. The Gods followed in hot pursuit. Of course, later as Lord Vishnu intervened, taking the form of the enchantress Mohini, the demons were tricked into giving up the nectar, and the Gods turned out to be the immortals after all. 

However, one benefit for humanity from this dispute was that some drops of the nectar spilled and made a few places on earth into the holiest of pilgrimage spots.

These holy cities where the nectar spilled are believed to be Haridwar, Prayag, Nasik and Ujjain, which are the venues for the Kumbh Melas.

Kumbh Mela

Kumbh Mela In Haridwar, Prayag, Nasik and Ujjain

Allahabad of Uttar Pradesh is the place where three holy rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati meet each other. the prayag is knows as a point where these three important and big holy rivers of India come and meet together. Kumbh mela at Nasik Maharashtra is also a very famous. nasik is situated on the banks of famous and holy Godavari river. Nasik is popular palace where godavari river come down.

Haridwar of Uttar Pradesh is a very holy city and it is the place from where the river Ganga enters the plains from Himalayas. Haridwar is also famous for kumbh mela or kumbh fair. Ujjain of Madhya Pradesh is a very holy city and it is situated on the banks of holy shipra river. Ujjain is also famous for many temples including mahakaleshwar temple of lord Shiva. the kumbh mela of ujjain is also having a much important place in Indian culture.

A view of the illuminated spire of the temple.

As Ujjain braces for millions of visitors every year, security arrangements and infrastructure need to be prepared on a war footing.

The Mela site covers 2152 hectares, divided into four zones and 10 sectors to accommodate devotees and akharas. Seventy-four kilometre-long pipelines are being laid for water supply, and four sub-stations have been set up to supply power.

Some of the material advantages to the city of this mega event may be of a lasting nature. For instance, some of the old historic temples are being renovated. The area around the Bhagwan Mahakaleshwar temple is being developed. The administration also promises adequate security arrangements and a vaccination drive to prevent epidemics. In addition, seven satellite towns have been made on the approach road to the city, to provide travellers with medical requirements, tele-communications facilities and other necessities, including enquiry offices and police stations. These arrangements are being made with the help of the local people and voluntary organisations, according to information provided by the Government of Madhya Pradesh.  

 How to get to this Temple:

When travelling to Ujjain from Delhi, pilgrims can fly to Indore, the nearest airport, and continue by road. It is a 55-kilometre car ride. Ujjain is also well connected on the railway network.

    

Tantra Temples in India - Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh

India is a land of beautiful places and one of them is Khajuraho. It is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. If one takes a look at the map of India one will find Khajuraho is situated right in the heart of Central India. It’s a culturally rich place and a tourist hotspot. In fact, it is one of the favorite destinations for Indian as well foreign tourists. Situated in the heart of Central India, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is a fascinating village with a quaint rural ambience and a rich cultural heritage. The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India's unique gift of love to the world, represent the expression of a highly matured civilization. After the Taj it is the most frequently visited monument in India. Khajuraho is a unique example of Indo-Aryan architecture. The Chandela rulers between 950-1050 built these temples. There were 85 temples, which were built, and only 22 of them survive today. The temples are a world heritage site and belong not just to India but to the world. The Archeological Survey of India's dedicated efforts towards their conservation rank them against the best preserved monuments of this antiquity. Most of the temples are built of sandstone in varying shades of buff, pink or pale yellow. They each belong to a different sect, the Shiva, Vaishnava or Jaina Sects, but are often indistingushable from one another to the untrained eye. The temples are lofty with ample walking space separating them. The interior rooms are inter connected and placed in an East/West line. Each contains an entrance, a hall, a vestibule and a sanctum. Windows were added to the larger temples to add a feeling of space and light. Unlike other temples Khajuraho temples are said to have a theme [women], which comes in front while going through the temples. A celebration of womankind, her myriad moods and facets. There are carvings of a woman writing letter, applying makeup to her eyes, combing her tresses, dancing, and playing with her child. Innocent, coquettish, smiling, seductive, passionate and beautiful, all depicted in intricate detail, sharply etched, sculpted with consummate skill. One opinion says Chandelas were followers of the tantric cult, which believes that gratification of Earthly desires is a step towards attaining the infinite liberation, Nirvana. THE PAST In the temple architecture of India, the Khajuraho complex remains unique. One thousand years ago, under the generous and artistic patronage of the Chandela Rajput kings of Central India, 85 temples, magnificent in form and richly carved, came up on one site, near the village of Khajuraho. The amazingly short span of 100 years, from 950 AD - 1050 AD, saw the completion of all the temples, in an inspired burst of creativity. Today, of the original 85, only 22 have survived the ravages of time; these remain as a collective paean to life, to joy and to creativity; to the ultimate fusion of man with his creator. Why did the Chandelas choose Khajuraho or Khajirvahila - garden of dates, as it was known then - as the site for their stupendous creations ? Even in those days it was no more than a small village. It is possible given the eclectic patronage of the Chandelas and the wide variety of beliefs represented in the temples, that they had the concept of forming a seat of religion and learning at Khajuraho. It is possible that the Chandelas were also believers in the powers of Tantrism; the cult which believes that the gratification of earthly desires is a step closer to the attainment of the infinite. It is certain however, that the temples represent the expression of a highly matured civilization. Yet another theory is that the erotica of Khajuraho, and indeed of other temples, had a specific purpose. In those days when boys lived in hermitages, following the Hindu law of being "brahmacharis" until they attained manhood, the only way they could prepare themselves for the worldly role of 'householder' was through the study of these sculptures and the earthly passions they depicted. THE LEGEND Khajuraho or ‘Khajur-vahika’ [bearer of date palms], also known as ‘Khajjurpura’ in ancient times, evidently derives its name from the golden date palms [khajur] that adorned its city gates and, if the different legendary versions are to be believed, it owes its existence to an enchanting maiden named Hemvati. According to the account of the medieval court poet, Chandbardai, in the Mahoba-khand of his Prithviraj Raso, Hemvati was the beautiful daughter of Hemraj, the royal priest of Kashi [Varanasi]. One summer night, while she was bathing in the sparkling waters of a lotus-filled pond, the Moon god was so awestruck by her beauty that he descended to earth in human form and ravished her. The distressed Hemvati, who was unfortunately a child widow, threatened to curse the god for ruining her life and reputation. To make amends for his folly the Moon god promised that she would become the mother of a valiant son. ‘Take him to Khajjurpura’, he is believed to have said. ‘He will be a great king and build numerous temples surrounded by lakes and gardens. He will also perform a yagya [religious ceremony] through which your sin will be washed away.’ Following his instructions, Hemvati left her home to give birth to her son in a tiny village. The child, Chandravarman, was as lustrous as his father, brave and strong. By the time he was 16 years old he could kill tigers or lions with his bare hands. Delighted by his feats, Hemvati invoked the Moon god, who presented their son with a touchstone which could turn iron into gold, and installed him as king at Khajuraho. Chandravarman achieved a series of brilliant victories and built a mighty fortress at Kalinjar. At his mother’s request he began the building of 85 glorious temples with lakes and gardens at Khajuraho and performed the bhandya-yagya which expunged her of her guilt. A variation of the same legend introduces Hemvati as the widowed daughter of Mani Ram, the royal priest of Kalinjar. As a result of a mistake in his calculations the priest informed his king that a particular night was Puranmasi [full moon night] and not the dark night that it actually turned out to be. In her concern for her father’s reputation the beautiful Hemvati prayed to the Moon god, who was gracious enough to uphold the word of the priest but, inreturn for his favour, ravished the daughter. The grieving father was so shame-stricken that he cursed himself and turned into a stone, which was later worshipped by the Chandelas as Maniya Dev. Hemvati gave birth to a son, the sage Chandrateya, who was later at the helm of the Chandela clan. Historically speaking, the area and aura around Khajuraho has always been renowned for its cultural achievements. Architecture The most famous thing in Khajuraho is Khajuraho temples. These temples are astonishing display of Indian architecture. Exquisite is the word you will be forced to say while looking at these temples. The temples were built during the period of Chandela Empire. These temples present life of people and especially women during 11 th century The Khajuraho group of monuments has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built during 950 and 1050 AD, Khajuraho temples are known for erotic sculptures. Beautifully carved and aesthetically beautiful, these sculptures will mesmerize you. A good number of medieval Hindu and Jain temples are located in this beautiful place. Khajuraho temples were discovered during 20 th century and it is one of the most preserved heritage site. Most of these temples are built of sandstone and the colors used are pale yellow, pink and buff in shades. These temples are dedicated to Hindu deities like Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh apart from few Devi forms. Temples of Khajuraho represent highly matured Indian civilization in 11th century. Khajuraho is a place that screams to be visited because of its historic importance. How to get to the Temple: By Air - Khajuraho has its own airport from where daily fights link it to major Indian cities including Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Kathmandu.  By Rail - The nearest railway stations are at Mahoba [64 km] and Harpalpur [94 km]. Satna [117 km] is the arrival place for tourists coming in from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Agra and Varanasi. By Road - Regular bus services connect Khajuraho to neighbouring cities including Mahoba, Harpalpur, Satna, Jhansi, Gwalior, Agra etc. Accommodation There are some popular hotels in Khajuraho like Hotel Taj Chandela, Hotel Clarks, Hotel Jass Trident, Hotel Usha Bundela, Hotel Holiday Inn and Hotel The Grand Temple View. These hotels are sure to give you a comfortable stay during your visit to this temple.