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Madhya Pradesh

Chitragupta Temple

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map

January

3.7 - 30.2 ºC

February

5.8 - 34.4 ºC

March

10.4 - 39.9 ºC

April

16.3 - 44.4 ºC

May

21.8 - 46.6 ºC

June

23.9 - 46.1 ºC

July

23.6 - 39.8 ºC

August

23.5 - 36.7 ºC

September

21.3 - 36.8 ºC

October

14.1 - 37.2 ºC

November

9.6 - 34.3 ºC

December

4.9 - 30.8 ºC


Major Airports :

Khajuraho Airport (HJR), Khajuraho

Nearest Railway Station :

Khajuraho Railway Station (KURJ)

Major Airports :

Khajuraho Airport (HJR), Khajuraho

A sun-kissed masterpiece

Step into the timeless embrace of the Chitragupta Temple, a radiant gem dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. Nestled within the illustrious Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this architectural marvel beckons you on a journey through celestial splendour.

Part of the Western Group of Temples, the Chitragupta Temple is renowned for its awe-inspiring artistry and striking similarities with the Jagadambi Temple, situated nearby. Built around the same time, between 1000 and 1025 AD, these two temples share a similar architectural style and sculptural flair. While the sculptures here don't boast the same slender grace as those found in the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, they are equally captivating. The intricate carvings, depicting gods, goddesses, and everyday life, are a testament to the sculptor's skill.

A glimpse into the medieval era

While the Chitragupta Temple shares similarities with the Jagadambi, it boasts its own distinctive charm. Imagine a temple where the ceiling transforms from a square to an octagon and then into a series of diminishing circles. This intricate design is a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the era. The temple unfolds with a familiar layout: an entrance porch leading to a spacious hall, or maha-mandapa, followed by a vestibule and the sanctum.

The heart of the temple holds a captivating sculpture of Surya, the Sun God himself, standing tall at 5 feet. Adorned in high boots and a master of a chariot drawn by seven majestic horses, this deity exudes an aura of power and grace. Be greeted by three smaller yet equally splendid sculptures of Surya grace the ornate lintel of the doorway.

The temple's exterior walls are a canvas of vibrant scenes. Look closely to spot a procession of stone carriers, majestic battles of elephants, hunting scenes, and lively dance sequences. Each carving tells a tale, offering a glimpse into daily life and festivities of the time. A particularly intriguing sculpture is the eleven-headed Vishnu, where the central head represents the god himself, and the remaining heads symbolise his incarnations.

The temple showcases the architectural splendour of the medieval epoch, leaving spectators in awe of its intricate craftsmanship. Admire the minutely detailed carvings that depict gods, goddesses, celestial beings, and scenes from everyday life, and fall in love with the skill and artistry of its creators.


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Timings

Opening time - 06:00 AM

Closing time - 06:00 PM

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Explore more temples

After immersing yourself in the intricacies of the Chitragupta Temple, venture forth to explore the other architectural wonders of the Western Group. Marvel at the grandeur of the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, explore the remains of the Chausath Yogini Temple and the divine allure of the Lakshmana Temple, the Jagadambi Temple, the Varaha Temple, the Nandi Temple and more. Each temple holds its own unique charm, offering a deeper understanding of Khajuraho's rich cultural heritage.