Himachal Tourism - Things to do in Dharamsala

Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh is the serene and peaceful home to the exiled Tibetan Government and their leader Dalai Lama. A district set in the wonderful backdrop of the beautiful Kangra Valley, Dharamsala is made up of a few small towns and villages such as McLeod Gan and Kotwali Bazaar and is surrounded by mountains and pine forests.

Bhuddist-Temple-Dharamsala,India

Though rooted in India, the Tibetan history and culture has a strong influence within Dharamsala. It is said that the Tibetan legacy goes as far as 8th century in this region and many activities are based around the Tibetan culture and religion. Here is our pick of the top ten things to do in Dharamsala.

1. Tsuglagkhang Complex

This is the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet, with a colossal meditation hall with murals and thangkas to add to its charm. The Kalachakra temple inside is where Dalai Lama himself meditates and is located just in fronts of his residence. Look out for the Namgyal Cafe to have a quick bite after visiting the temple. This is run by the youth workers of the complex.

A groups of monks makes a circumambulation around the Tsuglagkhang Temple

2. Thangka Paintings

Many locals make the original Thangka paintings inspired from the stories of Buddha. Visit a local artist and see how these paintings come to life under the skill of adept hands.

Examining-a-very-old-Thangka

3. Tibet Museum

The Tibet museum might be small but contains vast and interesting history about Tibet and the exodus to India. An afternoon here will be wonderful.

Prayer-flags-in-the-garden-Tibet-Culture

4. Dharamkot

One of the most scenic spots off Dharamsala, this is a good place to take your picnic basket and enjoy the view. The Bhagsunag falls also make for a great picnic spot with family. A fresh water spring adds to the interest of the place.

Dharamkot

5. Triund 

A trek to the over 3000m peak beyond Dharamkot is something most trekkers traverse. You need to have decent stamina. Don’t forget t carry comfortable walking and climbing shoes for Dharamsala. There are plenty of trails for short or difficult hikes and are extremely inviting.

Trekkers traverse-Dharamkot

6. Bhagsu Waterfall 

A rough gush of water in a remarkably beautiful setting, climb to the falls but be aware that the last part is quite dangerous.

Bhagsu-Nag-Falls-Dharamsala

7. Indrahar Pass 

The Kangra Valley has some lofty mountains and passes which are a thrill to climb. Indrahar is one such pass.

Kangra-Valley

8. Quaint Cafes and Shopping

With the number of foreign nationals coming to Dharamsala and making it their home, there was a whole hippie movement, which has its reminiscence in old quaint cafes and clothes even now. Mcleod Ganj is perfect for this.

Shopping-stone-jewelry-and-prayer-beads

9. Meet Dalai Lama

A difficult task but not unachievable – try and meet the great leader Dalai Lama. A spiritual experience for many, one needs to watch his website closely for his travel dates and lectures in the town. For a private audience, one needs to know someone in his office. Though your meeting may last only 10 seconds, it will be worth remembering.

Meet-the-great-leader-Dalai-Lama

10. Yoga and Dance 

Yoga has caught the attention of the Western World like wildfire, try your hand at some classes held here. Another art form that might interest you is the alternative Butoh dance. Watch regular performances by The Subbody Butoh School.

Yoga-in-Dharamkot

Dharamsala provides that welcome break and pleasant relief from the city banter for someone on a tourist trip to India. Spend at least 15 days in the area to soak in the culture and easy pace of the destination.

Unearth the Secrets of Ellora Caves - Temples of India

Located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, the magnificent Ellora Caves are 34 structures excavated out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills. An official UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ellora Caves consists of 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu and 5 Jain temples and monasteries built between the 6th and 10th century.

They stand as a testament to the religious harmony prevalent during this period of Indian history. The Ellora Caves are the most visited ancient monument in the state and are a must-see for any tourists in the area. Enjoy the incredible photographs below with information on these historical monuments sprinkled throughout.

Ellora Caves

Ellora Caves from top

Far view Ellora Caves

Ariel View Ellora Caves

Circle of Lion statue

Statue inside Ellora Caves

Wide View Elora Caves

The Vishvakarma Caves or Buddhist Caves of Ellora

• The Buddhist caves (also called Vishvakarma caves) are the earliest of the Ellora Caves, dating from 500 to 750 AD. All except one are viharas (monasteries), which were used for study, meditation, communal rituals, eating and sleeping
• The caves become steadily larger and more elaborately decorated as they progress to the north, which scholars have explained by the growing need to compete with Hinduism for patronage
• The earliest Hindu caves at Ellora date from 600 AD, right in the middle of the Buddhist period

Buddha inside Buddhist Cave of Ellora

Buddhist Cave outside

Far view Buddhist Cave

Top view Buddhist Cave

The Hindu Caves of Ellora

• Created during a time of prosperity and revival of Hindusim, the Hindu caves represent an entirely different style of creative vision and skill than the Buddhist caves
• The Hindu temples were carved from top to bottom and required several generations of planning and coordination to take shape. There are 17 Hindu caves in all, which were carved between 600 and 870 AD. They occupy the center of the cave complex, grouped around either side of the famous Kailasa Temple
• In contrast to the serene and solemn Buddhas of the earlier caves, the walls of the Hindu caves are covered in lively bas-reliefs depicting events from the Hindu scriptures. All of the caves are dedicated to the god Shiva, but there are also some images of Vishnu and his various incarnations

Durga in Hindu Cave

Close view Hindu Cave

Elephant in hindu cave

Hindu Cave close

Hindu Cave statues

The Jain Caves of Ellora

• The Jain caves, dating from the late 800s and 900s, are 2 km north down an asphalt road (rickshaws are available). They reflect the distinctiveness of Jain philosophy and tradition, including a strict sense of asceticism combined with elaborate decoration
• They are not large compared to others, but contain exceptionally detailed artworks. Many of the Jain caves had rich paintings in the ceilings, fragments of which are still visible

Allies of Jain cave

Ariel View Jain cave

Close view Jain Cave

Elephant Statue Jain cave

Far view Jain cave

Jain cave

Siva Parvati inside Jain cave

Statue in Jain cave

Varranda Jain Cave

Things To Do in Madya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is one of India’s largest states and offers a variety of experiences to tourists. It boasts of a rich history, a wealth of fauna and innumerable things to do.

The most well known treasures of the State are the famous Khajuraho temples. The unique temples keep the world’s imagination captured even today due to their erotic art and lifelike carvings. However, there’s a lot more to the temples than just their art and architecture. A beautifully presented Light and Sound Show takes people through the mythical and factual history of the temples. The show is held twice a night on the ground of the main temple complex. A few hours’ drive from Khajuraho is Orchha, a city which exudes grandeur and history.

Khajuraho Temples

The Orchha Fort is one of India’s most spectacular. But what attracts people to Orchha in millions is the Ram Raja Temple. The temple is supposed to have wish-fulfilling abilities and it is the only place in the world where Rama is worshipped as a king and not a God. Another city that speaks of royal splendour, even today, is Gwalior. The city has an enviable history yet it has many modern developments. It has one of the most respected schools in India and palace which has some of the most spectacular artefacts. Mementos of the dynasties that ruled over Gwalior in the past can be seen in their grand creations such as palaces, temples and monuments.

Other than glimpses into the splendours of Indian royalty, Madhya Pradesh also possesses a chapter, invaluable to human history. One of the things to do in Madhya Pradesh is, without doubt, a trip to Bhimbetka.

The Orchha Fort

In this small city over 500 caves from the Neolithic age were recently found. In these caves we can see paintings made by pre-historic man. The paintings depict pre-historic life through scenes showing dancing, music, hunting, domestic life and so much more, a chilling sight to behold. Another such location is in Pachmarhi. In Pachmarhi’s Mahadeo Hills you can see a bounty of rock paintings. Many of these creations date back to as far as 10,000 years.

Comparatively close to Bhimbetka is Sanchi, a city famous world over for its treasure of Buddhist monuments. Here, you can find a plethora of Buddhist monasteries, stupas and architecture. A lot of these creations were built in the 3rd century B.C. and the most well known amongst them is the Sanchi Stupa 1, which was built by Emperor Ashoka. A sandstone pillar near the stupa bears Emperors Ashoka’s caveat against divisions in the Buddhist community.

Sanchi Stupa

Amongst Madhya Pradesh’s most valued treasures is Bandhavgarh, a small but rich national park where you have the highest chance of spotting a tiger in India. This National Park also houses a lavish Fort Bandhavgarh, which is about 2000 years old. Before leaving Bandhavgarh you must meet Mohan, a stuffed White Tiger that’s placed on display at the Palace of the Rewas. The Kanha National Park was created as a Tiger Reserve. Although Tiger spotting is rare here Kanha is the sole sanctuary for the hardground Barasingha and a haven for bird lovers. One of the most majestic natural wonders of the world is also located in Madhya Pradesh. This sight is none other than the Marble Rocks of Bhedaghat. Rising high above the Earth and bisected by River Narmada are these magnificent natural creations. The Marble cliffs, glittering brightly are an unforgettable and incomparable sight.

Bandhavgarh National Park

From natural wealth to prehistoric treasures, Madhya Pradesh is one of the richest States in India. Its vast array of wonders is nearly impossible to fit into a short trip and deserve at least a week to soak in comfortably.

Madhya Pradesh tourism: Practical Information

• Madhya Pradesh is a large State and it is well-connected to major Indian metros. Khajuraho and Gwalior have small airports. But flights to Gwalior are very few in number.
• To come in from Delhi one can take a train to Jhansi from where private cabs can take you to the Alipura Palace homestay. Alipura Palace is a good hub for those travelling to Orchha and Khajuraho, while those looking to cover Khajuraho and Bandhavgarh will find Mahindra homestays such as Rajmandir in Nagod a delightful option.
• Public transport is not easily accessible as the cities are far from each other. The best modes of transport are trains or, if the budget permits, private cabs. Bookings made by homestay owners go a long way in travelling safely yet at a reasonable price.
• The Light and Sound Show is performed twice a day and a ticket costs roughly Rs 90 per person.
• There are three major temple complexes in Khajuraho and one shouldn’t leave the place without seeing them all.
• Tripods are not allowed within the complex unless prior permission is obtained after going through a complex and tedious process.
• Travelling to the State between late March and July is ill-advised as the summers are unforgiving and the situation is worsened by daily power-cuts.

मतंगेस्वर मंदिर (Matangeshwar mahadev - Temple)

खजुराहो के मंदिर वेसे तो दुनिया भर में काम कला के मंदिरों के रूप में विख्यात है| किन्तु यंहां का मतंगेस्वर शिव मंदिर हिन्दुओं की आस्था का बड़ा केंद्र है |यही एक मात्र एसा मंदिर है जहाँ आदि काल से निरंतर पूजा होती चली आ रही है | चंदेल राजाओं द्वारा नोवी सदी में बंनाये गए इस मंदिर में के शिव लिंग के नीचे एक एसी मणि है जो हर मनोकामना पूरी करती है \ कभी यहाँ भगवान् राम ने भी पूजा की थी | शिव रात्रि के दिन यहाँ शिव भक्तों का तांता लगा रहता | खजुराहो के सभी मंदिरों में सबसे ऊँची जगती पर बने इस मंदिर में जो भी आता है वो भक्ति में डूब जाता है चाहे वो हिन्दुस्तानी हो या विदेशी | कहते है की यह शिव लिंग किसी ने बनवाया नहीं है बल्कि यह स्वयंभू शिव लिंग है \ १८ फिट की मूर्ति है जितना ऊपर है उतना ही नीचे भी है |ये मूर्ति प्रति वर्ष तिल के बराबर बढती भी है 

मतंग ऋषि करते थे पूजा

यंहां मतंग ऋषि इस शिव लिंग की पूजा करते थे | इसका नाम मतंगेस्वर स्वयं भगवान् श्री राम ने मतंग ऋषि के नाम पर रखा था |हमे यहाँ मिले यमुना प्रसाद मिश्रा [योगी] जिनका जीवन ही यहाँ की आराधना के बाद बदल गया सिपाही से वे योगी बन गए |वे बताने लगे यहाँ की महिमा ,यंहां पर मूर्ति पहले से स्थापित थी ,त्रेता युग में इसका उलेख मिलता है ,रामायण में उल्लेख मिलता है ,यहाँ मतंग ऋषि थे उनसे मिलने भगवान् राम आए थे ,उन्होने भगवान शिव की पूजा अर्चना की और उन्होने मतंग के नाम पर भगवान शिव को मतंगेस्वर नाम दिया 

मरकत मणि :

यंहां के चंदेल राजाओं को मरकत मणि चन्द्र वंशी होने के कारण विरासत में मिली थी | चंदेल राजाओं ने इस मणि की सुरक्षा के लिए और नियमित पूजा अर्चना के लिए इसे शिव लिंग के नीचे रखवा दिया था ,लोक मान्यता है की जो भी आदमी मरकत मणि की पूजा करता है उसकी हर मनोकामना पूर्ण होती है |इंद्र के द्वारा मरकत मणि युधिस्टर को दी गई थी , आगे जाकर यशो वर्मन ,चन्द्र वर्मन के पास रही है उन्होने उसकी सुरक्षा करने के हिसाब से वा पूजा अर्चना होती रहे इसलिए शिव लिंग के नीचे स्थापित करा दिया था |

आज खजुराहो के इस मंदिर में हर कोई एक मनोकामना लेकर आता है ,भोले भंडारी हर किसी की मनोकामना पूर्ण भी करते है एसा विश्वास यंहां के लोगों का है |लोगों की आस्थाए है तभी तो यंहां हर शिव रात्रि ,अमावश्या पर यहाँ हजारों की संख्या में श्रद्धालु जुडते है |पीड़ियों से यहाँ पुजारी का दायित्व निभाने वाले बाबूलाल गोतम यहाँ भक्तों के भाव काफी नजदीकी से देख रहे है ,वे बातों ही बातों में बताने लगे की किस तरह लोग यहाँ आकर अपनी मनोकामना व्यक्त करते है ,लोग उल्टे हाथे लगाकर अपनी मनोकामना व्यक्त करते है ,मनोकामना पूर्ण होने के बाद सीधे हाथे लगाते है |पंडित जी कब भावुक हो गए पता ही नहीं चला ,कहने लगे हमारे परिवार की प्रगति की जो रफ़्तार है वह इन्ही की कृपा से है |

खजुराहो के ही राम विशाल दीक्षित का काम पर्यटकों को घुमाना है ,उनकी आँखों के सामने आज भी वह द्रश्य घूम जाता है जब वो कुछ पाने और बनने के लिए खजुराहो आया था ,पर हताशा में उसे ३०० रु की नोकरी करना पड़ी तभी वह भी मतंगेस्वर के दरबार में फरियाद लेकर पहुंचा तब से आज तक उसने पीछे मुड़कर नहीं देखा ,वो अपनी तरह से अपनी बात समझाता है |देखिये ये १८ फिट uncha शिव लिंग है जितना ऊपर है उतना ही नीचे है उसके नीचे मणि लगी है ,मणि के सामने आप मनसा वाचा कर्मणा से आप जाते है तो आपकी मनोकामना पूर्ण होगी |, जब में खजुराहो आया मुझे अंग्रेजी बोलना आती नहीं थी,में किसीको जनता नहीं था | मेने इनके दर्शन किये | इनकी कृपा से आज खजुराहो में मेरा मकान है ,गाड़ी है ,सब कुछ है|

में बहुत देर तक लोगों की आस्था और विश्वास को तोलने का प्रयाश करता रहा ,यह समझ नहीं पा रहा था की किस पर विश्वास करूँ और किस पर ना करूँ | तभी मुझे लगा की शंका का समाधान ए.एस.आइ. वालों से किया जा सकता है \ हम पहुंचे राहुल तिवारी के पास वे यहाँ के अधिकारी है ,कहने लगे की हाँ यहाँ कई तरह की किवदंतियां है ,लोगों की आस्थाएं बहुत है ,आसपास के बहुत सारे लोग यहाँ आते है |

वृन्दावन धाम - Vrindavan - Land of Lord Krishna

चिड़ियों का चहकना, मंदिरों की घंटी, सत पुरुषों का सत्संग जैसे भक्ति रस घुल रहा हो ; हर आत्मा उस में मगन हो यह है खूबसूरती वृन्दावन धाम की | जहां हर बच्चा राधा कृष्णजी का स्वरुप है, जहां पढाई का पहला अक्षर भगवान् श्री हरी के नाम है | यमुनाजी का कल कल करता पानी, फल से लदे वृक्ष, फूलों के झुण्ड, भवरों  की गुंजन, रास लीलाओं के गान; हर आत्मा को श्री राधा कृष्णाजी से जोड़ देता है |

कोई गिरिराज की परिक्रमा कर रहा है तो कोई वृन्दावन की; कोई जा रहा है निधिवन तो कोई वंशीवट; कोई मदन टीर तो कोई मान सरोवर ; कोई भागवत वाच रहा है तो कोई गीता ; कोई भक्तों को भगवान की कथा सुना रहा है तो कोई भगवान् के मीठे भजन गा रहा है; ऐसा लगता है की सब तन मन धन से भगवान के श्री चरणों में अर्पित हो गए हों |

कोई मंदिर की सीडियां धो रहा है तो कोई प्रसाद बाँट रहा है; कोई कीर्तन कर रहा है तो कोई दर्शन खुलने का इंतज़ार कर रहा है | कोई दर्शन करके उस में मगन हो रहा है तो कोई पद्यावाली लिखने में व्यस्त हो रहा है ; कहीं मंदिर में फूल श्रींगार बन रहा है तो कहीं भोग बन रहा है | ऐसा लगता है जैसे आठों पहर भगवान् से शुरू हो कर भगवान् पर ही ख़तम हो जाते हैं |

ना किसी को अपनी अवस्था का ध्यान है न ही समय का यह है सुन्दरता वृन्दावन धाम की | जहां किस रूप में भगवान् मिल जाएँ कुछ पता नहीं ; ऐसी अद्भुत धरती को हम शत शत नमन करते हैं | 

श्री राधा कृष्ण

घुंगराले केश, कमल नयन, श्याम वरन, मोहिनी चितवन, मीठी मुस्कान, गले में वय्जंती माला, जिनके शीश पर विराजे मोर मुकुट, तन लहराए पीत पीताम्बर, चरणों में नुपुर, हाथों में बांसुरी लिए यह नटखट गोपाल जिसे हर गोप गोपी प्रेम से कान्हा बुलाये- वह सब का चित चुरा लेते हैं | 

भोली भाली, चन्द्र वदन, चंचल नयन, सुन्दर मोहिनी स्वरुप, गौर वरन, मधुर मुस्कान, मन मोहिनी, रसिक वन्दिनी, शीश चंद्रिका धारिणी, कनक समान  शोभ्यमान, भूषण बिना विभूषित वृन्दावन धाम की अधिष्टात्री देवी हमारी श्री राधा रानी हैं |

Jai Sri Kisna

 नित्य किशोर और नित्य किशोरी  श्री राधाकृष्ण एक प्राण दो देह हैं | श्री राधा रानी  जिनकी चरण धूलि भी अत्यंत दुर्लभ है; हर सखी के हृदये में विराजती हैं |

श्री हित हरिवंश महाप्रभु द्वारा - श्री हित चतुरासी जी का एक वाक्य -

.......श्री हरिवंश सुरीति सुनाऊं श्यामा श्याम एक संग गाऊँ, राधेश्याम एक संग गाऊँ ; राधा संग नाम बिना नहीं श्याम , श्याम बिना नही राधा नाम....... ||

Located at a distance of 15 km from Mathura in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Vrindavan is another major place of pilgrimage among the Hindus. Also known as Vrindaban, Brindavan, or Brindavana, or Brindaban, this holy place is the site of the original forest or forested region, in which Lord Krishna spent his childhood. It is believed that Lord Krishna was raised there in the cow-herding village of Gokula by His foster parents. Vrindavan is today famous for its numerous temples-both old and new.  Considered to be the abode of Lord Krishna, it is one of India's most holiest cities with more than 5000 temples dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Legend

The name 'Vrindavan' is derived from 'Vrinda', another name for the sacred tulsi (basil) plant. A legend has it that the entire place was a tulsi grove at one time. According to another tradition, it was named after Vrinda Devi, one of Krishna's playmates. The earliest known shrine in Vrindavan is said to have been built by the local gosains in a large garden called Nidhiban, later named Seva Kunj. According to tradition, Emperor Akbar was taken blindfolded inside the grove where he had some kind of a spiritual experience. As a result, he acknowledged the spot as being holy ground. 

The four temples that were built in honour of his visit are Govind Deva, Madan Mohan, Gopinath, and Jugal Kishore. The first is an impressive edifice built in red sandstone. Architecturally this temple is one of the finest in North India. 

However, apart from its history, what keeps Vrindavan alive in the popular imagination of the people is its rich legend and mythology. Vrindavan is considered the place where Lord Krishna spent his early childhood. It was here that Krishna indulged in adolescent pranks with the gopis (milkmaids) in the forests and stealing their clothes while they bathed in the river. 

Places of Interest

Banke-Bihari Temple - Built in 1864, the Banke-Bihari Temple is the most popular shrine at Vrindavan. The image of Banke-Bihari was discovered in Nidhi Vana by Swami Haridas, the great Krishna devotee, belonging to the Nimbarka sect.

Vishram Ghat - It is the most important bathing ghat in Mathura. Lord Krishna is said to have rested here after killing Kamsa, the tyrant king of Mathura. The 'Aarti' being offered in the morning and evening at the riverside is a visual treat to the eyes. It is believed that bathing in the Yamuna on the second day of Kartik is very meritorious which is known as Yama Dwitiya.

Radha Govindaji Temple - Built in 1590, this ancient temple of Vrindavan has a number of fascinating stories to tell. The original Govindaji Deity was removed from this temple and kept in Jaipur when Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb tried to destroy it. This magnificent temple houses a spectacular marble altar adorned with gold and silver and hold the idols of Govindaji in the middle, Lord Chaitanya to His left and Lord Nityananda to His right. A sculptured lotus flower weighing several tons decorates the main hall of the temple and demands a careful look from your side.

Madan Mohan Temple - The Madan Mohan Temple located near the Kali Ghat, built by Kapur Ram Das of Multan. This is the oldest existing temple in Vrindavan today. The temple is closely associated with the saint Chaitanya. The original idol of Lord Madan Gopal was shifted from the shrine to Karauli in Rajasthan for safe keeping, during Aurangzeb's rule. Today, a replica of the image is worshipped at the temple.

Sri Radha Raman Mandir - The Deity of Sri Radha-Raman (one of the few original Deities still left in Vrindavana) was installed here by Srila Gopal Bhatta Dasa Goswami. The Deity manifested from one of the Goswami's shaligram-shilas in 1542. Gopal Bhatta also brought Caitanya Mahaprabhu's kaupina (cloth) and asana (seat ) back from Puri. These can be seen three to four times a year. Gopal Batta's Samadhi is located here. The fires for cooking in the temple kitchen have been burning continuously since the Deity was installed over 435 years ago. 

ISKCON Temple - Located within the Krishna-Baldev Temple premises, the temple wall is adorned with exquisite paintings and carvings depicting the life of Lord Krishna. Beautiful architecture, carved arches and immense spirituality make the place a divine destination in Vrindavan. Be prepared to listen to 'Hare Krishna' as everybody you will meet inside the temple premise will greet you with these two words.

Yamuna River - The Yamuna river flows through Vrindavan and Mathura. It is the most sacred river in India as it is so intimately connected with Krishna's pastimes. Situated on the bank of the Yamuna is the Keshi Ghat, where Krishna killed the Keshi demon and saved his friends. One who bathes here gets the benediction of bathing in all of the holy places.

Getting there and Around

By Air - The nearest airport is Agra which is 57 km away and is well connected to Delhi, Khajuraho and Varanasi by regular flights by Indian Airlines and other private airline services.

By Rail - Mathura Junction is well connected to Delhi by numerous trains including the Punjab Mail and Taj Express, to Mumbai by the August Kranti and Mumbai Rajdhani and to Kolkata by the Toofan Express. The Lucknow-Agra Express also finds Mathura in its route.

By Road - Mathura and Vrindavan are well connected with Agra, Delhi, Bharatpur, Alwar and Lucknow by well maintained road.

Accommodation 

Vrindavan does not have high quality hotels. However, it has nearly 200 dharamshalas (religious hostels) that offer clean, affordable accommodation.

Kamasutra Temples, Khajuraho

Lord Ganesh statue

Besides the temples exemplary for their architecture and bold artistic statement, Khajuraho is just a small modest village with no more than 3000 residents surrounded by the forestland. As Khajuraho gets a fair number of tourists from all over the world every year, hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops have sprung up in large numbers at the entrances to the two distinctive groups of temples here. Aeroplanes are not a thing of curiosity for the villagers anymore and the emblem of a warrior fighting a lion single-handedly and with his bare hands seen frequently at the temples is said to be the depiction of the valiant warrior-king who was the head of the clan of the Chandela Rajputs who built the temples. Chandelas are believed to be the descendants of the Moon God himself. The construction of the temples is said to have started in the mid- 9th century and continued until the early 12th century and due to the lack of records of the building activity, the names of the thousands of sculptors, architects and masons, who must have contributed in their construction has been lost forever into obscurity.

Kamasutra Temples

Chandela dynasty had already lost its glory by the time the last temple was completed. Khajuraho was the capital of the Chandelas for a brief period but for most of the part, it was their religious center. However, there have been many theories regarding the sculptures adorning the facades and interiors of the Khajuraho temples. Some of them believe these temples to be centers of tantrik mysticism, which regards sex as an important part of human development and the attainment of the Absolute. Others believe that they were constructed as such to lure men and women back to the family and worldly life, which play an important part in Hinduism, from the austerities preached by the Buddha that were gaining favor with people of that time. Since thick forests surrounded these temples thus shielding them from the Muslim armies. T. S. Burt, the British engineer who re-discovered the temples in the mid-19th century found the sculptures offensive.

However, the local villagers and tribals have regularly

Kamasutra

used the temples ever since they were constructed, especially, the temple of Matangeshwar Mahadev for worshipping. It was General Alexander Cunningham who worked hard to gather details about them for the first time in his Survey of India reports. It was his efforts that stirred interest in people about the place. Later, the roads were constructed, facilities were provided for and luxury hotels were planned here and thus, started the resurrection of Khajuraho 

Amazing Temples of India

Beautifully Carved Jain Temple at Palitana, Gujarat

Royal Entrance of Brihadishwara Temple in Thanjavur

Brihadishwara Temple, Tanjore

Architectural Kailasa Temple in Yellora

Lotus Temple, New Delhi

Beautiful Night View of Lotus Temple

Birla Mandir in the capital city of India

Birla Mandir at Jaipur

Mt.Girnar is the sacred place for both Hindus and Jains in Junagadh district, Gujarat

Rich Golden Temple at Amritsar, Punjab

Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Birla Mandir in complete white marble, Hyderabad

Iskon Temple, Vridavan, Uttar Pradesh

Magnificent Jain Temples at Palitana Hill Top, Gujarat

Beautifully Carved Jain Temples at Palitana, Gujarat

Facinating Khajuraho Temple, Madhya Pradesh

Meenakshi Amman Temple, the historic Hindu temple in Madhurai

Dhynalingam in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Goddess Mahalakshmi Temple also known as Siripuram Golden Temple at Vellore

Jagannath Temple at Puri

Lord Venkateswara Temple at Tirupathi

Iskon Temple also known as Sri Sri Radha Krishna Chandra Temple, Bangalore

Temple at Mahabalipuram Seashore

Kanyakumari Temple, the scene beauty of Tamil Nadu