Khajuraho is a UNESCO heritage site located in the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh and it is really famous for its ability to accommodate several religions under the same roof and the sculptures.

It was constructed in the time period between 900AD to 1130AD in the Chandela Dynasty.

It was more or like a ritual for a king to build a temple during their respective reigns. One of the most successful rulers of this dynasty was Maharaja Vidhyadhara who was famous for his repulsions of the attacks against Mahumad Ghazni. The first literary account of this temple is in the accounts of Al Biruni and later Ibn Battuta.

It is famous for having the Jaina pantheons and Hindu Pantheons inside the same temple. Besides, it is also famous for the sculptures carved out on the walls of the temple portraying the erotic aspect of ancient India. These temples portray a celebration of womanhood as the temples were carved with heavily ornamented women. Depictions of women and nymphs in a sensual manner send out the message of well being and love. Even though a lot of other temples also have these sort of sculptures, Khajuraho stands out due to the fact that the sculpture is at a level which is visible to all. 

Apart from that, there are various myths about the construction of these temples too. One of them is that when Moon sees a young girl Hemavathy and enters into a physical relationship. Then she seeks refuge where she gives birth to their son Chandravarnam and brings him up. The moon had promised Hemavathy that he son will one day become a king. And like any other prophecy in stories, it comes true. He is the founder of the Chandela Dynasty. The sculptures ergo are a homage to their ancestors.

Some people speculate that it was a way of educating people about sex. It is really funny as to how people back in those days were totally cool with the idea of coitus whereas today it is more of a hush-hush topic.

Another myth also suggests that it was an indication to the people entering the temple that they should abandon their lustful desires. The carvings remind them of that. That may be the reason why one does not see similar sculptures inside the temple.

The Chausath Yogini temple, a Tantric temple dedicated to 64 goddesses is the oldest temple in Khajuraho. A mystical air hangs around it, although all the shrines are empty.  It is believed that Khajuraho is charged with energy and the 64 yoginis control the very essence of life, balancing both body and mind together. While reading upon various tantric beliefs, one of them even compared the Mithunas making love as a metaphor, representing the sexual imagery of the life force – a union of Shiva and Shakthi. The philosophy even extends to the architecture. Some see even the design as a symbol of the union of Shiva and Savitri.

Some myths say that the temple is a symbol of love and some say it is not, but the fact remains that regardless Khajuraho temple is one of the most valuable monuments of India which not only made us aware about how comfortable people were about sexual relationships but also about the Chandela kings.