Khajuraho Slideshow

Vishvanath Temple, Kharjuraho, India. These temples were built by the Chandela Dynasty between about 950 and 1050 CE.
Vishvanath Temple, Khajuraho.
Detail of decorations of the Vishvanath Temple at Khajuraho.
Temple exterior showing some of the erotic sculptures
A female figure in the interior of the Vishvanath Temple in Khajuraho.
The complex structure and decorations of the Vishvanath Temple in Khajuraho. This shows the circular corbelling of the temple porch (mandapa).
Inscription on the porch of one of the temples at Khajuraho.
A worshiper has left flowers at the step at the entrance to the shrine of the Vishvanath Temple.
The statue of Nandi the bull in the Nandi shrine of the Vishvanath Temple at Khajuraho.
Pilgrims take a rest while visiting the Vishvanath Temple at Khajuraho.
Details of the southwest corner of the Vishvanath Temple at Khajuraho.
Sculptures on the Vishvanath Temple at Khajuraho.
Erotic sculptures on the Vishvanath Temple at Khajuraho.
Erotic sculptures on the Vishvanath Temple at Khajuraho.
Sculptures on the Vishvanath Temple at Khajuraho.
Erotic sculptures on the Vishvanath Temple at Khajuraho.
Sculptures on the Vishvanath Temple at Khajuraho.
Relief sculpture of the god Ganesh on the Vishvanath Temple at Khajuraho.
An elephant sculpture guards the Vishvanath Temple at Khajuraho.
The Vishvanath Temple at Khajuraho.
Statue of Varaha, or the Hindu god Vishnu as the Cosmic Boar, Khajuraho.
Holy men worship Varaha (Vishnu) as the Cosmic Boar on the side of the boar sculpture, Varaha shrine, Khajuraho
The Lakshmana Temple at Khajuraho is raised high on a plinth or platform, as are the other Khajuraho temples. However, on the platform of the Lakshmana Temple there is a long band of relief sculptures that show wars, parades, ceremonies, celebrations, sexual liasons, and a variety of other subjects.
Reliefs along the platform of the Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho.
Reliefs along the platform of the Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho, showing musicians at the Chandela court.
Reliefs along the platform of the Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho, showing musicians at the Chandela court.
Reliefs along the platform of the Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho, showing musicians at the Chandela court.
A ruler enjoys the pleasures of court; reliefs along the platform of the Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho.
Lonely soldiers turn to their horse for, well, you know.
An erotic scene from the reliefs of the platform of the Lakshmana Temple at Khajuraho.
Ceiling of the porch of the Lakshmana Temple in Khajuraho.
Detail of a sculpture in the Lakshmana Temple in Khajuraho.
A female figure looks into a mirror in the Lakshmana Temple in Khajuraho.
A sculpture of a nude female figure in the Lakshmana Temple in Khajuraho has taken on a role as a sort of fertility goddess as worshipers touch her breasts and genitals; even drilling a vagina for her.
Erotic couple or 'mithuna' on the sides of the Lakshmana Temple.
Detail of previous image.
Erotic couple, Khajuraho.
Three women and a man in a complex sexual pose. The temples at Khajuraho are sometimes called 'Kama Sutras in Stone' because of the myriad erotic sculptures. The significance of these types of sculptures are not known. Some believe them to refer to Tantric philosophy.
The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho.
The sikhara or tower of the Laksmana Temple.
Mithuna or Loving Couple on the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
Detail of the tower of the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
Detail of the south side of the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in Khajuraho