Khajuraho Group of Monuments
India ·
Description
Khajuraho celebrates the human body as divine temple. The erotic sculptures covering Hindu and Jain shrines aren't pornography but tantra: the union of masculine and feminine as path to enlightenment. The Chandelas built 85 temples; today 25 survive, each a stone poem celebrating life in all its forms.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
Khajuraho temples represent the apex of northern Indian nagara architecture. The erotic sculptures illustrate tantric philosophy and the balance between sacred and profane. Their state of conservation is exceptional.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
For representing the apex of northern Indian temple architecture with sculptures of exceptional artistic quality.
It was inscribed in 1986 under criteria (i) and (iii).
Only 10% of sculptures are erotic; most show gods, apsaras and daily life.
25 of 85 original; divided into western, eastern and southern groups.
October-March; there's a classical dance festival in February-March.