Khajuraho, a UNESCO world heritage site, is a small town in Madhya Pradesh and approximately 620 km from Delhi. Khajuraho is a famous tourist and archaeological site known for its sculptured temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain patriarchs. The following map details the road way from Satna to Khajuraho.
Satna - Khajuraho
We started from Satna at 8.30 a.m. and reached Khajuraho at around 10 a.m. Our onward fight to Delhi was scheduled for 12.30 p.m. On reaching the outskirts of the city, the driver informed us that the temples were only 10 mins drive from the airport. As we had sufficient time at our disposal we decided to visit the temples.
Unlike other Indian tourist spots, the temple area is extremely clean and well maintained. A major reason for it is that the number of tourists is not very high. In fact, during our visit the foreigners had outnumbered the domestic tourists. A major reason for less number of domestic tourists is that the town is much different from any other temple city of India. It is not about religion and worshipping and deities. The temples of Khajuraho are instead famous for the sensual and erotic art etched on its walls in the form of sculptures.
During the Chandela dynasty, Khajuraho contained about 85 temples built by multiple rulers from about 950 to 1050. Of the 85 original temples, most constructed of hard river sandstone, about 20 are still reasonably well preserved. During my short stay, I visited almost all temples and captured them in my camera.
About Khajuraho
Temple sight from entrance
Are there any tourists ?
Wild Boar. Incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Notice the carvings on the body
Check out the temple roof
Millions of idols
Zoom on one of the idols
Big Bull Nandi. Wall Street ?
More Idols
Even more. Amazing India.
1 of the 22 temples
The above are some of the photographs I had taken. I hope by now some of you might have decided to visit Khajuraho. Trust me, if you stay in India and have some sense of maturity; its a place worth visiting at least once in your life time.
In December 2009, my geography was tested, when my boss asked me to visit a client in Satna. Satna is a town located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is approximately 772 km from Delhi (rail distance). Satna is renowned for its Dolomite and Limestone mines. Hence, its main economy is cement manufacturing. The district is home to a number of cement factories namely Birla, Prism and Bhilai Jaypee. Satna is also home to one of the leading cables manufacturer of India, Universal Cables Limited.
Delhi-Satna Route
During the trip I was accompanied by 2 other bankers and a company executive. We left for Satna on Friday evening by Mahakoshal Express (Delhi-Jabalpur). The train departs from Delhi at 1610 hrs and reaches Satna next morning at 0630 hrs. Our journey didn’t begin on a good note as the train was delayed by almost 4.30 hrs.
During the journey, the train was delayed further and we reached Satna by around 12 the next day (delay of almost 6 hrs). Due to the unforeseen delay our onward travel schedule was hampered. To reach Delhi as per schedule we decide to cancel our return train tickets and return by air via Khajuraho.
On reaching the station, we left immediately for the plant, situated approximately 30 kms from the town. Satna as any other Tier 2 town has a pathetic infrastructure. As our schedule was very tight (made even more thanks to Indian Railways) we didn’t get much time to explore the city. But to be frank, seeing the condition of the town I didn’t feel like exploring it.
A Busy Market Road
The only place worth visiting is Maihar, a small city approximately 40 km from Satna. Maihar is famous for a temple of goddess Sharda, built in 9th or 10th century AD. The temple is situated on a hillock and is known for its 1063 steps. The temple is also connected via a ropeway. We visited the temple on Saturday evening.
Maihar Temple on Hill Top
Temple Entrance on Hill Top
Maa Sharda Deity
The temple is associated with 3 legends (as told by the localites):
Distressed on the death of his wife "Sati", Lord Shiva was furious, and was wandering with her dead body. Fearing that the earth might get destroyed Lord Vishnu decimated Sati in 52 pieces. Her necklace fell at this location and hence the name "Mai" (mother) "har" (necklace).
Two warriors "Alha" and "Udal" were ardent followers of Sharda Devi. They are believed to be the first to visit the temple. They used to practice at the akhara located at the base of the temple. Alha penaced for 12 years before getting blessings from the goddess. Alha used to call the goddess as Maa Sharda and henceforth the temple was called by the same name.
Adiguru Shankaracharya worshipped here.
View from Hill Top
"Alha" Pond and Akhara
Sunday morning we left for Khajuraho via road. The distance from Satna is about 60 kms and takes slightly more than an hour. On way, the driver briefed us about the various temples of Khajuraho and their origin (he reminded me of my history teacher). Since school days, I had heard that the Khajuraho temples are the best in the world. On reaching the place I realized I was wrong, the magnificent temples are not only the best but “out of this world!”
