Chitragupta Temple
A unique Hindu temple dedicated to Surya, featuring intricate 11th-century Chandela architecture and detailed sculptures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Chitragupta Temple
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique Hindu temple dedicated to Surya, featuring intricate 11th-century Chandela architecture and detailed sculptures.
"Best temple in India with unbelievable architecture. Everyone must visit one in your life this temple."
Hire a Local Guide
Gain deeper insights into the history and symbolism of the temple's sculptures.
Explore the Western Group
The Chitragupta Temple is part of the larger Western Group of Khajuraho temples.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Surya's Chariot Sculpture
Sanctum
An impressive sculpture of Surya, the Sun God, driving a chariot pulled by seven horses.
Intricate Wall Sculptures
Temple Walls
Three rows of detailed carvings featuring sura-sundaris, erotic couples, and deities like Dashavatara Vishnu.
Octagonal Ceiling
Maha-mandapa
An elaborate octagonal ceiling showcasing the evolution of Chandella architectural style.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Khajuraho's Chitragupta Temple
Beyond the Erotic Sculptures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hire a Local Guide
Gain deeper insights into the history and symbolism of the temple's sculptures.
Explore the Western Group
The Chitragupta Temple is part of the larger Western Group of Khajuraho temples.
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly when visiting this sacred Hindu site.
Photography Tips
Visit during golden hours for the best lighting on the detailed carvings.
Tips
from all over the internet
Hire a Local Guide
Gain deeper insights into the history and symbolism of the temple's sculptures.
Explore the Western Group
The Chitragupta Temple is part of the larger Western Group of Khajuraho temples.
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly when visiting this sacred Hindu site.
Photography Tips
Visit during golden hours for the best lighting on the detailed carvings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Chitragupta Temple for its unbelievable architecture and intricate sculptures, noting its historical significance and peaceful atmosphere. While some highlight its unique dedication to Surya and the detailed carvings beyond the erotic, others suggest hiring a guide for a deeper understanding. It's considered a must-visit for its artistic and cultural value.
"Best temple in India with unbelievable architecture . Totally safe and peaceful. Everyone muat have to visit one in your life this temple . One thing i will suggest that take a guider to take more knowledge about the historical place . Foreigners are more here than Indian. ❤️love this place Khajuraho 💗"
Ashutosh Singh
"This is the only local temple dedicated to Surya and is situated about 91 m to the north of the Jagadambi temple and 183 m south-east of an ancient (Chandella) three storied stepped tank, known as the Chopra. In respect of plan, design, dimensions and decorative scheme this temple closely resembles the Jagadambi and consists of a sanctum without ambulatory, vestibule, maha-mandapa with lateral transepts and entrance-porch, the last being completely restored above the original plinth. The octagonal ceiling of its maha-mandapa marks an elaboration over the square plan and thus appears to be relatively more ornate and developed than Jagadambi and may consequently be slightly later in date. The main image enshrined in the sanctum represents an impressive sculpture of standing Surya driving in a chariot of seven horses. Three similar but smaller figures of Surya are depicted on the lintel of the ornate doorway. The temple walls are also carved with some of the finest figures of sura-sundaris, erotic couples and gods including an eleven-headed Vishnu. The sculptures on this temple. as on the Jagadambi, approximate those of the Visvanatha in style. The same affinity is visible with regard to the architectural and decorative motifs. The Jagdambi and the Chitragupta temples are, therefore, stylistically placed between the Visvanatha and the Kandariya and are assignable to circa 1000-25. (Information from ASI)"
Vikas Singh
"Chitragupta Temple (1000-1025 AD): - The temple is dedicated to Surya.
The presiding deity in the sanctum is an impressive sculpture of Surya driving a chariot drawn by seven horses. Three small figures of Surya are seen depicted on the lintel of the ornate doorway. It is a Nirandhara temple."
Rajat Malikpuria
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Chitragupta Temple is located within the Khajuraho Group of Monuments in Madhya Pradesh, India. You can reach Khajuraho by air (Khajuraho Airport), train (Khajuraho Railway Station), or bus. From the town, auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available to take you to the temple complex. +1
Yes, the Chitragupta Temple is part of the well-maintained Khajuraho complex and is easily accessible on foot from other major temples in the Western Group.
Walking is a great way to explore the temples within the Western Group, including the Chitragupta Temple. For longer distances or to visit other groups, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are common.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Chitragupta Temple is part of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, which requires an entry ticket. This ticket typically covers access to the main temple complex, including the Chitragupta Temple.
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments, including the Chitragupta Temple, is generally open from sunrise to sunset. It's advisable to check the latest timings before your visit.
Yes, there are different entry fees for Indian citizens and foreign nationals for the Khajuraho Group of Monuments.
The temple is open year-round, but the best time to visit Khajuraho is during the cooler months from October to March.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed within the Khajuraho complex, but tripods and professional video equipment might require special permission or incur additional fees.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best natural light for photographing the intricate sculptures and architecture.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around historical monuments to ensure preservation and visitor safety. It's best to check with local authorities.
🎫 🏛️ Architecture & History
The Chitragupta Temple, built between the 10th and 11th centuries, is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and is the only Sun temple at Khajuraho. It showcases the architectural evolution of the Chandela dynasty.
The temple walls are adorned with intricate sculptures of sura-sundaris, celestial dancers, erotic couples, and deities, including an eleven-headed Vishnu.
It is believed to have been constructed during the same period as the Sri Visvanatha Temple, likely between the early 11th century under the Chandela dynasty.
The temple features an octagonal ceiling in the maha-mandapa, an elaboration over the traditional square plan, and its walls display unique images and divine couples.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Art Enthusiasts
🧘 Spiritual Seekers
The temple's serene atmosphere, especially during off-peak hours, allows for quiet contemplation and connection with the divine. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Deity: Surya and Chitragupta
While the Khajuraho temple is primarily dedicated to Surya, the concept of Chitragupta as the accountant of karma is a significant aspect of Hindu mythology. This dedication to Surya is evident in the iconography, with depictions of the Sun God on the lintel of the ornate doorway. The temple's architecture and sculptures reflect the artistic and religious sensibilities of the Chandela dynasty, who were patrons of both Hindu and Jain traditions.
Architectural Marvels of the Chandela Dynasty
The temple's walls are a canvas of intricate carvings, depicting a variety of figures. These include sura-sundaris (celestial nymphs), erotic couples, and various gods. Notably, the temple houses a sculpture of the Dashavatara Vishnu with his ten heads, representing his ten incarnations, and other unique depictions like the ashtavasus and Siddhi Vinayaka Ganesha.
Understanding the Sculptures: Beyond the Erotic
Beyond the well-known erotic panels, the temple features significant religious iconography. The Dashavatara Vishnu with his ten heads is a particularly noteworthy sculpture, representing the ten incarnations of the deity.
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