Chitragupta Temple

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 💗

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)

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.

Chitragupta Temple (early 11th century) The Temple faces east and belong to western Group. This temple is dedicated to Surya and the only Sun temple at Khajuraho. The reason for calling as Chitragupta Temple is not known. The sanctum sanctorum, enshrines a 4' 10" high image of Surya, the Sun God. Though similar to the Devi Jagdambi Temple, it is more developed and more ornate. ARCHITECTURE The development of Chandella architecture can be seen as the ceiling has evolved from being a square to an elaborate octagon. Nothing original remains of the platform and almost the entire shikhara is a restored one. But the walls with its three rows of sculptures depict some unique images. The dashavatara Vishnu with his ten heads representing his ten Incarnations, the ashtavasus and the somber looking siddhi Vinayaka Ganesha are quite unique. Also, depiction of the trinity along with their Consorts, Brahma Saraswati, Shiva Parvati and Vishnu Lakshmi, are extremely interesting and few of the very well preserved images are on a much higher level. What is very noteworthy is that the divine couples frequently appear along the same vertical axis. HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS It is believed that this temple was constructed during the same period of Sri Viswanatha Temple of the western Group.

its historical intrigue, spiritual significance, and architectural beauty make it a worthwhile addition to your itinerary. Whether you're a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply an admirer of art and culture, this petite temple has something to offer everyone.

The Chitragupta Temple is a prominent part of the Western Group of Temples at Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya and dates back to the 11th century, likely between 1000 and 1025 AD. Architectural style and layout The temple is similar in design to the nearby Jagadambi Temple. It follows the typical Nagara-style architecture found in Khajuraho temples, characterized by lofty terraces (jagati), functional plans, and ornate exteriors. The temple features a sanctum (garbhagriha) with a circumambulatory path (pradakshina-patha), a vestibule (antarala), a large hall (maha-mandapa) with transepts, and an entrance porch. The central hall boasts an ornate ceiling, considered one of its greatest draws. Significance The Chitragupta Temple is unique in Khajuraho as it is the only surviving shrine solely dedicated to Surya. It provides valuable insights into the religious beliefs and artistic practices of the Chandela dynasty that ruled the region between the 10th and 12th centuries. The intricate sculptures, particularly those depicting everyday life, offer glimpses into the social and cultural aspects of that period.

This temple is located in the premises of the Western Group of Temple Complex of Khajuraho and closely resembles the Jagadambi Temple. This is perhaps the only temple in Khajuraho dedicated exclusively to Surya. The temple walls have some of the finest engravings in stark detail of erotic couples. The temple is dated back to the beginning of the 11th century, between 1000 - 1025 AD...

Chitragupta Temple in Khajuraho is a renowned marvel, standing proudly in the temple complex. Its intricate carvings and architectural brilliance make it a must-see attraction for anyone exploring the cultural richness of Khajuraho.