Chithraguptha Temple, Khajuraho

A rare specimen of the medieval Indian architecture and artistic culture, Khajuraho in Maharashtra is unique, with its temples with rich sculptures. Originally there were 85 temples, of which only 25 survive now.

Chithraguptha temple is the only temple in Khajuraho to be dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. It belongs to the Western Group of temples. The temple has a sanctum without an ambulatory, a vestibule, a large hall with lateral transepts and an entrance porch.

The main image of the sanctum is an impressive image of the Sun God, standing in a chariot driven by seven horses. Three similar but smaller figures of Surya are depicted on the lintel of the ornate doorway.

The temple wall has the fine carvings of Sura Sundaris, the celestial beauties, erotic couples and gods, including an eleven-headed Vishnu in the central niche of the south façade. Chithraguptha temple is presumed to have been built somewhere between 1000 and 1025th centuries.