Chitragupta Temple



Chitragupta Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Information of Chitragupta Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh


The Chitragupta temple is located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The shrine if specifically located in the Chhatarpur district of the state where devotees visit in bulk number throughout the year. The temple which is dedicated entirely to the Sun god is a part of the Khajuraho group of temple which further makes the temple a part of the UNESCO world heritage site which further attracts international tourism sector.

Chitragupta Temple Religious Importance

With regard to religion, the temple has its own importance owing to historical richness as a holy shrine. Notably, the temple is named after one of the most well known Gods of the Hindu mythology. The beautiful structure of the temple is entirely dedicated to the Sun God of the Hindus. Owing to this particular aspect, the temple faces to the east of the Sun. This aspect makes this particular temple absolutely breathtaking for devotes visiting from different parts of the world. The temple mainly accommodates Lord Vishnu and his numerous avatars. It also has the status of Chitragupta which is among the center of attractions for the visitors. The fact that it is one of the most notable temples of the Khajuraho group of shrines, further enhance it religious values to a larger extent altogether. Within the interiors of the temple one can see sculptures of Surya God riding a chariot which is further depicted to be drawn by seven horses. The Devi Jagdamaba temple is quite near to this particular shrine and with regard to religious importance, this aspect can be regarded as beneficial for devotees.

Chitragupta Temple Mythology & History

The temple which is named after the Hindu god Chitragupta has numerous stories associated with it that further excite and influence the interest level of devotes and visitors. Notably, Chitragupta is assigned with the task in the heaven to keep records of the activities of the humans of the universe. He was also bestowed with the task of deciding whether an individual should be sent to heel or heaven depending upon the activities their executed while alive. It is believed that for certain specific reasons, He went to a meditation for more than 11, 000 years. He is often regarded as the prime associate of Yamraj. The temple which was built during the reign of Chandella rulers is dedicated to Lord Surya but at the same time its name was decided in alignment with the name of Chitragupta for all his contribution as per the Hindu mythology. One can depict the influence of Chitragupta from the sculptures and paintings within the interior of this holy shrine.

Chitragupta Temple Architectural Importance

Architecturally, the temple can be regarded as one of the most beautiful and masterpiece of its own within the various others shrines of the Khajuraho group of temples. The architecture of the shrine has a rich influence of both the local architecture and the contemporary art form to an extent. The influence of the integral art form of the Khajuraho temples is also prevalent in this context. Both the interior and exterior of the temple looks stunning and visitors can hardly keep their eyes off from the same. The walls of the temple were decorated apsaras which are also regarded as the dancing poses within the Hindu mythology. Like in any other temples of this UNESCO world heritage site, one can also depict erotic and sensuous art in this particular temple as well. There are also lovely sculptures of Lord Vishnu and his different avatars within the temple which is again one of the most prominent architectural features of the temple. There is a three storied tank within the temple which is one it's integral part and is being loved by the visitors to an extent. The tank is well planned and well placed. Marbles and stones were among the primary material that was used for the establishment of the temple at large. The architectural splendor of the temple is highly praised and is one of the most beautiful part which enhance the importance of the temple and its religious importance among the devotees.