Chitragupta Temple

Chitragupta Temple of Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho is an eleventh century temple dedicated to Lord Surya, Sun God. Architecturally it is very similar to Jagdambika Temple, having a sanctum with a circumambulatory path, a vestibule, a mahamandap with transepts and an entrance porch. The large hall called mahamandap has an octagonal ceiling which is more ornate than the corresponding ceiling in Jagdambika Mandir. Architectural design and plan of the temple is just like the Jagdambika temple but some improvements in this temple’s construction, particularly decorative structures suggest that it had been built after Jagdambika temple. The building has two balconies and the ascending scale of the roof is not as impressive as that of the more prominent temples in Khajuraho. The sanctum of the temple has a seven feet high statue of Lord Surya riding on a chariot of seven horses. Though the statue is partially broken but yet very attractive dressed in armored coat, and boots. The door lintel of the sanctum also features three similar but smaller images of Lord Surya. The exterior walls of the temple are covered with erotic couples, surasundari, and various gods, including an eleven headed Vishnu, having one head of Lord Vishnu and rest ten heads of ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Other sculptures include figures of couples engaged in mithuna, and the apsaras showing their yoni by holding their lower garments. There is also a sculpture of Nandi with a human body and bull’s head. Seekers visit the temple to develop a connection with the divine power and attain eternal peace.