Chitragupta Temple | Khajuraho

The Chitragupta Temple is a Hindu temple located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God.

Visual Characteristics

Constructed from sandstone, the temple faces east towards the rising sun. It is a Panchayatana-style temple, meaning it has a principal shrine with four subsidiary shrines at the corners, though only the main shrine and parts of the subsidiary shrines remain. The exterior walls are adorned with intricate carvings depicting celestial beings, dancers, and scenes from daily life. The central deity image within the sanctum is a large, seven-headed Surya riding a chariot pulled by seven horses. The temple stands approximately 15 meters high.

Location & Access Logistics

The Chitragupta Temple is situated in the eastern group of Khajuraho temples. It is approximately 1.5 km from the Khajuraho bus stand and 10 km from the Khajuraho railway station. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available from the railway station and bus stand. There is a designated parking area adjacent to the temple complex. No specific bus lines directly serve the temple; visitors typically use local transport from the main town.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The temple was constructed between 950 and 1050 CE by the Chandela dynasty. Its original purpose was to serve as a place of worship for Surya, the Sun God, and to showcase the artistic and religious beliefs of the period. The architectural style is characteristic of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Key Highlights & Activities

Observation of the detailed exterior carvings is the primary activity. Visitors can examine the depictions of the Sun God and associated deities. Photography of the temple's exterior is permitted. Entry to the inner sanctum is restricted to viewing the main deity image.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the main Khajuraho temple complex, a short walk from the Chitragupta Temple. Shade is provided by the temple structure itself and surrounding trees. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. Food vendors are located in the main market area of Khajuraho town, approximately 1 km away.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting on the carvings, visit in the early morning (between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM) or late afternoon (between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM) when the sun's angle is favorable. The best months for visiting Khajuraho, in general, are from October to March, when the weather is cooler and drier. There are no tide-related considerations for this temple.

Facts & Legends

A notable carving depicts Surya holding a lotus in each hand and a sword in the other. Local lore suggests that the temple's eastern orientation was believed to harness the sun's divine energy for prosperity and well-being.

Nearby Landmarks

• Jagadambi Temple (0.2km West)
• Chanturbhuj Temple (0.3km North-West)
• Kandariya Mahadeva Temple (0.4km West)
• Vishwanath Temple (0.5km West)
• Devi Jagdambi Temple (0.2km West)