History of Khajuraho

Khajuraho was the historic capital of the Chandellas, who ruled over this area from the 9th through the 13th centuries. It was known as Kharjuravahaka. Tradition has it that the city gates were ornamented with two golden Kharjura or date palm trees. It is also believed that the name was derived from the numerous date palm trees that thrived in the vicinity.

The Chandellas trace their origin to the mythical sage Chandratreya born of the moon. The Chandella dynasty came into being after the break up of the Pratiharas. During the reign of the rulers Harsha and Yashovarma or Lakshavarma in the 1st half of the 10th century, the Chandellas rose to power. Lakshavarma was succeeded by Dhanga who ruled for about 50 years and it was during his rule that several temples were constructed at Khajuraho.

The Panchayatna puja - involving the worship of five deities Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti, Surya and Ganesha was highly prevalent in Khajuraho, as evidenced from the panchayatna temples - each with a main shrine and four subsidiary shrines scattered around the landscape.