C
UNESCO World Heritage
ASI Protected
Chitragupta Temple
Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
11th Century CE
The only Sun temple at Khajuraho, the Chitragupta Temple faces east to catch the rising sun. The sanctum houses a 5-foot image of Surya in his chariot driven by seven horses. Despite being named after Chitragupta (the divine accountant), the temple is dedicated to the Sun God.
Source: Aitihasik heritage database. Use this as a field guide and verify sensitive historical claims before citation.
Details
- Dynasty
- Chandela
- Style
- Nagara
- Primary Deity
- Surya (Sun God)
- Languages
- Hindi, Sanskrit
- Scripts
- Devanagari, Sanskrit
Historical Significance
Only Sun temple at Khajuraho. East-facing orientation for solar alignment. Rare representation of Surya with boots (Central Asian influence). Part of the UNESCO Khajuraho World Heritage complex
Architectural Features
Five-foot Surya idol in chariot with seven horsesEast-facing orientationScenes of royal hunts and processions on wallsElaborate group dance scene on south wallEleven-headed Vishnu panel