Chitragupta Temple | Khajuraho

Chitragupta Temple (Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh)

Chitragupta Temple is a Hindu temple in the eastern group of Khajuraho monuments, dedicated to Chitragupta, the divine scribe of Yama (the god of death), who keeps records of human deeds. Built during the 10th–11th century CE under the Chandela dynasty, the temple is an important example of Nagari-style architecture and showcases Khajuraho’s unique blend of religious symbolism and sculptural artistry.

Architectural Layout and Design

Constructed from sandstone, Chitragupta Temple rests on a raised plinth and is oriented eastward, ensuring the sanctum receives the first rays of the morning sun. The temple follows the Nagara-style architectural plan, featuring a garbhagriha (sanctum) that houses the main deity, a mandapa (pillared hall), and a curvilinear shikhara (spire) above the sanctum.

The mandapa is supported by intricately carved pillars, creating a ceremonial space for devotees. The temple’s compact size and proportional design allow visitors to observe the entire structure from a short distance, appreciating its vertical emphasis and architectural harmony.

Sculptural and Decorative Features

The exterior walls are richly decorated with sculptures of gods, celestial beings, apsaras (celestial dancers), musicians, and mythical creatures. In keeping with the temple’s theme, carvings emphasize order, morality, and spiritual accountability, reflecting Chitragupta’s role in recording human actions.

Erotic panels, characteristic of other Khajuraho temples, are present but limited, allowing the spiritual narrative to remain central. The carvings are meticulously detailed, showcasing flowing garments, expressive faces, and rhythmic compositions that unify the architectural façade.

Sanctum and Deity

The sanctum houses the idol of Chitragupta, depicted with attributes symbolizing knowledge and record-keeping. Small attendant figures and symbolic motifs are arranged around the main deity, reinforcing the temple’s narrative focus. The interior is deliberately austere, drawing attention to the deity and supporting meditative reflection.

Visitor Experience

Visitors experience Chitragupta Temple as a quiet, contemplative space, distinct from larger and more crowded temples in Khajuraho. Its raised plinth allows for easy circumambulation, offering different perspectives of the carvings and shikhara. Early morning or late afternoon light accentuates the reliefs, highlighting the precision and artistry of the stonework.

The temple’s peaceful setting enables visitors to focus on symbolism, religious significance, and architectural detail, providing insight into the devotional and aesthetic priorities of the Chandela era.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Chitragupta Temple reflects the Chandela dynasty’s support for diverse Hindu traditions, particularly the worship of lesser-known deities associated with morality and cosmic order. Its architectural refinement, sculptural quality, and thematic focus on spiritual accountability make it an essential example of medieval Indian temple art and religion.

Chitragupta Temple offers visitors a blend of architectural elegance, spiritual symbolism, and artistic sophistication, enriching the broader understanding of Khajuraho’s temple complex and the cultural milieu of 10th–11th century India.