Chitragupta Temple: Khajuraho

 The Chitragupta Temple: Khajuraho's Sanctuary to the Sun God

I. History, Renaming, and a Unique Dedication

The Sun-Kissed Chitragupta Temple: Khajuraho's Unique Shrine to Surya

The Chitragupta Temple, located slightly north of the Devi Jagadamba Temple within Khajuraho's Western Group, is a captivating, sun-kissed masterpiece. Built around 1000–1025 AD, this monument holds a unique distinction: it is the only monument at Khajuraho dedicated to Surya, the Sun God.

• A Sanctuary to Surya: In honour of its presiding deity, the temple is uniquely orientated to face the east, capturing the first rays of the rising sun. The sanctum enshrines a striking 5-foot image of Surya, the Sun God, depicted in high boots and driving a chariot pulled by seven horses. Three smaller sculptures of him also grace the ornate door lintel.

• A Modern Renaming: The temple was originally unnamed and was in ruins for centuries. It was later renovated for a social cause by the late 

Surya, the Sun God: Enshrined in High Boots, 

Driving Seven Celestial Horses

Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of Independent India, who belonged to the Kayastha community. It was at this point the temple was renamed Chitragupta Temple (Chitragupta being the accountant of the gods, often associated with destiny). It is sometimes also referred to as Bharatji's Temple.

II. Architectural Design and Ingenuity

The Chitragupta Temple stands in the northwest corner of the Western Group, aligning its axis with the Kandariya and Jagadambi temples. Its architectural style and sculptural flair are recognisably similar to the nearby Jagadambi Temple, as both were constructed around the same time.

A. Plan and Airiness

The temple follows a typical cruciform plan, comprising:

1. An entrance porch (mukha-mandapa).

2. A large central chamber (maha-mandapa), the sides of which extend into two transepts terminating in spacious windows.

3. A vestibule (antarala).

4. The innermost sanctuary (garbhagriha), which uniquely includes a circumambulatory path.

Perhaps most fitting for a sun temple, the large perpendicular openings allow for a brighter, more airy interior compared to many other nearby monuments.

Mandapa

B. Engineering Marvels and Restoration Clues

The temple showcases remarkable architectural ingenuity. The ceiling of the maha-mandapa ingeniously transforms from a square to an octagon, then to diminishing circles, culminating in a beautiful dome.

                        Architectural Ingenuity: The Domed Ceiling of the Maha-Mandapa

Layers of History: Evidence of Restoration on the Shikhara

Although much of the sikhara (spire) and parts of the mandapa ceiling have been conjecturally restored due to heavy damage, the surviving sandstone elements remain in excellent condition, testament to the quality of the original materials and craftsmanship.

III. Iconography: The Sun God and Cosmic Forms

The Chitragupta Temple is renowned for its specific iconographic focus, blending Vaishnava and Shaiva themes with its presiding deity, Surya.

A. The Central Surya Image

The sanctum's large Surya image is presented in a symmetrical, standing posture, with the god wearing high boots (a Northern Indian influence). At his feet are the miniature seven horses pulling the celestial chariot, driven by the charioteer Arjuna. Flanking him are headless attendants (likely Danda and Pingala) and his two wives.

B. Depictions of the Cosmos and Trinity

The exterior facades are intricately carved in three horizontal registers. At the base of the sikhara, the north, west, and south facades each feature vertical niches with trios of Hindu deities: Door ornamentation                                                                                                                               Garbha Griha

Divine Harmony: Brahma, Shiva, and 

Vishnu with their Consorts

• Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu: The top niches on these three faces feature the three primary deities—Brahma, Shiva (Umamaheshvara), and Vishnu—seated and embracing their respective consorts in a romantic posture, with their heads gently turned toward one another.

• Vishnu’s Cosmic Form: A rare and notable figure is the eleven-headed Vishnu (Vishwa Rupa) in a niche south of the sanctum. The central head represents Vishnu, and the surrounding ten symbolise his incarnations (avatars)—a figure rarely seen in old temples.

C. Mythology and Guards

• Ashtavasu: A sculpture of Ashtavasu (eight elemental deities) with bull heads, similar to those found at the Lakshmana Temple, is present here. According to the Mahabharata, the Ashtavasu are believed to be the messengers of the Ashtadikhapalakas (guardians of the eight directions) and serve as guards of the temple, approaching the dikpals to rectify anticipated bad omens.

IV. Exterior Artistry and Chandela Life

The temple's exterior walls are a rich canvas of mediaeval life and mythology, laid out in three registers of sandstone statuary.

• Graceful Nymphs: The bottom two registers are heavily populated by deities and celestial women (apsaras and surasundaris) standing in the graceful tribhanga pose.

• Leogryphs and Power: Lurking in the recesses between the projecting images are vyalakas or sardulas (standing leogryphs or demonic entities), which often symbolised authority and power.

• Daily Life Scenes: Sculptural scenes abound, depicting the secular side of Chandela rule: royal processions, masons at work, animal combat, and joyous dances, reflecting the lavish country life of the period.

Grace in Stone: Deities and Nymphs in the Tribhanga Pose

Echoes of Chandela Life: Royal Processions and Daily Scenes (War scene, musical performance & Royal processions)