22/03/2026
While there isn't one single "11th temple," the number 11 is deeply woven into Khajuraho's history through its dates of construction and its most famous monument.
1. The Legend of the Moon God
The spiritual "origin story" of these temples begins with a woman named Hemvati.
The Encounter: According to legend, Hemvati was the beautiful daughter of a priest. One night, while she was bathing in a lotus pond, the Moon God (Chandra) saw her and was so enchanted that he descended to Earth to be with her.
The Prophecy: Hemvati was distraught over the social shame of a child born out of wedlock. The Moon God consoled her, prophesying that she would give birth to a son, Chandravarman, who would become a great king.
The Mother's Wish: Chandravarman grew up to be a powerful ruler and founded the Chandela dynasty. It is said that Hemvati, in her later years, asked her son to build temples that depicted human passions and desires in their truest form—not as something shameful, but as a part of the spiritual journey.
2. The 11th-Century Masterpiece: Kandariya Mahadeva
If you are looking for the "main" temple of the 11th century, it is the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple. Built around 1030 CE (the early 11th century) by King Vidyadhara, it is the largest and most ornate of all surviving structures.
The Design: It features a massive shikhara (spire) that represents Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva.
The Sculptures: It contains nearly 900 sculptures, including the famous "erotic" carvings which, contrary to popular belief, make up only about 10% of the temple's art.
3. The "85 to 25" Story
The broader "story" of the temples involves a massive decline.
Original Number: At their peak in the 12th century, there were 85 temples spread over 20 square kilometers.
The Survival: Following the fall of the Chandela dynasty, the temples were swallowed by the jungle and forgotten for centuries.
Rediscovery: In 1838, a British officer named Captain T.S. Burt was led to the site by local guides. Today, only about 25 temples remain, categorized into Western, Eastern, and Southern groups.
Summary Table: Key 11th-Century Temples
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