The name Khajuraho derives its name from 'khajura''-date palm which grows freely in the area and perhaps because there were two gold khajura trees on a carved gate here. Taken in totality, the sculptures of Khajuraho depict the everyday life of the people and the court in the 10th and 11th centuries.

The Khajuraho temples were built in a short span of hundred years, from 950-1050 AD in a truly inspired burst of creativity. Of the 85 original temples, today only 25 have survived, and is spread over three locations to constitute one of the world's great artistic wonders. The creators of Khajuraho claimed descent from the moon and the legend behind the founding of this great dynasty and the temples is a fascinating one.

An example of Indo -Aryan architecture, Khajuraho Temples are unique, being very different from the temple prototype of their period. Each stands on a high masonry platform with a marked upward direction in the structure, further enhanced by vertical projections to create the effect of grace and lightness. Each of the chief compartments is mounted by its own roof, grouped so that the highest is in the centre, the lowest over the portico; a highly imaginative recreation of the rising peaks of the Himalayas, abode of the gods.

The sculptors have shown many aspects of Indian life 1000 years ago-gods and goddeses, warriors and musicians, real and mythological animals. But two elements appear over and over again and in greater detail than any thing else-women and sex. Stone figures of 'apsaras' or celestial maidens, their myriad moods and facets appear on every temple. In between are the 'mithuna', erotic figures, running through a whole Kamasutra of positions and possibilities.

The three main compartments of the temples are the entrance (ardha-mandapa), assembly hall (mandapa) and sanctum (garbha griha), with further additions in the more developed temples.