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On February 8th 2025, Daily Scandinavian in collaboration with travel partner TAKs verden set out on a 10 days’ journey to explore some of the greatest gems of India. Come with us and explore the heart of India.
Join us on this exciting journey to India in the footsteps of rulers who have left their mark on this fascinating country. After a stop-over in the capital of New Delhi, we continue to Agra and the legendary Taj Mahal, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world!
One of the highlights of our India exploration is the UNESCO world heritage site Khajuraho, the second most visited monument in India after Taj Mahal.
Khajurahu is the only group of temples being more and more popular by young people, the erotic sculptures being one of the obvious reasons. But this place is much more than that. Much fineness, thought process, efforts, planning, accuracy and not least the perfect execution has been put into the construction of these marvels.
We are heading to the small quiet town of Khajuraho about halfway between Varanasi and Jaipur. The temples in Khajuraho built during the Chandela dynasty are a good place to calm down. Khajuraho does not resemble the chaotic India we often encounter.
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Why were these carvings made in the first place?
According to Ms. Bidisha Mukherjee, Assistant Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, it is important to highlight that Kama (desire and earthly pleasures) is one part of a broader framework. The other three Purusharthas—Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), and Moksha (liberation)—form the core trinity of Hindu philosophy, with Kama serving as a complementary element to complete the holistic vision of life’s purpose.
The Purusharthas—Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha—represent the interconnected goals of human existence. The Khajuraho temples symbolically embody these aspects, with Kama reflecting the natural and integral role of desire and sensual pleasures in life. The depiction of erotic imagery on the temples reflects this philosophy, emphasizing balance and harmony among these goals.
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What are the reactions from visitors?
You get varied reactions from visitors to the temples of Khajuraho. Guides with poker faces emphasize that this is ‘an oral activity’ or a ‘group activity’ and some tourists giggle while others look away. Some are embarrassed, some are cynical while others cringe. This is visualization of Kama Sutra attributed to the Indian philosopher Vatsayana (400 BCE-200 CE).
Some visitors consider the erotic sculptures as absurd while some look upon them as a piece of art. The temple has survived many plunders but was in real danger when Gandhiji wanted to chip the walls as he considered them indecent and embarrassing. He thought they didn’t fit into the “Indian culture”. However, Rabindranath Tagore intervened and protected them by saying that they are the real national treasure left by our ancestors and should not be demolished just because some people were uncomfortable that their ancestors were sexual beings.
“Visitor reactions to the sculptures of Khajuraho are as diverse as the individuals who come to see them. Many are captivated by the intricate carvings, admiring the extraordinary artistic skill and craftsmanship of the artisans who brought them to life. The seamless blend of human intimacy and divine inspiration often leaves visitors in awe, reflecting the creators’ profound understanding of human nature and spirituality,” says Ms. Bidisha Mukherjee.
For some, the sculptures evoke curiosity and surprise, particularly among those unfamiliar with their cultural or philosophical context. Others view them with reverence, interpreting them as expressions of sacred philosophy rather than mere art. Many visitors have shared that these carvings deepen their appreciation of ancient Indian culture, which embraced human desires and experiences as integral to the spiritual journey rather than something to be denied.
In recent years, travelers have increasingly recognized the sculptures as a testament to open-mindedness, seeing in them a unique integration of sensuality and spirituality. The Khajuraho temples serve as a striking example of how ancient Indian thought harmonized the physical and the metaphysical, challenging stereotypes and inspiring awe for their holistic approach to life and spirituality.
It’s near impossible to find a public place like this
One of the most significant takeaways from Khajuraho is the importance of balance and harmony in life. The external sculptures symbolize life’s material and sensual dimensions, which, while integral, are not the ultimate purpose. They coexist with the pursuit of higher ideals—Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), and Moksha (liberation). Visitors are encouraged to approach these sculptures without bias, appreciating the progressive and inclusive vision of their creators. These masterpieces advocate for embracing all facets of life, fostering self-awareness, and advancing toward spiritual growth by integrating, rather than rejecting, human experiences.
As a visitor you will experience that the temple park is extremely well-kept. There are clear marked paths. No rubbish anywhere, everything is clean, and it is quiet and calm and slightly breezy. Anyone who’s ever been to India can tell you that it’s near impossible to find a public place like this.
There are 23 temples in the park, dedicated to Jainism and Hinduism, and there is more to them than just the sexual imagery. They are divided into three main groups – Western, Eastern and Southern. Most of the erotic sculptures are seen in the Western Group of temples. A few temples in the Eastern Group are dedicated to Jainism Tirthankara.
After this encounter with Kama Sutra, we are heading to Bandhavgarh to experience the Bengal tiger. India has so much to offer, and we’re convinced that our 10 days’ tour will give you memories for life.
Come with us and explore the heart of India. Secure your place in our small group under supervision by our Editor-in-Chief Tor Kjolberg here.
You can find the complete 10 days itinerary here.
Come With Us and Explore the Heart of India, written by Tor Kjolberg in collaboration with Zeenat Mulla at Vinsanworld,
Feature image (on top) © Dhwani Jalan / Unsplash