Which of the following Khajuraho group of temples is built entirely of granite and is oriented north-east and south-west?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Chausath Jogini Temple
Explanation:
• The Chausath Jogini Temple at Khajuraho is unique for being constructed entirely out of granite, unlike most other temples in the complex, which are made from sandstone.
• It features a primitive architectural style with a rectangular open courtyard, unlike the more developed Nagara-style temples.
• The temple is also oriented in a north-east to south-west direction, which is uncommon as most Khajuraho temples follow an east-west alignment.
• It is among the oldest surviving temples in the group and dedicated to Tantric worship of 64 Yoginis.
Information Booster:
• The temple lacks a central shrine and instead has a series of small cells around the rectangular courtyard, typical of Yogini shrines.
• It is one of the few surviving Chausath Yogini temples in India, others being in Bhedaghat (MP) and Hirapur (Odisha).
Additional Knowledge:
Devi Jagdamba Temple (Option b)
• Built primarily from sandstone, not granite.
• Follows traditional Nagara style architecture, richly sculpted with deities.
• Oriented east-west like most Khajuraho temples.
Kandariya Mahadev Temple (Option c)
• Considered the largest and most ornate of the Khajuraho temples.
• Made from fine-grained sandstone, not granite.
• Follows classic east-west orientation and Nagara design.
Laxmana Temple (Option d)
• Constructed using sandstone and is one of the oldest temples of the complex.
• Dedicated to Vaikuntha Vishnu and follows Nagara-style architecture.
• Also oriented in the east-west direction, not north-east to south-west.