The Osian temple group is indeed a symbol of skillful craftsmanship and perfection. The most ancient of these groups are the three Harihar temples. Two of them are Panchayatan and one is Ekayatan style.
Harihara is a supernatural power which was born from the union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu i.e. in which both aspects, one giving life and the other destroying, are present together. Pratihara dynasty was basically Vishnu and Shiva devotees and patrons of Jainism.
King Vatsaraja, with his indomitable courage and bravery, expanded the boundaries of Pratihara dynasty from Rajasthan to Kannauj and Bengal. His reign lasted from 780 to 800 AD.
All these temples are built on high platforms and the structure is made of sandstone. The remains of a Panchayatan temple are in good condition. It has small temples at the four corners of the platform and the main temple in the centre which has portico, mandap and balconies. Many figures are engraved on the pillars and the door jamb of the sanctum sanctorum. Sculptures can also be seen on the exterior.
The architectural style of the huge temples of Khajuraho is definitely inspired by the Osian temples because they are very similar to each other. There is an amalak and a kalash on the top of the shikhara. The outer part includes sculptures of Vasudeva i.e. Krishna’s birth, move to Vrindavan, killing of Putana etc.