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Khajuraho - The Temple Town
Khajuraho,
is situated in the heart of Central India, in the state of
Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is a attractive village with a quaint
rural ambience and a rich cultural heritage. The fascinating
temples of Khajuraho, India's unique gift of love to the world
represent the expression of a highly matured civilization. It is
one of the top tourist places of India.
The history
Most of the temples at Khajuraho were built in a short span
of about a hundred years, between 950 and 1050 AD. The Chandela
dynasty claimed its descent from a Brahmin priest’s daughter,
Hemvati, who is said to have fallen in love with Chandra, the
moon-god, while bathing in a secluded pool. The child of this
union, Chandravarman, founded the dynasty. Inscriptions found near
the temples show that Harshadeva ruled in the early 10th century,
and was followed by Yasovarman, Dhanga and Vidyadhara. As each of
them expanded the Chandela kingdom, they also made additions to
the temple complex. |
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Construction and Architecture
Khajuraho
group of temples in Central India is one of the most well-known
manifestations of Indian architecture. These 10th-11th century
temples represent religiosity, patronage, artistic genius and
aesthetic sensibility all at once. Built in the typical 'Nagara'
style of architecture, over 20 of the original 85 temples have
survived the climate for more than a thousand years despite
being lost into obscurity and hence, suffering neglect for a
long period of time. Believed to have been constructed during
the Chandela rule, the temples belong to Shaivism and
Vaishnavism sects of Hinduism, Jainism and 'tantrism'. Unlike
other temple complexes in the country, there is no enclosure
wall surrounding these khajuraho temples and each of them
on a high and solid raised masonry platform. Though not very
large, they have elegant proportions and are adorned with
sculptures on their exteriors and even interiors.
Themes of passion and sensuality
It is the
amorous couples of Khajuraho, appear mostly on the
panels of the sandhara temples that have drawn maximum
attention. Their gestures and expressions pulsate with life
and exhibit great passion, sensitivity, joy and warmth.
Traditionally,
love or karma, symbols of life and creation, had religious
sanction as one of the aims of pursuits of life, along with
dharma or piety and artha or economic pursuit. The full
attainment of all three leads to moksha or salvation.
Depictions of mithuna or loving human couples were seen as
favorable signs of fertility that would ward off evil and
bestow great merit on the builder when used in architecture.
The existing
temples of Khajuraho can be divided into three groups,
Western, Eastern and Southern. The famous Western group,
designated a World Heritage site, is enclosed within a
beautifully laid-out park. The Lakshmana and Vishvanath
temples to the front and the Kandariya Mahadev, Jagdambi and
Chitragupta temples at the rear showcase the best of
Khajuraho.
Tour Operator
of India offers more information on Khajuraho in
India
and online Booking facility of Khajuraho in India. |
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