Khajuraho is a small town located in the northern Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is world famous for its ancient and medieval temples, which are considered some of the finest examples of Indian architecture and sculpture. There are a large number of ancient Hindu and Jain temples here. Khajuraho, the city of temples, is famous all over the world for its stone temples. Khajuraho is known for its ornate temples, which are among the best medieval monuments in the country.
Khajuraho is also known for its vibrant cultural heritage and is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history and significance of Khajuraho and the temples that make it a must-see for anyone interested in Indian art and culture. Its ancient temples which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The History of Khajuraho
The Chandella kingdom ruled central India from the 10th to the 14th century. The city of Khajuraho was the capital of the Chandela dynasty, the Chandelas were known for their interest in art and architecture. Although he was a follower of Shaivism, he has also been shown to be interested in Vaishnavism and Jainism. During this period, the Chandela kings built many temples in the area, many of which still exist today. The temples of Khajuraho were built over a period of 200 years, from the 10th to the 12th century, and were dedicated to various deities including Shiva, Vishnu and Jain Tirthankaras.
Khajuraho and its temples are mentioned in the accounts of Abu Rayhan al-Biruni (1022 AD) and Ibn Battuta (1335 AD). These temples were spread over an area of 20 square kilometers and there were about 85 temples in the 12th century. Over time the number of temples in Khajuraho has reduced to only 20 today.
The temples of Khajuraho were built during a time of relative peace and prosperity in the region, and the Chandela kings invested heavily in the arts, including architecture, sculpture, and music. The temples of Khajuraho are testimony to this rich artistic culture, and their intricate carvings and distinctive architecture are considered fine examples of Indian art and craftsmanship.
The carvings of the temples are related to Hindu deities and mythology. The architectural style is also in accordance with Hindu traditions. One of the main features of the construction of a Hindu temple is that the temple faces the direction of sunrise. All the temples of Khajuraho have been constructed keeping this in mind. Furthermore, the carvings here depict the four goals of life in Hinduism, namely, Dharma, Kama, Artha, and Moksha.
One of the most striking features of the Khajuraho temples is their erotic sculptures, which depict various sexual acts and positions. These sculptures are often used to represent the Hindu philosophy of the union between man and woman, which is considered to be the ultimate union of the divine. The erotic sculptures have become a popular topic of discussion and debate, with some people considering them to be obscene while others consider them to be a representation of the ancient Indian art form.
The Temples of Khajuraho
The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three groups: the Western Group, the Eastern Group, and the Southern Group. The Western Group is the most famous, and includes some of the largest and most ornate temples in the complex.
The most famous temple in the Western Group is the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, This 10th century temple is the largest of all Khajuraho temples, built in the 11th century, dedicated to Shiva. About nine hundred sculptures have been carved on the walls of the Kandariya temple. The height of the idols ranges from 2.5 feet to 3 feet. The entrance to the temple is arched and decorated with sculptures of gods and goddesses and musicians. In addition, there is a floral carving in the center of the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum, with carved figures of yogis engaged in penance.
The temple is famous for its intricate carvings, which depict a wide range of subjects including gods and goddesses, animals, musicians and dancers. The carvings are incredibly detailed and are an incredible example of the skill and craftsmanship of those artists.
Another notable temple in the Western Group is the Chausath Yogini Temple, which is dedicated to the 64 yoginis, or female attendants of the goddess Kali. The temple is built on a circular plan and is the oldest temple in the complex, dating back to the 9th century. This temple is situated on a low rock in the south-west of the Sib-Sagar lake. Situated in the north-east and south-west directions, this is the only temple in Khajuraho made entirely of granite. The temple is relatively small, but its intricate carvings and unique circular design make it one of the most interesting temples in the complex.
The Eastern Group of temples is located on the banks of the Khajuraho Sagar Lake and includes several smaller temples, including the Brahma and Vamana temples. These temples are less ornate than those in the Western Group but are still remarkable for their intricate carvings and unique architecture.
The first four temples of this group are near the ancient Khajuraho village. The second group consists of Jain temples which are situated behind the village school. The visit to the temples here can be started with a visit to the Ghantai Temple located at the other end of the old village. The nearby Vamana and Jayari temples are also places of interest.
The southern group of temples is located several kilometers away from the main complex and sees very few tourists. The group includes several smaller temples, including the Duladeo Temple and the Chaturbhuj Temple, dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu respectively.
There are two temples in this part. One Duladeo temple is related to Lord Shiva and the other is called Chaturbhuj temple related to Vishnu. The Duladeo Temple is situated on the banks of the Khudar River. Solid figures are printed on the blocks of this temple. The Turbuj temple was built in 1100 AD. Afternoon is considered the best time to visit this group of temples. The sunlight falling in the afternoon makes its idols attractive.
Why Khajuraho is a Must-Visit Destination
Khajuraho is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Indian art and culture. The temples of Khajuraho are a testament to the artistic and cultural achievements of the Chandela dynasty, and their intricate carvings and stunning architecture are sure to leave a lasting impression on any visitor.
The Khajuraho Dance Festival is a popular event that showcases the best of Indian classical dance forms, including Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Kuchipudi. The festival is held in an open-air auditorium near the Chitragupta Temple and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Apart from the dance festival, Khajuraho also hosts a traditional food festival, which is held in December every year. TVisitors to the food festival enjoy the local cuisine and traditional dishes of the region.
Apart from the temples, Khajuraho also has several other attractions that are worth visiting. The Raneh Falls, located about 20 km from Khajuraho, is a spectacular waterfall that is surrounded by a natural gorge. The Panna National Park, located about 30 km from Khajuraho, is a wildlife sanctuary that is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, leopards, and deer.
In conclusion, Khajuraho is a town that is rich in history.
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