Khajuraho -
Most Celebrated Manifestations of Indian Architecture
Khajuraho
is an important temple village of Madhya Pradesh. It is famous
world wide for its erotica temple architecture. The visit
to these temples fire the imagination of the visitors with
thousands of questions such as significance of such erotic
temples in the society, the reason behind the construction
of these temples and most remarkable question that no ruins
of the mansions and palaces are found in the nearby area.
Khajuraho derives its name from the Fruits of Date –
palm or Khajurs. The temples are built by the powerful Chandela
– Rajpur Rulers. Khajuraho temples are one of the most
illustrious manifestations of Indian architecture. The temples
were constructed between 9th century to 12th century. They
represent religiosity, patronage and artistic genius. There
were originally 85 temples, but just 20 of them have survived
by the rage of time. The temples belong to Shaivism and Vaishnavism
sects of Hinduism, Jainism and “Tantricism”. Unlike
other temples. There is no enclosure wall surrounding these
temples and each of them is constructed on high raised platform.
They have sculpturs inside as well as outside which depict
numerous deities, celestial maidens in sensuous positions
and provocative postures, embracing couples (some of them
in erotic sexual positions), dancers and musicians and couples
engaged in various refinement of courtly love. It is believed
that one temple alove depicts oaver six hundred and fifty
such figures ranging from sensual and warm depictions to explicit
sexual activity which are believed to illustrate the tantric
rites by some.
Khajuraho temples one of the most searched of monument in
India after Tajmahal, constructed with spiral superstructure
adhere to north Indian Shikhara temple building style. A few
temples are dedicated to Jain tirthankars and rest to Hindu
deities – to Hindu trinity of Gods, - Brahma –
the creator of Universe, Vishnu – the preserver of Universe
and Mahesh or Lord Shiva – The destroyer. Different
Devi forms such as Devi Jagadambi temple is also marvelous
example of Indian architecture. These temples are grouped
into three geographical divisions – Western, eastern
and southern.
Some
interesting places to see in Khajuraho
- Kandaria Mahadev
- Hemvati
- Kalinjar
- BeejaMandal
- Jain temples of Khajuraho
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