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Right through the Mughal
invasion and the early British forays into India, Khajuraho temples
in India remained unknown. Rediscovered in this century, they are
fine reminders of India's glorious past.
To some, Khajuraho Temples are the most graphic, erotic and sensuous
sculptures of India, the world has ever known. But Khajuraho has not
received the attention it deserves for its significant contribution
to the religious art of India – there are literally hundreds of
exquisite images on the interior and exterior walls of the shrines.
Architecturally these temples are unique. While each temple in
Khajuraho has a distinct plan and design, several features are
common to all. They are all built on high platforms, several metres
off the ground, either in granite or a combination of light
sandstone and granite. Each of these temples has an entrance hall or
mandapa, and a sanctum sanctorum or garbha griha. The roofs of these
various sections have a distinct form. The porch and hall have
pyramidal roofs made of several horizontal layers. The inner
sanctum's roof is a conical tower - a colossal pile of stone (often
30m high) made of an arrangement of miniature towers called
shikharas.
The famous Western group of temples are designated as the World
Heritage Site and is enclosed within a beautifully laid out park.
The Lakshmana and Vishwanath Temples to the front and The Kandriya
Mahadev, Jagadami and Chitragupta Temples displays the best
craftmanship of Khajuraho
Major Groups of Khajuraho Temples
For the purpose of convenience, the village of Khajuraho has been
divided into three directional areas in which are located the major
groups of temples .
Western Group Temples
These groups of Khajuraho temples are entirely Hindu, and constitute
some of the finest examples of Chandela art at its peak. The largest
being the Kandhariya Mahadev, followed by a granite temple -
Chaunsath Yogini. The Chitragupta Temple is dedicated to the Sun
God, while the Vishwanath Temple sports a three-headed image of
Brahma – the Creator of the Universe. The Lakshmana Temple is
superbly decorated, while the Devi Jagdambi Temple is dedicated to
Goddess Kali. Other temples in the Western Group include the Varaha
Temple with a nine-feet high boar-incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the
Matangeshwara Temple with a eight-feet high lingam, and the Brahma
Temple.
Eastern Group Temples
This group of Khajuraho tempels comprises of two historic Jain
temples – the Adinath Temple lavishly embellished with sculpted
figures, and the Parsvanath Temple, the largest Jain temple,
sculpted with charming detail. There are other shrines such as the
Vamana Temple with apsaras in sensuous poses, and the Javari Temple
that has a richly-carved doorway. Click Here
Southern Group
This group has two impressive Khajuraho temples, mainly belonging to
the 12th century – the Chaturbhuja Temple, with a massive, carved
image of Vishnu, and the Duladeo Temple, one of the last temples of
the Chandela era, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Khajuraho Dance Festival
Held every year from 25th February to 2nd March, Khajuraho Dance
festival provides an exclusive platform to showcase the Indian
classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odisi, Kathakali
etc. For over 25 years now, the carved stones fills with life during
the month of Feb. |
