Location: Madhya Pradesh
Famous As: Medieval temples portraying the erotic sculpture.
Built by: Chandela Rulers, 950- 1050 AD
Group of Temples: 3 groups, Western, Eastern and Southern
Rainfall: 114 cm. (July-September)
Temperature: summer: Max 47 Min 21, winter: Max 32 Min 4
Ideal Time to Visit: October to March
Language:
AN Over All View OF Khajuraho
Amidst extensive green lawns are the gothic temples, gleaming with
sandstone and festooned with the exotic curves of sculpture unique in their
pulchritude. The serene towns of Khajuraho boast the foremost medieval
temples of India, quite famous all over the world for their erotic poses.
The creator's aesthetic instincts have ravishingly apprehended diverse
aspects and moods of divine life in form of sculptures.
These imposing temples pantomime the romantic carvings are listed as a
World Heritage Sight and are a center of inducement for the tourist
thronging the place through out the year. The best time to make a visit is
to these erotic sculptures, these man made wonder is from October to March.
Summers are hot but winters make a trip quite pleasant giving out of this
world experience.
Historic Perspective
Khajuraho, once the capital of Chandela dynasty, is a small town in the
interior of central India, in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. These
graceful temples were constructed by the Chandela rulers in the Indo-Aryan
style a unique architectural grandeur. These marvels of splendor were almost
forfeited in the pages of age, until they were retrieved in 1838. Out of the
85 temples built originally, only 22 survive today.
Perfect in execution and sublime in expressions these Khajuraho temples are
dedicated to the dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain
Tirthankaras.
Legend has it that there was a devout aspiration behind the creation of
these 'magnum opus', section of Hindu believed that, meditating physical
pleasure is also one of the paths to reach God, to attain wisdom and
knowledge which is appreciable in the sculptures.
The Famous Temples of Khajuraho
The Khajuraho Temples are widely categorized into 3 groups, Western,
Eastern and Southern.
Western Group of Temples
Western Group destined as a World Heritage site, manifest the most
passionate, august temples of Khajrraho. The Jagadambi temple, the eternal
Kandariya Mahadeva and the Chitragupta temples are the foremost specimen of
the most extrinsic sculptures of India.
The Lakshmana temple is a beginning point for hunting the treasures of rich
Khajuraho legacy. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu was constructed in
A.D 954 by Yasovarman. Towering 25m in height and 30m in length the temple
is prestigious for its romantic sculptures, and imposing images, dramatizing
the day to day activities, dancing and playing music. Biggest attraction is
the sculpture of a yogi in the posture of shirshasan and the passionate
indulgence of couples. Other important temples are-Devi Jagdamba Temple,
Vishwanath Temple and Parvati Temple.
The
Eastern Group of Temples
The temples includes famous temples like Brahma, Vamana and Javari located
near the Khajuraho Sagar and many Jain pilgrims like the Ghantai, Adinath
and Parsvanath situated in south.
The Southern Group of Temples
The temples included in this group are the famous Duladeo and the
Chaturbhuja temples. The Duladeo Temple was built in 1100-1150A.D is
dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at a distance of a kilometer south of
the Khajuraho town. The Chaturbhuja Temple- 3km from the town is dedicated
to Lord Vishnu.
Erection of Amorous Khajuraho Temples
The pristine temple complex of Khajuraho was created in coarse granite. The
constructions of these magnificent temples were continued till 12th century.
The most prestigious, the World Heritage monuments known as the Western
Group of temples are built in fine-grained color, pink and pale yellow
sandstone. The temples belong to different religious sects like Shaiva,
Vaishnava and Jain mark the peak of the Nagara style of temple architecture.
The Erotic Sculptures
The sculptures manifest the images of 'Parivara', 'Parsva', 'Avarana'
'Devatas', 'Dikpalas', the 'Apsaras' and 'Sura-Sundaris' that procure the
universal esteem for their romantic charm.
They epitomize the blazing motif of Hinduism. These illustrious sculptures
includes the images of gods and goddesses, angelic dancers besides those of
couples in romantic postures, solemnizing the Hindu philosophy of Yoga and
Bhoga, the two paths leading to ultimate salvation.
Excursions
Dhubela Museum: 64 km. the museum houses a wide variety of Shakti
Cult Sculpture. It also contains garments, weapons and paintings.
Timings: 1000 -1700 hrs. Closed on Mondays and Gazette holidays.
Archaeological Museum: Khajuraho is also notable for its
archaeological Museum that treasures the accumulation of unique magnum opus,
images, sculptures and architectural objects. Timings: 1000-1700 hrs. Closed
on Fridays
Other important excursions from Khajuraho are- Panna Diamond Mine-
56 km,Panna National Park- 60 km, Raigarh Palace- 25 km, Ajaygarh Fort- 80
km and Kalingar Fort- 125 km, Delhi-590 km, Agra- 395 km, Varanasi- 415 km.
Dance
Festival at Khajuraho
The famous Dance Festival of Khajuraho is celebrated in the month of March
and it comprises of traditional folkdance and music and is renowned over a
period of 7 days. The enchanting tunes of music bring sculptures of the
temples to life.
Getting Around
Air: Indian Airlines services connect Khajuraho with Delhi and
other parts of the country.
Rail: 110km, Harpalpur is the nearest railhead to visit Khajuraho.
Jhansi-175km and Satna- 117km are other important rail junction for visiting
Khajuraho from all metropolitan cities of India.
Road: Khajuraho is connected with major tourist centers by good
network of roads.. Distances from Khajuraho are- Agra 395 km, Allahabad 285
km, Delhi 590 km, Lucknow 267 km and Varanasi 415 km.
Direct bus services connect Khajuraho with Panna, Satna, Jhansi, Harpalpur,
Bhopal, Indore and Agra.