The temples of Khajuraho are India's unique gift to
the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life,
to love, to joy; perfect in execution and sublime
in expression. Life, in every form and mood, has been
capured in stone, testifying not only to the craftsman's
artistry but also to the extraordinary breadth of
vision of the Chandela Rajputs under whose rule the
temples were conceived and constructed.
The world renowned temple town of Khajuraho in Madhya
Pradesh designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site
for its archaeological and historical monuments. The
Khajuraho temples were built in the short span of a
hundred years, from 950-1050AD in a truly inspired burst
of creativity. Of the 85 original temples, 22 have survived
till today to constitute one of the world's great artistic
wonders.
The Creators of Khajuraho claimed descent from the moon
and the legend behind the founding of this great dynasty
and the temples is a fascinating one. Hemwati, the lovely
young daughter of a Brahmin priest, was seduced by the
moon-god while bathing in a forest pool.
The child born of this union was Chandravarman, founder
of the Chandela dynasty. Brought up in the forests by
his mother who sought refuge from a sensorious society,
Chandravarman, when established as a ruler, had a dream-visitation
from his mother. It is said that she implored him to
build temples that would reveal human passions, and
in doing so,bring about a realization of the emptiness
of human desire. It is also possible that the Chandelas
were followers of the Tantric cult, which believes that
gratification of earthly desires is a step towards attaining
the infinite liberation of nirvana.
Why they chose Khajuraho, even then a small village,
as the site for their great complex is also open to
of their faith and the many beliefs represented in the
temples, the Chandelas conceived Khajuraho as a seat
of religion and learning, to bring together many sects.
With their decline, the temples lay forgotten for many
centuries, covered by the encroaching forests, victim
to the ravages of the elements. Re-discovered only in
this century, restored and claned, the temples of Khajuraho
once again testify to a past glory.
Architecturally too, they are unique, being very different
from the temple prototype of their period. Each stands
on a high masonry platform with a marked upward direction
in the structure, further enhanced by vertical projections
to create the effect of grace and lightness.
Each of the chief compartments is mounted by its own
roof, grouped so that the highest is in the centre,
the lowest over the portico; a highly imaginative recreation
of the rising peaks of the Himalayas, abode of the gods.
The three main compartments are the entrance (ardha-mandapa),
assembly hall (mandapa) and sanctum (garbha griha),
with further additions in the more developed temples
How to Reach
By Air: Regular services link Khajuraho with
Delhi, Agra and Varanasi.
By Rail: The nearest rail heads are Harpalpur
(94 km) and Mahoba (61 km ) . Jhansi (172 km) is a convenient
rail head for those traveling from Delhi and Madras;
Satna (117 km) , on the Mumbai-Allahabad line of the
Central Railway for those coming from Mumbai, Calcutta
and Varanasi
By Road: Khajuraho is connected by regular buses
with Satna, Harpalpur, Jhansi and Mahoba.
India
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