Situated in the heart of Central India, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is an exciting place with a quaint rural ambience and a rich cultural heritage. The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India's unique gift of love to the world represent the expression of a highly matured civilization. In the temple architecture of India and elsewhere in the world, the Khajuraho complex remains unique.
One of the most celebrated manifestations of Indian architecture is to be found in a group of temples at Khajuraho. The temple town of Khajuraho is much different from any other temple city of India. It is not about religion and worshipping and deities. The temples of Khajuraho are instead famous for the eroticism etched on its walls in the form of sculptures.
An amalgamation of science and art of architecture other than eroticism, these sculptures also depict other refined courtly accomplishments such as music and dance and displays one of the most unique stone-carving works. Constructed between 950 and 1050 A.D. during the reign of Chandel Empire, Khajuraho derives its name from the Khajur tree ancient "Kharjuravahaka" (the date palm tree) which can be found in abundance in the area.
These temples are considered the "high point" of Indian architectural genius in the medieval period. Originally there were 85 temples, of which only 22 still exist. The amazingly short span of 100 years, from 950 AD - 1050 AD, saw the completion of all the temples, in an inspired burst of creativity.
If the temples of Khajuraho can be said to have a theme, it is woman. A celebration of woman and her myriad moods and facets- Writing letters, applying kohl to her eyes, brushing her hair, dancing with joyous abandon, playing with her child. Woman - innocent, coquettish, smiling - infinitely seductive, infinitely beautiful, depicted in a wealth of detail, sharply etched, and sculpted with consummate artistry.
The philosophy of the age dictated the enjoyment of the delights of material wealth and kama (sensual pleasures) while performing one's duty as the accepted way of life for the householder. Hence, the powerful combination of the visual and sensual pleasures combined with the duty attributed to the worship of the Deities brings about a powerful transformation of the body and the soul.
To include all of these aspects of life in one's early years makes it easier to renounce them without regret or attachment as one move on to one's next stages of life towards moksha (liberation).
Their style of architecture was also rather peculiar to their times. Each structure stands on a high masonry platform with a distinct upward direction to their build, further enhanced by several vertical projections to simulate the effect of an overall lightness.
The interior ceilings are carved with geometrical and floral designs. The roofs are a series of graded peaks that resemble a mountain range and in all probability, represent the possibility of higher levels of spiritual attainment.
Many times people often quote the Khajuraho Temples as an excuse to equate hinduism and Hindu Deities with nudity and sex but Khajuraho Temples, do not contain sexual themes inside the Temple premises or near the deity but only on external carvings. Erotic scenes represent a relatively small part of the carvings but sensuous eroticism prevails throughout all of the sculptures.
In general, lower indulgences appear lower on the temple while the deities appear near the top. The goddesses and gods represent the many manifestations of the divine Shakti and Shiva, the female and male principles, the Yin and the Yang. The erotic carvings on the temples at Khajuraho give the place its fame. Erotic or not the level of detail is quite magnificent as the sculptures clearly do show.
The divine sculptures in these temples are a tribute to Life itself, embodying everything that is sublime and spontaneous about it. Popularly known as the 10th century temples, they represent a time frame when Khajuraho art was at its zenith. Visit to Khajuraho is a unique experience and is exciting for culture lovers or simply those in search of an exotic destination with multiple attractions.
There is such so much rhythm, symmetry, beauty in the construction, right from micro level of each apsara carving to the grand plan of layout, facade, entrance, sanctum that it actually makes you forget about the usual ‘Khajuraho’ association and wonder in awe for the sculptural masterpieces. It is said these temples reveal human passions, and in doing so, bring about a realisation of the emptiness of human desire.
Travellers Info:. . .
For visiting Khajuraho you have to travel to Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh which is around 340 Kms distance.
By Air: Bhopal is connected by air from major cities of the country and from there you can take a flight to Khajuraho which also has directs flights from some cities of the country.
By Train: The nearest railway stations to Khajuraho are Mahoba, Satna and Jhansi. All of these are well connected to most of the major cities of India. From there you can book a car/ jeep.
By Road: Khajuraho has frequent bus services and good roads to and from the major cities of India including Panna, Mahoba, Satna, Jabalpur, Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Agra and Jhansi.
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