Khajuraho Temples
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.
Best Season : July to March.
