KHAJURAHO
CITY INFO
Khajuraho, a monument to erotica
is a unique example of Indo-Aryan architecture. The Chandela rulers
between 950-1050 built these temples. There were 85 temples, which
were built, and only 22 of them survive today.
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 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. |
