Khajuraho, the name invokes imagery of erotic sculptures and art, and folks worldwide associate it with Kamasutra but it is substantially more than couple of sensual poses. It’s a medley of architecture, art, culture and spirituality skillfully carved on stone. Khajuraho has substantially more to offer you and this UNESCO globe heritage website can not be noticed with the prism erotica only. While it is a truth that erotic sculptures dot the walls of Khajuraho temples but some commentators overlook that the standard function of a temple is spiritual and it celebrates all elements of life and philosophy such as Kama (carnal desires).
There is a beautiful truth about Khaujraho sculptures – according to several estimates, just 10 % of them depict erotic themes. Rest 90 % are about the life of widespread guys and kings, wars, religion and other themes. They show day-to-day activities of the time like potters, musicians, soldiers, farmers and priests carrying out their tasks and figurines of various deities. Khajuraho’s artworks symbolically depict all the 4 objectives of life offered in the Hindu philosophy i.e., dharma, kama, artha and moksha and not just kama. So, to narrow down the vast philosophy and viewpoint of Khajuraho’s monuments to just one aspect can be a subjective notion but it ought to be accepted as a broadly held belief.
Origin of Khajuraho temples
During the early medieval period, Bundelkhand was ruled by Rajput Chandela dynasty and they are credited as the builders of these temple complexes. According to historians, most of the temples have been constructed for the duration of the rule of Chandela Kings Yashovarman and Dhanga amongst 950AD- 1050AD. Historians think that about 85 temples have been constructed till the 13 century but just more than 21 managed to stand the test of time and several invasions. In 1838, British officer T S Brut rediscovered these temples for the outer globe with assist of regional palanquin bearers. Let’s discover some of the well-known temples of Khajuraho:
Varaha Temple
It is one of the smaller sized and uncomplicated temples situated ideal opposite Lakshman temple. Historians estimate that it was constructed amongst 900AD- 925AD and as opposed to a lot of Varaha temples with anthropomorphic type of Lord Varaha, this temple has him in purely animal type. Constructed on a lofty plinth, it has 4 pillars and a pyramidal roof. The Varaha statue is 2.6 m extended and 1.7 m higher. The monolithic Varaha statue is created completely of sandstone and has several figures carved on the complete body.
Lakshmana Temple
One of the most well-known temple of Khajuraho, Lakshamana temple is a temple constructed in the Panchayatana architecture style. The complete temple stands on a higher platform referred to as Jagati and has 5 clear sub-structures identified and ardha-mandapa at the entrance followed by mandapa, Maha-Mandapa, Antarala and Garbhagriha or the sanctum sanctorum. Stunning and intricate sculptures are engraved on the temple’s exterior and has balconies. It’s two rows of sculptures incorporate divine figures, couples and some erotic scenes. The most important deity of the temple is a tri-headed and 4-armed Vaikuntha Vishnu. The deity’s central head is that of human when these on the either side deict boar(Varaha) and lion (Narashima).
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
The Kandariya Mahadeva temple is the biggest one in Khajuraho’s western group of temples and greatest preserved as effectively. Built for the duration of the reign of Vidyadhara amongst 1003AD-1035AD, it commemorates the Chandela king’s ‘victory’ against the siege laid by Mahmud of Ghazni on Kalinjar fort. The temple is 31 m higher and has intricate carvings on its walls. Together with Matangeshwara temple and Vishwanatha temple, it types a ‘yantra’ or cosmo gram. The exteriors walls have carvings depicting pictures of gods and divine beings such as Agni, Saptamatrikas, Ganesha, Virbhadra, and couple of erotic poses.
Jagadambika Temple
One of the most visited temples in Khajuraho, World Heritage Site, Jagadambika Temple was constructed by the Chandela rulers of Bundelkhand area. Dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the is situated towards the northern side in the complicated and is one of the most finely decorated temples. As the name suggests, the temple is devoted to the mother goddess. Its exterior has 3 bands of effectively-crafted carvings surrounding the temple. The sanctum has an huge image of the Mother Goddess Parvati.
Matangeshwar Temple
Like all other temples in Khajuraho, the Chandela dynasty constructed this temple devoted to lord Shiva in the ninth century. Matangeshwar temple homes an eight feet tall Shiva Lingam which is created of yellow limestone. It is the only functional Hindu temple in the complicated. Attending morning and evening aarti right here is a delightful encounter.
Khajuraho Dance Festival
For decades now, Khajuraho Dance Festival has grow to be the symbol of celebration of India’s culture and art. This annual fest is organized by the Madhya Pradesh Govt’s Department of Culture. Top dancers from the nation and across the globe carry out Indian Classical dance types. This year, the festival was organized amongst 20th-26th February 2021. The dance performances incorporated Bharatnatyam by Geeta Chandran and group, Kathak By Deepak Maharaj and Chandrani Kalita Ojha, Mohiniyattam by Aishwarya Warrier, Kuchipudi by Avijit Das, Odishi by Purnashri Raut and more. Other art, cultural and culinary events incorporated Alankaran, Nepathya, Hunar, Swad and Kalavarta, and so on.
Visiting Khajuraho
Best time to go to Khajuraho is post monsoon and winters i.e., from September to March. Khajuraho has a effectively-connected airport and railway station with everyday train services to Delhi, Jhansi, Gwalior and Agra.