A Magnificent Tour Of Khajuraho
Khajuraho is an ancient city situated in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh in central India. The name Khajuraho is a derivative of the Sanskrit word ‘Khajur’ meaning ‘dates’. Khajuraho is better-known everywhere in the world for its magnificent temples of the Medieval Hindu and Jain epoch, which showcase intricately carved lifelike sculptures. Khajuraho is actually better-known all around the globe because of its wonderful temples from the middle ages from Hindu as well as Jain epoch that display intricately created realistic statues.
The Khajuraho group of temples was built by the Chandela rulers who were earlier the Bargujar Rajputs belonging to Rajasthan. These Rajputs moved to Khajuraho when their native was intruded on by foreigners. Khajuraho was the cultural capital of the Chandelas who governed over the Bundelkhand region of central India for about two centuries starting from 10th to 12th century AD.
Khajuraho inbounds plethora of traditional temples that are divided into three groups, named as Western, Eastern and Southern. Western consisting of Shiva and Vishnu sculptures; northern comprising of Vaishnava temples and South Eastern devoted to Jain temples. The eastern group of monument has temples of Bhrama (Shiva), Vaamana and Javari. By the end of the 15th century, the temples were abandoned and got hidden deep within thick jungle. They were discovered accidentally by a British military adventurer in 1838 and now have become one of the major tourist destinations of North India. The western group is believed to be the most favoured division amongst devotees because it belongs to the Kandariya Mahadev. One of the largest holy places in Khajuraho is Kandariya Mahadev that is visited by thousands of people to explore ultimately carved 900 statues, placed inside it. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is about 31 m high with a display of marvellously intricate ceilings. It consists of an Antarala, Ardhamandapa, Mandapa, Mahamandapa, a sanctum (Garbhagriha) and a circumambulatory path (Pradakshinapatha) which is a splendid representation of Indo Aryan Temples. Chaunsat Yogini temple (Western Group) which is located south west of Shibsagar Lake is considered as oldest of all these temples! Several other temples like Devi Jagadambi temple, Sun temple, Vishwanath temple, Parvati temple pull your attention in different directions.
Khajuraho is the manifestation of the aesthetics of Indian Philosophy. The sandstone temples of Khajuraho became famous for the erotic sculptures depicted on their walls. Most of these sculptures are life-like and depicts the minutest details of human body structure. It is remarkable that the erotic sculptures are featured only on the outer walls of the temples and never on the inside walls or the sanctum sanctorum.
Khajuraho is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Excavations done by the ASI have unveiled the existence of more underground temples in the area. Khajuraho is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of India.
The temples of Khajuraho are live evidences of the architectural geniuses during the times of Chandela dynasty. One cannot help but appreciate endlessly the ‘Negara’ style of architecture that has been used to showcase the Apsaras, Gods and Goddess in the form of stone sculptures.
Khajuraho is a place that stuns tourists due to the erotic carvings that are difficult to be found anywhere else in the world.
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