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 .
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