Monument – Khajuraho Temple, Khajuraho
Built by – Chandela rulers
Built in – 900 CE to 1130 CE
India is a land of temples and is known to have more than 2 million Hindu Temples. The temples reflect Indian culture, traditions and way of life. They are a representation of the cosmos.
The Temples of Khajuraho are a magnificent example of the Nagara style of Temple Architecture. The temples consist of a sanctum, a narrow ante-chamber (antarala), a transept (maha mandapa), additional halls (Ardha mandapa), a mandapa or nave and an ambulatory passage (Pradakshina-path).
The Nagara-style of architecture developed gradually over the centuries. The earlier temples had only one shikhara, but later temples with multiple shikharas were constructed, and the garbhgriha was always found under the tallest shikhara.
Khajuraho is known for its ornate group of monuments. These temples were built by the Chandela rulers between 900 CE to 1130 CE. Till the 12th century, there were around 85 temples spread across 20 square kilometres. The ravages of time have reduced the temples of Khajuraho to a mere 20 today!
The carvings at the temple are predominantly about Hindu deities and mythology. They reflect the four goals in life in Hinduism – dharma, karma, artha and moksha. All the temples at Khajuraho face the direction of sunrise, a feature of Hindu temple architecture. The deep interest of Chandelas in performance arts is evident through the depiction of various scenes of music and dance on the walls of these temples.
Erotic imagery, sculptures of celestial nymphs and sculptures depicting the human life cycle are very common in the temples of Khajuraho. These sculptures are believed to reflect the idea of female beauty and fertility.
The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three groups. The western group of temples, the southern group of temples and the eastern group of temples. It is believed that the temples of Khajuraho are built of light-coloured sandstone imported from the quarries of Panna. The smaller temples are built using sandstone and granite.
The Khajuraho group of temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a gift to the Indian civilisation.
Photo Courtesy – www.commons.wikimedia.org
