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Khajuraho
Khajuraho
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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