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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.
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.
