Khajuraho
खजुराहो
Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Madhya Pradesh containing 22 intricately carved Hindu and Jain temples built by the Chandela dynasty between the 10th and 12th centuries. The temples are renowned for their sophisticated sculptural work and architectural brilliance.
Key facts
- The temples were built by the Chandela dynasty during the 10th-12th centuries, with the earliest temple dating to around 900 CE.
- Of the original 85 temples, 22 have survived to the present day, representing a remarkable preservation of medieval Indian architecture.
- The temples are built without mortar or cement, using precisely cut stones fitted together, demonstrating advanced construction techniques.
- The Kandariya Mahadev Temple is the largest and most elaborate, standing approximately 31 meters high with intricate carvings of celestial beings, dancers, and various deities.
- The sculptural elements include narrative panels depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and various Hindu mythological tales.
- The temples feature intricate erotic sculptures, which are part of a broader celebration of human sexuality within Hindu philosophy and cosmic creation.
Details
Khajuraho temples represent the pinnacle of medieval North Indian temple architecture, showcasing the Chandela dynasty's artistic and architectural prowess. The temples are characterized by their distinctive architectural plan comprising a garbhagriha (inner sanctum), jagati (platform), ardhamandapa (vestibule), mandapa (hall), and elaborate shikhara (tower). The exterior walls are covered with detailed sculptures including representations of apsaras (celestial maidens), dancers, musicians, and scenes from sacred texts. The sculptural program demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of human anatomy, proportions, and movement. The stone used is locally quarried granite and sandstone, which has developed a distinctive patina over centuries, adding to the temples' aesthetic appeal. The Lakshmana Temple, dedicated to Vishnu, features four subsidiary shrines at its corners and elaborate narrative friezes depicting scenes from daily life, hunting, and celestial events. The Kandariya Mahadev Temple's interior contains elaborate carvings and a sanctum sanctorum housing the Shiva linga. The temples were hidden from sight for several centuries due to dense forest coverage, which contributed to their exceptional preservation. The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. The temples reflect the Chandela rulers' wealth, artistic patronage, and religious fervor during the medieval period.