The name Khajuraho is derived from word Khajur meaning
date palm, was quiet unknown till a discovery made it a popular tourist
destination. The place is located in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya
Pradesh in India. Khajuraho is an intimate holiday experience where you can
witness the flaming passion and moods of life captured in the stone. You can
find perfect examples of temple architecture in the erotic sculptures at
Khajuraho, which have been declared part of the World Heritage Sites.
The beautiful temples that dot the town of Khajuraho was built under the
patronage of Chandela rulers in 9th and 10th century AD. The sensual
sculptures carved on the walls of the temple welcomes the visitors to
explore an intimate world of eroticism. Tantricism and the Shakti cult,
where the pancha makaras (five tenets), namely, matsya (fish), madira
(wine), maithun (sexual activity), mamsa (meat), and mudra (gesture) were to
release the human spirit from the bondage of the flesh, have been described
as the possible explanations for the sculptural sensuality of Khajuraho.
Khajuraho Temples
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Khajuraho Temples:
The temple architecture of the Khajuraho complex remain unique. Khajuraho
temples were built in the short span of a hundred years, from 950-1050 AD.
There were originally over 85 temples, of which only 22 have survived the
ravages of time; these remain as a collective paean to life, to joy and to
creativity; to the ultimate fusion of man with his creator.
Every Temples at Kahjuraho has a unique architecture with stunning
ornamentation. They stand on high masonry platforms, and have three sections
– the 'ardhamandapa' or the entrance, 'mandapa' or assembly hall and
'garbha griha' or the sanctum sanctorum. The larger temples have additional
sections. Each compartment has its own roof, the preceding roof is higher
than the one before, all rising in tiered succession culminating in the form
tower 'shikhara' (pinnacle) over the sanctum. The entire effect is visually
stunning. The distinctive architecture of the temple is further enhanced by
absolutely superb sculptures inside and outside the temples that leave you
mesmerized. Indeed, it is these exquisite sculptures that give Khajuraho its
well-deserved fame.
The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions Western, Eastern
and Southern. Western group is certainly the best known, because it
comprises of largest and most typical Khajuraho temples. The Eastern group
of temple comprises of Parsvanath Temple, the largest of the Jain temples in
Khajuraho. The temple was originally dedicated to Adinath and latter to
Parsvanath. It is the finest example of the sensitive art without any sexual
motifs. Khajuraho Festival
Khajuraho Dance festival is organized in an open air auditorium infront of
the Chitragupta Temple. The festival draws the best classical dancers from
across the country every year, who perform against the spectacular backdrop
of the floodlit temples. The past and the present silhouetted against the
glow of a setting sun in the auditorium. In a picture perfect setting where
earthly and divine create harmony, Kajhuraho celebrates the pure magic of
the rich classical dance. The finest exponents of classical Indian styles
are represented - Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri, and
many more.
