Places of Interest
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 captured 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 censorious 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 early 20th century,
restored and cleaned, 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.
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