A story of architectural brilliance
The beautiful medieval monuments at Khajuraho are known for intricate carvings and erotic sculptures.
Khajuraho, a small town in the state of Madhya Pradesh, needs no introduction. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India and known worldwide for its fine temple art. The Khajuraho temples, built by Chandela rulers between 900 and 1130, are known for their enormous, intricate sculptures that define passion, eroticism, dance, music and other creative pursuits. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments also depict the lives of various people, be it kings and courtesans or scholars and blacksmiths. The temples at this UNESCO World Heritage Site have been divided into three complexes — the western group, the eastern group and the southern group and belong to two different religions, Hinduism and Jainism. Though over 80 temples were built by the Chandela rulers, today, around 20 remain in well-preserved form. Come along for a stroll in the corridors of theses temples for an enchanting experience.
Kandariya Mahadev Temple
One passes through an elaborately carved
makara torana when entering the largest and most magnificent temple of Khajuraho. Kandariya Mahadev Temple, which means the Great God of the Cave, was built by Chandela King Dhangadeva and dates back to 1000 BC. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a marble Shiv lingam in its sanctum. The exterior structure is based on a main tower ( shikhara), which symbolizes Mount Kailash and is surrounded by 84 smaller spires. The temple is embellished with ornate carvings and has around 870 sculptures depicting gods and goddesses, beasts and warriors, maidens, dancers, musicians and erotic relief sculptures.
Lakshmana Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple was built during the rule of King Yasorvaman (930-940). It houses an image of tri-headed and four-armed Vaikuntha-Vishnu while the exterior wall displays images of around 600 gods. Built in Nagara style architecture, the temple has a shrine and a flat-roofed entry porch. The shrine also has a large superstructure, which resembles a peak of mountain range. Lakshmana Temple is the only one to have a row of elephants peeping out of the base as if they are carrying the weight of the stones on their shoulders. Other sculptural masterpieces include musicians, caparisoned horses and riders, and a panel depicting court life.
Devi Jagadambi Temple
The temple is named after the image of goddess Parvati enshrined in the sanctum, though it was originally dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the most finely decorated temples of Khajuraho with numerous erotic carvings, beautiful figurines on the walls, intricately carved with the sculptures of Lord Vishnu and his various forms. The temple standing on a lofty platform has a simpler threepart design, and consists of a sanctum without ambulatory, a vestibule, a maha- mandapa and an entrance porch. Female figurines applying makeup and preening themselves, divine couples depicting every mood of love, and other fascinating sculptures adorn the walls.
Adinath Temple
Located to the north of the Parsvanath Temple is a beautiful and small shrine containing an idol with an encryption dating back to year 1207, during the rule of King Madanavarman of the Chandela dynasty. Though now, only the sanctum and vestibule have survived with their roofs, the temple structure has beautiful carvings of charming celestial nymphs and yakshis in various poses. Various categories of women – nayikas,
kaminis and bhaminis, have also been depicted in a graceful manner.
Parsvanath Temple
Largest of the Jain temples in Khajuraho, it is an architectural marvel due to the artistic brilliance of the craftsman of the Chandela dynasty. Parsvanath Temple was constructed in the middle of the 10th century and originally devoted to first Tirthankara and the founder of Jainism, Adinath. However, it was in 1860 that a statue of Parsvanath was installed and the temple took over the new name. Beautiful sculpted figures on the outer wall showcase elephants, lions, sea nymphs, activities for everyday life and celestial maidens. The temple’s wall also bears the images of Hindu gods despite it being a Jain temple.
Chaturbhuj Temple
The only temple in the Khajuraho Group of Monuments that does not feature erotic sculptures is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Its sanctum contains a 2.7-meter long idol of the four-armed Vishnu and the temple features a plethora of carvings including drawings of lions, semi-divine and divine beings. The most notable sculptures are of Ardhnariswara (half Shiva and half Parvati) and Narasimha’s consort. The structure of the temple that dates back to 1100 and built by Chandela King Yasovarman speaks volumes about the brilliance of the art during the Chandela dynasty.