Built between AD by the Chandela Dynasty, these temples represent various forms like meditation, spiritual teachings, relationship, through stimulating art. The temples are famous for its craftsmanship that consist of splendid demonstrations of fine sculptures and exceptional architectural skill, making them one of the most stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
These temples are divided into three groups: Eastern, Western and Southern. Beautiful, detailed and expressive, the sculptures of the Khajuraho temples will leave you in awe and wonder. Plan a trip to Khajuraho around February when you can also attend and witness Khajuraho Dance Festival.
This grand cultural extravaganza is a stunning blend of art and architecture. One gets to experience a wonderful symphony of mesmerising classical dance performances being performed by renowned artists coming from different cities and town in India. Apart from exploring the architectural beauty of Khajuraho, this site is also famous for unique souvenir shopping.
Raja Cafe, a place to be while in Khajuraho, provides luscious cuisines from all across the globe. Mrigynaynee Emporium is the best place to buy a wide variety of state originated handlooms such as Chanderi, Maheshwari and hand textiles. An ideal place for history lovers, the museum has a rich collection of tribal and folk art and artefacts. The Brahma Temple has a unique pyramid-shaped roof that carries the five manifestations of Shiva, a composite image of his powers and potentialities.
Probably the oldest Yogini temple of India and the oldest temple in Khajuraho, this temple was built in the 9th century. The name means 64, as it once had 64 cells for the Yoginis female attendants. One of the most prominent temples with very fine sculptures visible over three bands of carvings. One of the tallest temples in Khajuraho, Kandariya Mahadev is built in the shape of a mountain. The intricate carvings on this temple catch thr attention of the visitors.?
The largest of the Jain temples, this well-preserved structure is famous for its exceptional construction and intricate sculptures. One of the best evening activities to be a part of in Khajuraho is its sound and light show. After sun set, when the artificial light falls on the temples, it brings in altogether different experience.
Managed by two Swiss sisters, Raja? Offering an inspiring view of the temples, this rooftop restaurant definitely steals the show. The ceiling is carved with a lotus relief. Behind the Varaha Temple stands the Lakshmana Temple, also dedicated to Vishnu, and the only complete temple remaining. All three temples were built in the early to midth century, face east, and follow an elaborate plan resembling a double cross, with three tiers of exterior sculpture above the friezes on their high platforms.
The ceiling of the mandapam is charmingly carved with shell and floral motifs. The lintel over the entrance to the main shrine shows Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and consort of Vishnu, with Brahma, Lord of Creation on her left and Shiva, Lord of Destruction on her right.
A frieze above the lintel depicts the planets. The relief on the doorway shows the gods and demons churning the ocean to obtain a pitcher of miraculous nectar from the bottom. An icon in the sanctum with two pairs of arms and three heads represents Vishnu as Vaikuntha, or the supreme god, and is surrounded by images of his ten incarnations.
Along the sides of the tall platform beneath the temple, friezes depict social life, including battle scenes, festivals, and amorous sport. The Kandariya Mahadev, west of the Lakshmana Temple, is the largest and most evolved temple in Khajuraho in terms of the blending of architecture and sculpture, and one of the finest in India. Probably built around , it follows the five-shrine design; and its central shikhara, which towers ft above the platform, is actually made up of 84 subsidiary towers building up in increments.
The feeling of ascent is repeated inside, where each succeeding mandapam is a step above the previous one, and the garbha griha is higher still; dedicated to Shiva, this inner sanctum houses a marble linga with a 4-ft circumference. Even the figures on this temple are taller and slimmer than that elsewhere. The rich interior carving includes two beautiful toranas arched doorways ; outside, three bands of sculpture around the sanctum and transept bring to life a whole galaxy of Hindu gods and goddesses, mithunas, celestial handmaidens, and lions.
A total of statues in-side and outside—have been counted. From the inside, its three-shrine design makes the temple appear to be shaped like a cross. The third band of sculpture has a series of erotic mithunas. The ceilings are similar to those in the Kandariya Mahadev, and the three-headed, eight-armed statue of Shiva is one of the best cult images in Khajuraho.
The small, mostly ruined Mahadeva Temple shares its platform with the Kandariya and the Devi Jagdamba. In the portico stands a remarkable statue of a man caressing a mythical horned lion. The Chitragupta Temple lies slightly north of the Devi Jagdamba and resembles it in construction. In honor of the presiding deity, Surya—the sun god,the temple faces east, and its cell contains a 5-ft image of Surya complete with the chariot and seven horses that carry him across the sky.
Surya also appears above the doorway. In the central niche south of the sanctum is an image of Vishnu with 11 heads; his own face is in the center, and the other heads represent his 10 9 past and 1 future incarnations. A profusion of sculptural scenes of animal combat, royal processions, masons at work, and joyous dances depict the lavish country life of the Chandelas.
Two staircases lead up to it, the northern flanked by a pair of lions and the southern by a pair of elephants. The Vishvanath probably preceded the Kandariya, but here two of the original corner shrines remain. On the outer wall of the corridor surrounding the cells is an impressive image of Brahma, the three-headed Lord of Creation, and his consort, Saraswati.
On every wall the form of woman dominates, portrayed in all her daily 10th-century occupations: writing a letter, holding her baby, studying her reflection in a mirror, applying makeup, or playing music. The nymphs of paradise are voluptuous and provocative, and the erotic scenes, robust. An inscription states that the temple was built by Chandela King Dhanga e in The present icon is that of the goddess Ganga standing on her mount, the crocodile.
For more information on visit to the Temples of Khajuraho , contact Swan Tours — One of the leading travel agents in India promoting tourism since Unexplored Places in Delhi. India » Top 19 Temples of Khajuraho. Top 19 Temples of Khajuraho by swantour March 14, About khajuraho Temples. Khajuraho Temples. Vamana Temple of khajuraho. Javari Temple of Khajuraho.
Brahma Temple of Khajuraho. Ghantai Temple of Khajuraho. Adinath Temple of Khajuraho. Travel These festivals in November are the best reasons to travel. Join Us On Facebook Close. Poll of the day Which is the oldest Ratha Yatra in the world? Vote Now. Comments 0. Be the first one to comment.
Read All Comments Post a Comment. Count: We have sent you a verification email. To verify, just follow the link in the message.
0コメント