Khajuraho, a small town nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, India, is renowned globally for its magnificent group of temples, which stand as a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of ancient India. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments, as they are officially known, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continue to draw visitors from all corners of the world, fascinated by their intricate sculptures and artistic brilliance.
Historical Background
The temples of Khajuraho were built during the reign of the Chandela dynasty between 950 and 1050 AD. The Chandelas were a Rajput clan that ruled central India and were great patrons of art and architecture. The temples at Khajuraho were constructed over a span of 100 years and are a unique fusion of religious art and eroticism, a blend that is not only rare but also symbolizes the harmony between different aspects of life.
Originally, there were around 85 temples scattered across an area of 20 square kilometers. However, only about 25 of these temples have survived the ravages of time. These surviving temples are divided into three distinct groups: the Western, Eastern, and Southern groups, each showcasing different architectural styles and themes.
The Western Group of Temples
The Western Group of temples is the most famous and well-preserved, and it includes some of the most iconic structures of Khajuraho.
- Kandariya Mahadeva Temple: This temple is the largest and most ornate in Khajuraho. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is a masterpiece of Indian architecture, with its towering spire reaching up to 31 meters. The temple is adorned with over 800 sculptures, depicting gods, goddesses, mythical creatures, and erotic figures, all carved with incredible detail.
- Lakshmana Temple: Dedicated to Vishnu, this temple is one of the oldest in Khajuraho, built around 930-950 AD. The Lakshmana Temple is notable for its detailed sculptures that cover almost every inch of its walls, portraying various deities, celestial beings, and human figures in a variety of poses.
- Vishwanatha Temple: Another temple dedicated to Shiva, the Vishwanatha Temple is distinguished by its elaborate carvings and the presence of a large stone Nandi (the bull, Shiva’s mount) in a pavilion in front of the temple. The temple’s spire rises majestically, and the sanctum contains a lingam, symbolizing Shiva.
- Chitragupta Temple: Unique for being dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, the Chitragupta Temple features an impressive sculpture of the Sun God riding a chariot. The temple’s walls are also adorned with scenes from daily life, including hunting, dancing, and warfare.
The Eastern Group of Temples
The Eastern Group of temples includes both Hindu and Jain temples, reflecting the religious diversity of the region during the Chandela period.
- Parsvanath Temple: The largest Jain temple in Khajuraho, the Parsvanath Temple is renowned for its exquisite sculptures that rival those of the Western Group. Though it is a Jain temple, the carvings include Hindu deities as well, illustrating the intermingling of religious influences.
- Ghantai Temple: Named after the bell-and-chain motifs (ghantai) that adorn its pillars, the Ghantai Temple is a remarkable example of Jain temple architecture. The temple is in ruins, but its remaining structures showcase beautiful carvings depicting the 16 dreams of Mahavira’s mother, a significant event in Jainism.
- Adinath Temple: Dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara Adinath, this temple is smaller in size but notable for its elegant sculptures and the intricate detailing of its walls. The temple stands next to the Parsvanath Temple and shares many architectural features.
The Southern Group of Temples
The Southern Group is the least explored but still holds significant historical and architectural value.
- Dulhadev Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Dulhadev Temple is the youngest of the Khajuraho temples, dating back to 1130 AD. It features beautiful carvings of apsaras (celestial maidens) and other figures, though it is less elaborate than the temples of the Western Group.
- Chaturbhuj Temple: This temple is unique as it does not contain any erotic sculptures, which are characteristic of many other Khajuraho temples. Instead, it houses a large, 2.7-meter-high statue of Vishnu in the sanctum, displaying a serene and majestic form with four arms (Chaturbhuj means ‘four-armed’).
Architectural and Cultural Significance
The Khajuraho temples are renowned for their Nagara-style architecture, which is characterized by high platforms, multiple spires (shikharas), and elaborate carvings. The temples are constructed using sandstone, with joints held together by mortise and tenon rather than mortar, which has contributed to their longevity.
One of the most distinctive features of these temples is the depiction of various aspects of human life through sculptures. While the erotic carvings are often highlighted, the temples also depict everyday life, the celestial world, and the divine, all in harmony. This blend of the spiritual and the sensual has sparked much scholarly interest and debate, with interpretations ranging from religious symbolism to representations of tantric practices.
Preservation and Tourism
The temples of Khajuraho have withstood centuries of neglect and invasion, surviving to tell the tale of a glorious past. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for their preservation, and the site has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.
Today, Khajuraho is a major tourist destination, attracting historians, architects, art enthusiasts, and travelers from around the globe. The Khajuraho Dance Festival, held annually in February, showcases classical Indian dance forms against the backdrop of the illuminated temples, bringing the ancient structures to life in a celebration of India’s cultural heritage.
Conclusion
The temples of Khajuraho are not just architectural wonders but are also a reflection of the Chandela dynasty’s sophisticated society, which embraced both the spiritual and the worldly. They stand as a reminder of India’s rich cultural legacy, where art, religion, and life were intertwined in the most harmonious and expressive manner. Visiting Khajuraho is not just a journey through ancient temples, but a journey through time, where the stones speak of a civilization that was ahead of its time in many ways.
Whether you are an art lover, a history buff, or a spiritual seeker, Khajuraho offers a profound experience that goes beyond mere sightseeing, providing a deep connection to India’s past and its timeless traditions.
