Khajuraho is situated in the core of Central India, in Madhya Pradesh. The village has an untouched look. It boasts of its rich cultural heritage. Khajuraho is the top destination for tourists in India and is known to house Khajuraho temples. These temples are popular all over the world for their exemplary architecture.
Developed during the rule of the Chandela dynasty, these temples display sculptures that have a realistic look. Khajuraho temples showcase the conventional lifestyle of women who used to live in the medieval age. Rediscovered after 9 centuries, these temples provide a touching representation of life in the eleventh century. Here, in this blog, let us explore some interesting facts about Khajuraho temples.
10 Essential Facts about this Iconic Attraction:
1. A Tapestry of History
Constructed between the 9th and 11th centuries, the Khajuraho Temples were the vision of various Chandella dynasty kings. Built over successive generations, they offer a unique historical perspective. Notable Chandella rulers like Yashoverman, Dhanga, Vijaydhara, and Parmadidev contributed to this legacy.
2. A UNESCO World Heritage Gem
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, the temples not only attract tourists but also contribute significantly to India’s revenue. They stand as one of the most extensive collections of medieval temples, drawing global attention.
3. Beyond the Sensual Carvings
While the erotic sculptures of Khajuraho are famous, they constitute only 10% of the total carvings. The remaining 90% depict everyday life from that era, showcasing farmers, musicians, potters, and women. Unfortunately, these often remain overshadowed.
4. Architectural Brilliance
The temples showcase the Nagara architectural style, characterized by its ground plan, elevation, and cruciform layout. Sandstones from Panna quarries were used in their construction. The temples maintain a consistent design, from the base to the sanctum, both inside and out.
5. Deciphering the Name ‘Khajuraho’
The name’s origin remains a mystery. One theory suggests it derives from ‘Khajoor‘ (palm trees), as the ancient city was encircled by them. Another theory links it to ‘Khajura-vahak’, symbolizing Lord Shiva as the scorpion bearer.
6. A Confluence of Faiths
The temples are dedicated to both Jainism and Hinduism, reflecting the era’s religious diversity. This coexistence serves as a reminder of the harmony between different beliefs.
7. The Tale of Rati Talab
The legend of Rati Talab is tied to the Chandella dynasty’s origin. It speaks of a beautiful young widow who, after a divine encounter with the moon god Chandrama, bore a son destined to establish the Chandella empire.
8. Rediscovering the Hidden Gem
Lost to time and concealed by forests, the temples remained undiscovered until 1838. British engineer T. S. Burt stumbled upon them, reintroducing these masterpieces to the world.
9. Preserving the Legacy
Originally, 85 temples graced the area, but only 22 survived natural calamities. These are meticulously maintained, with the Archaeological Survey of India recognizing them as exceptionally preserved historical monuments.
10. Decoding the Erotic Sculptures
Multiple theories explain the sensual carvings. Some believe they served as an initiation into adulthood, while others see them as spiritual and philosophical representations in Indian culture. Another perspective ties them to Tantric philosophy, suggesting they test devotees’ focus on their spiritual journey.
Read Also: India’s First Hot Air Balloon Wildlife Safari in Tiger Reserve Madhya Pradesh
History of Khajuraho Temple
The Khajuraho Temples, located in Madhya Pradesh, stand as some of India’s most stunning medieval structures. Built by the Chandella rulers between 900 AD and 1130 AD, their beauty and significance have been noted for centuries. Historically, they were first mentioned by Abu Rihan al Biruni in 1022 AD and later by the Arab traveler Ibn Battuta in 1335 AD.
Following the decline of the Chandella dynasty after AD 1150, the Khajuraho temples suffered damage at the hands of Muslim invaders, leading the local population to abandon the area. Originally, there were about 85 Hindu temples in Khajuraho. However, due to natural wear and tear, many deteriorated over time, leaving only 22 standing today. Fortunately, some of these temples were rediscovered and preserved in the twentieth century.
Read Also:
Location
The site of the Khajuraho group of temples is located within the Vindhya Mountain range in Central India.
UNESCO Site
The Khajuraho group of memorials counted as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Madhya Pradesh. These temples got this status in the year 1986. This place is considered to be the largest group of medieval Jain and Hindu temples. It is popular for its erotic sculptures that adorn the shrine.
Read Also: Madhya Pradesh Food: Top 10 Must-Eat Local Dishes
Meaning of Khajuraho
In the Hindi language, the word “Khajura” implies ‘Date’ and the word “Vatika” implies ‘Bearing’. In history, the place “Khajuraho” is labeled with the term Jejakabhukti.
Read Also:
- Madhya Pradesh Introduced Night Safari in its 3 National Parks
- How many national parks are in Madhya Pradesh?
Construction
Khajuraho temples got constructed at the time of the rule of the Chandel Empire, between 950 AD and 1050 AD. These temples were built of sandstone with a hidden granite stone-based foundation.
It is interesting to note that every Chandella ruler has constructed a minimum of one time in his life. So, all temples in Khajuraho aren’t built by one single Chandella ruler. They are built by different Chandella rulers of the Chandella dynasty. The Khajuraho group of temples are devoted to the Saivism School of Hinduism, Jainism, and Vaishnava School of Hinduism.
Read Also: Best Places to Visit India in March
Reason Behind Its Creation
The Fairytale Of Hemvati And The Dream was the basis for the creation of Khajuraho Temples. As per Hindu mythology, Hemvati was a very beautiful young woman. The Moon God descended on the Earth in human form and got allured by her beauty. They gave birth to a child named “Chandravarman”. As the child was born without marriage, she feared dogma and harassment. The upset Hemvaticursed the moon god, who later predicted that this child will turn out to be a courageous king.
The forecast came true. The child became a great king who founded the Chandela Empire. After Hemvati passed away, she once appeared in the dream of Chandravarman dreamt of telling his son to construct temples that reveal human passions.
Read Also: Sanchi Stupa, Bhopal; History, Tickets, Timing, Nearby Attraction
Architecture
The temples of Khajuraho are popular for Nagara-style architecture and erotic sculptures. These shrines are considered to be the “high point” of the architectural prodigy of India during the medieval period. The temples of Khajuraho are bifurcated into 3 geographical divisions that comprise eastern, southern, and western groups. The Western group has the largest and very typical Khajuraho temple, that is devoted to Kandariya Mahadev.
The interior of the Khajuraho temples has got several rooms that are connected to each other. They are placed in the Eastern, as well as the western line. Each of these rooms comprises an entrance, a vestibule, a sanctum, and a hall. Khajuraho temples are built with spiral superstructures that follow the North Indian shikhara style of temples.
The fabulous shrines of Khajuraho represent the appearance of a mature civilization. Erotic scenes only occupy 10 % of the entire carvings of the Khajuraho Complex. A majority of these temples are constructed during the rule of the Hindu emperors Dhanga, and Yasovarman. The liberally embellished carvings on all three groups of Khajuraho temples are the finest examples of temple art all over the world.
These temples are the best examples of Indian-Aryan-style architecture. Exceedingly artistic stonework on all temples showcases a storyboard of the life of goddesses, gods, potters, farmers, musicians, warriors, mythological, and real animals, and women, etc. around 1000 years ago.
Read Also: List of the 12 Jyotirlingas Temple in India with Travel Guide
Temples in Khajuraho
As per the Indian Archeological Survey, Khajuraho temples are considered to be the highly preserved memorials of antiquity. Some of the finest shrines in Khajuraho are devoted to the Jain pantheon and other Hindu deities that include Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma, and the Devi Jagadamba. Khajuraho temples brims with ornate stonework that leaves every visitor people mesmerized. The amazing sound and light show conducted during the evening at the temple is worth watching.
Read Also:
Incredible Sculptures
A majority of Khajuraho temples are made from sandstone that has varying shades of pink, buff, and pale yellow. Khajuraho temples display the conventional lifestyle of ladies in the medieval age. The pictures of Gods and Goddesses are sculpted on the walls of the temple that represent the divine manifestations of Shiva, and Shakti, the male, and female principles, the Yang, and the Yin.
Out of all Khajuraho temples, the Western temples are highly visited to seek darshan for Lakshmana, Kandariya Mahadev, Mata Jagadamba, and Viswanath. Chaturbhuj temple that lies in the Southern segment is a must-watch temple for its absolute sight of the very beautiful eleven-foot sandstone sculpture. It has the head of Lord Shiva, the lower body of Lord Krishna, and the upper body of Lord Vishnu. A majority of sculptures have their limbs and beheaded chopped off due to natural calamities and the attack of Mahmud of Ghazni.
Read Also: Top Hill Stations in Madhya Pradesh
Rediscovery
From the thirteenth century to the eighteenth century, Khajuraho temples lie under the cover of the forest away from the public. They got re-discovered by British engineer T. S. Burt. The highly visited shrine, Kandariya Mahadev spans an area of around 6,500 sq. ft and a Shikhara that is located at a height of 116 feet.
Suggested tour packages related to Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh:
- 3 Days Khajuraho Tour
- 12 Days Golden Triangle With Khajuraho and Varanasi Tour
- Khajuraho and Bandhavgarh Tour Package
- Gujarat and M.P Tour from Mumbai
More interesting facts about another temple:
Pingback: Top 10 Facts About Golden Temple Amritsar - Tusk Travel
Pingback: Sanchi Stupa, Bhopal - History, Tickets, Timing, Near by Attraction - Tusk Travel