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Dr. Bharatkumar Bhate is M.S. General Surgeon (Gold Medalist) by qualification with an experience of 30,000+ operations and is based at Rajkot, Gujarat. He is an avid reader and a passionate writer. In this blog, he shares his travel experiences and creative writings.
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M.P. Tour : Chapter 7
Sculptures at KhajurahoWe left Orchha in the evening and reached Khajuraho after a drive of more than 3 hours. Our booking was at the MP Tourism Payal Resort.
We straightaway went for dinner and thereafter relaxed in our comfortable room. Next day, we had an early breakfast and left to see the Khajuraho temples along with a guide (charges Rs.2100 for whole day for all temples)
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As per the legend, Hemvati was a very beautiful woman, after whom the Khajuraho temples were built. One day, when she was bathing in a pool in Benaras, the Moon God was swooned by her beauty. He could not wait any longer and so came on Earth to meet her. Both were then in deep love and crossed all social limits. Hemvati became pregnant without marriage. Hemvati then realised that this was a big sin. She wanted to do atonement (प्रायश्चित्त). God Moon however reassured her that she will deliver a son who will become a powerful king. He will build many beautiful temples of Gods, and thereby undo or reduce the karmic consequences. Hemvati delivered a child and named him Chandravarman. Later, he became a powerful King and built temples at Khajuraho. Next generation Kings also followed him.
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As per historical archives, the Khajuraho temple site had 85 temples built-up between 885-1050 AD by the Chandela Dynasty. The prominent names of rulers who contributed in building different temples during their reign are Yashovarman, Dhanga and Vidyadhar. They were spread over 20 square kilometres. Khajuraho temples were in active use through the end of the 12th century. Thereafter, only 25 temples have survived the destruction by Muslim rulers, predominantly Sikandar Lodi. These are spread over six square kilometres. These temples were left neglected for a long time. Ruins of some old destroyed temples are still visible. Similarly, new accidental excavations have discovered a temple in the South Region two decades ago.
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Of the surviving temples, six are dedicated to Shiva, eight to Vishnu and his affinities, one to Ganesha, one to Sun god, three to Jain Tirthankars.
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The Khajuraho temples are made of sandstone from Panna, with a granite foundation that is almost concealed from view. Stones are used by interlocking each other.
The temple site is within Vindya mountain range in central India. An ancient local legend held that Hindu deity Shiva and other gods enjoyed visiting the hills in Kalinjar area.The center of this region Khajuraho is set amidst local hills and rivers. This is the reason why Shiva temples are built here. All temples face the sunrise which is a characteristic feature of Hindu temples. Only exception is Chaturbhuja temple.
The pillars, walls, and ceilings around the space, as well as outside have highly ornate carvings or images of the four just and necessary pursuits of life - kama, artha, dharma, and moksa.
The art and culture depicted over the Khajuraho temple shows the numerous aspects of human life and values. The temples have several thousand statues and artworks. Other themes mirror social life through depictions of domestic scenes, teachers and disciples, dancers and musicians, and amorous couples. Sculptures depicting acts of worship, clan and minor deities, and couples in union, all reflect the sacred belief system.The temple wall also contains fine sculptures representing hunting and battle scenes, procession of elephants, horses apart from variety of domestic and erotic scenes.
The erotic sculptures in various positions at outer wall of the temple are unique, and depict finest sculptural compositions vibrating with rare sensitiveness & warmth of emotions and these are remarkable for their sculptural quality.
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The splendour of the intricate statues is one of the reasons that makes it a popular site to visit among tourists.The art and culture depicted over the Khajuraho temple shows the numerous aspects of human life and values. These temples represent various forms of meditation, spiritual teachings and relationships through stimulating art. Splendid beautiful, detailed and expressive sculptures and exceptional architectural skill of the Khajuraho temples has made them one of the most stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
Interestingly, the 10th century Bhand Deva Temple in Rajasthan was built in the style of the Khajuraho monuments and is often referred to as 'Little Khajuraho'.
The pillars, walls, and ceilings around the space, as well as outside have highly ornate carvings or images of the four just and necessary pursuits of life - kama, artha, dharma, and moksa.
The art and culture depicted over the Khajuraho temple shows the numerous aspects of human life and values. The temples have several thousand statues and artworks. Other themes mirror social life through depictions of domestic scenes, teachers and disciples, dancers and musicians, and amorous couples. Sculptures depicting acts of worship, clan and minor deities, and couples in union, all reflect the sacred belief system.The temple wall also contains fine sculptures representing hunting and battle scenes, procession of elephants, horses apart from variety of domestic and erotic scenes.
The erotic sculptures in various positions at outer wall of the temple are unique, and depict finest sculptural compositions vibrating with rare sensitiveness & warmth of emotions and these are remarkable for their sculptural quality.
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The splendour of the intricate statues is one of the reasons that makes it a popular site to visit among tourists.The art and culture depicted over the Khajuraho temple shows the numerous aspects of human life and values. These temples represent various forms of meditation, spiritual teachings and relationships through stimulating art. Splendid beautiful, detailed and expressive sculptures and exceptional architectural skill of the Khajuraho temples has made them one of the most stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
Interestingly, the 10th century Bhand Deva Temple in Rajasthan was built in the style of the Khajuraho monuments and is often referred to as 'Little Khajuraho'.
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Let me make one point clear that the temples have a rich display of intricately carved statues. While they are famous for their erotic sculpture, sexual themes cover less than 10% of the temple sculpture. Further, most erotic scene panels are neither prominent nor emphasized at the expense of the rest. Rather, they are in proportional balance with the non-sexual images.
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These temples are divided into three groups: Eastern, Western and Southern. One full week is insufficient to see all sculptures of Khajuraho in full detail. Tourists however spend one whole day. Let me describe the most important ones.
Friends, please wait for my description of a few important temples in the upcoming blogs.
Have a nice time till then.
Dr. Bharat Bhate
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