KHAJURAHO - INTRODUCTION

India's Pride: Khajuraho! This statement definitely holds true as seldom will you come across such unique architecture as can be seen at Khajuraho. Several temples belonging to the period between 9th and 13th centuries are part of Khajuraho. The architecture of the temple holds special significance. Indo Aryan Nagara style architecture is reflected in the sculptures of Khajuraho. Different aspects of life are embellished in the form of sculptures on the walls of the Khajuraho temples. Mostly gods, goddesses, animals and musicians are portrayed on the temple walls. Erotic sculptures of courtesans and human passions the most prominent features of the Khajuraho temples

Proclaimed as India's Pride: Khajuraho, also has a rich history behind its construction. Khajuraho was the historical capital of the Chandela dynasty. The creators who gave shape to these beautiful temples are said to be descendants of the moon God. Several legends are also associated with the creation of these temples. According to one of the legends, the seduction of the beautiful daughter of a Brahmin priest, Hemvati by the Moon God, led to the illegitimate birth of a son, who came to be known as Chandravarman. Unable to tolerate the humiliation in the society, she was compelled to raise her child in the forest, away from the glare of the crowd. There she bestowed motherly affection on him and also became his teacher. When the child grew up he founded the Chandela Dynasty. When he became an established ruler, his mother visited him in his dreams, and asked him to build the temples. She wanted him to project human passion through the temples and also bring out the emptiness of human desire by doing so. Thus following his mother's advice, Chandravarman started the construction of the temples which were later completed by other rulers.

According to another theory, the erotica of Khajuraho served another purpose too. In that period the boys lived in hermitage, and followed the Hindu law of Brahmacharya. When they were on the verge of starting family life, they were asked to study these sculptures so that they could prepare themselves for their future life.

These temples are an integral part of tourism in Khajuraho. The temples are divided into three groups, the Western group of temples, the Eastern group of templs and the Southern group of temples. The temples of the western group are mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, revered Hindu Male deities, while the Vaishnava and the Jain temples are part of other groups. Some of the temples of the western group are the Kandariya Mahadeo, Chaunsath Yogini, Chitragupta Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Lakhsamana temple and Matangeshwara temple. The Eastern group of temples includes Paraswanath Temple, Adinatha Temple and Ghantai temple while the southern group comprises the Duladeo temple and Chaturbhuj temple.

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