|
 |
 |
Khajuraho - Destinations Of India |
 |
|
The temples of Khajuraho occupy the most unique place in the history of Indian temple architecture. Nowhere in the world love is seen defined in such sublime and spontaneous way as it is found in the walls of the Khajuraho temples. The exquisitely carved sculptures of these temples not only suggest incredible craftsmanship but also tell about a civilization more matured in mastering earthly gratification. Located in the interiors of Central India, in Chhattarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, these temples evoke love with a range of stunningly explicit erotic sculptures.
It was in the early 10 th century AD under the generous patronage of the Chandella Rajput Kings a profusion of temples were erected 100 miles south-east of the town of Janshi. Going through the tear and wear of times only 22 of them have survived to represent the most splendid coincidence of religious emotion, patronage, artistic genius and aesthetic sensibility.
Khajuraho temples follow a distinct architectural pattern, which is very prominent in the way they are made to stand on a high solid masonry terrace, Their high ornate interiors, and the exuberance of sculptures presenting various scenes of life, graceful maidens in different provocative postures, dancers, musicians and embracing couples. According to the Hindu belief it is said that the sheer eroticism trapped in the walls of these temples were intended to prepare the young boys of those days, who live in hermitages, for the role of Householder.
There is a legendary tale that spins around the evolution of Khajuraho temples. They say that once when the widowed daughter of a minister in Benaras was bathing in a sultry summer night, the Moon God (Chandrama) saw her and was entranced by her beauty. As a result of their divine union a child was born and was known by Chandravarman who found the Chandela dynasty. Later To atone for his mother's lapse, he erected many temples that celebrated the union of Purush and Prakriti, man and nature, as the source of all life and creation.
|
|
