Khajuraho Travel Guide
Guide To Khajuraho Temples, India Travel
Khajuraho complex with the unique temple architecture of India, is located in the provincial state of Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho temple is known all over the world for its architecture and sculptures. Khajuraho temples were constructed about 1000 years ago which took around two centuries to get completed. Khajuraho temples are famous all over the world for their spectacular architecture and bold artistic statement. Today, out of original 85 temples, only 22 temples have survived. These temples present a collective paean to life, to joy and to creativity; to the ultimate fusion of man with his creator.
Khajuraho Temples
An amalgamation of science and art of architecture, Khajuraho temples were built by the Chandela Rajputs. Khajuraho or Khajirvahila - garden of dates, as it was known then was a small village. Why did Chandelas chose Khajuraho to build these temples present many theories. Possibly they wanted to form a seat of religion and learning at Khajuraho. Another possibility is that the Chandelas were believers of Tantrism which believes that the gratification of earthly desires is a step closer to the attainment of the infinite.
Another theory reveals that there was a specific purpose for building these temples. In those days, boys used to live in hermitages until they attained manhood, where they followed the Hindu law of being brahmacharis. The study of these sculptures was the only way by which they could prepare themselves for the worldly role of householder.
It is believed that Khajuraho in the ancient times was also known as 'Khajur-vahika' or 'Khajjurpura'. This was because of the golden date palms 'khajur' that lined the gates of this city. There is a very famous legend behind the creation of these temples. It is said that the Moon God had seduced and ravaged Hemvati, a beautiful Brahmin girl resulting which Hemvati gave birth to Chandravarman (the founder of the Chandela dynasty). Chandravarman had a later on constructed these temples on the request of his mother to reveal all aspects of the treasure of passion and erotic fantasy to the world.
The beautiful and amazing artwork of Khajuraho temples attracts the attention of tourists from all over the world. It is one of the most illustrious manifestations of Indian architecture. The temples of Khajuraho represent the combination of religiosity, patronage, artistic genius and aesthetic sensibility.
The temples are not enclosed within wall surroundings and each of them is built on a high raised solid masonry platform which decorated with beautiful sculptures on their exteriors and interiors. Khajuraho is one of the most unique piece of art work and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1986.
Khajuraho Dance Festival
Khajuraho dance festival is held every year at the open-air auditorium in front of the Chitragupta Temple. This is a weeklong festival which has become legendary with its splendid traditional classical Indian dance performances presented in the backdrop of illuminated temples. Some of the best and well known performers come from all over India to participate in this festival.
Khajuraho Temples
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Heritage of India
- Taj Mahal
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