Khajuraho is famed for the erotic sculpture on its great temples, like all Hindu temples, they were placed at sacred places in the landscape. It might have been a swampy woodland with views of the hills through agricultural glades. The Khajuraho Temples were built over a span of 200 years during the rule of Chandelas from 10th century to 12th century. Khajuraho was the cultural capital of Chandelas while Kalinjar served as their political capital. Khajuraho now has a collection of luxury hotels with tropical gardens, Chandela Kings never used to live in their cultural capital, that’s why there are no forts in Khajuraho. The ancient character of Khajuraho is perhaps best appreciated around the old village and the Vamana and Brahma temples. enclosed The whole area of temples was by a wall with eight gates, two palm trees guarded with each gate . As per the archeologists, there were 80 temples out of which only 25 could stand the rough weather and other conditions over the long years. There is legend behind the Temples of Khajuraho, a unique mixture of science and art of architecture. As per the legend, in the fit of passion and lust, Moon God ravaged Hemvati, beautiful daughter of a Brahmin Hemraj. The warrior fighting symbol is with a lion bare handed on the temples of Khajuraho is the depiction of the brave warrior king, head of the Chandela Rajputs who built these temples in Khajuraho. Distressed Hemvati, who was a child widow, went to Khajuraho to give birth to the valiant son of Moon, Chandravarman. Akin to his father, Chandravarman was lusturous brave and strong. At 16 years old only, he could kill the lions with bare hands. As per his mother’s wish Chandravarman started building the splendid temples of Khajuraho. He also performed the Bhandya Yagya, a religious ceremony, to expunge his mother of her guilt. Khajuraho also called the temple city, is famous around the world for its gracefully carved temples. Khajuraho temples built in Nagara style of architecture belong to Shivaism and Vaishnavism sects of Hinduism, Jainism and Tantrism. The walled sculptures depict various deities, their attendants, celestial maidens in sensuous and provocative postures, embracing couples some of which are in erotic sexual positions, musicians and dancers along with couples engaged in courtly love. It is said each temple supports more than 650 figures ranging from sensual to explicit sexual activities.
By the time last temple of Khajuraho was completed, Chandela dynasty had lost its glory. The architecture of Khajuraho Temples depicts the traditional way of sexual life during the medieval times. Though the temples of Khajuraho were destructed to a great extent by early Muslim invaders, the temples of Khajuraho serve as a live example of Indian architecture. The local villagers regularly used the Khajuraho temples since the time they were constructed and maintained the temples to the best of their capabilities. In 19th century British engineer, T.S. Burt rediscovered the Khajuraho temples and the Khajuraho temples were brought into limelight as a wonderful example
Khajuraho is located in the State of Madhya Pradesh and is from Delhi 595 kms . The small village of Khajuraho famous for its temple is now well connected with other parts of the world through a good network of roadways, railways and airways. More about Khajuraho Temple Location: Khajuraho, Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh, India. Time zone: IST (UTC+5:30) Significance: Well-known for the sculptures in erotic poses in its temples. Famous: for their erotic sculpture. Constructed: 950 to 1050 A.D Best Season: September to March Climate: Khajuraho has extreme tropical climate with temperature as high as 47°C in summers and as low as 4°C in winters.
