Crystallizing chaos Khajuraho Temples

Adinath Temple Khajuraho

A historic city widely acclaimed for its lovely temples, Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh is located in the woody plains of Bundelkhand region. The city has been rightly called as the symbol of medieval heritage. The appealing temples of Khajuraho present a wonderful blend of architectural and sculptural sheerness, representing one of the preeminent examples of Indian Art.  I also had always wanted to witness the grandeur and delicacy of the temples and planned for a Khajuraho tourism.

The temples at Khajuraho are a brilliant example of medieval architecture built under the later Chandela Kings between AD 950 and AD 1050.  The temples are divided into various categories namely Western group of temples, Eastern group and Southern group of temples. My temple tour started with visit to Adinath temple; richly ornamented with frail and pretty sculptures, this temple is dedicated to the 1^st Jain tirthankars, Adinath. The temple is constructed in the form of lime plastered masonry, showing arched doorways. Constructed in the form of ‘sapta rath’ with the passage of time only the sanctum and the corridor roofs of the temple have survived. The walls are decorated with beautifully carved images and postures of court musicians.

The next temple was Parsvanath temple. It is the largest Jain temple in the Eastern group; the temple features intricate stone carvings and sculptures enshrining a throne facing a bull emblem that represents the 1^st tirthankar. Next on the itinerary was Chitragupta temple; dedicated to the Sun god, it is one of the venues for the Khajuraho dance festival. The temple features a massive 5 feet tall deity in the inner sanctum driving a horse drawn chariot. The Chaturbhuj temple located in the southern side of the complex is the only important temple that faces west.

Parsvanath Temple Khajuraho

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the temple is so named because of idol of the presiding deity Vishnu has 4 arms. The temple has a huge cross shaped congregation hall that caters to devotees of Krishna Bhakti cult. Lotus emblem and other symbols provide the delicate exterior ornamentation. Indeed the Khajuraho tour of sacred temples is one of the most illustrious symbols of native Indian structure signifying religiosity, patronage and creative professional and visual feelings.