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.

Khajuraho: The Temple Town With Erotic Sculptures

Khajuraho Erotic Sculptures

Those who want proof that the 'Kama Sutra' originated in India, must visit the temple town of Khajuraho, India. Luckily I got a chance to visit the place in the last week of February. It was the time when the entire town was busy with the celebrations of an annual classical dance festival. Somebody told me that this week long festival is celebrated at the Chitragupta Temple complex and attracts performers and dance groups from all over India. It was certainly good or me as I was craving to enjoy all the popular classical dance forms of India under one roof.

As I arrived Khajuraho, about 620 km from Delhi, I first booked a room in a budget hotel where the hotel manager told me that Khajuraho is not just another temple city of India. Going back to the history of Khajuraho, he told me that once in a fit of passion and lust, the Moon God seduced and ravaged a beautiful Brahmin girl 'Hemvati', which resulted in the birth of Chandravarman (the founder of the Chandela dynasty). Later he made a temple with countless sculptures to reveal all aspects of the treasure of passion and erotic fantasy to the world. It is believed that the construction of this entire masterpiece (started in the 11th century) was completed over a period of about 200 years.

Finally, I headed for the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, the key attraction of Khajuraho tourism. A large arts and crafts fair was also organized during that period, which added some more beauty to the place. A guide told me that originally there were over 80 Hindu temples, of which only 25 now stand in a state of preservation. The temples of Khajuraho, scattered over an area of about 21 sq. km., are famous for the eroticism etched on its walls in the form of sculptures.
After visiting Khajuraho temples, I enjoyed various classical styles of Indian dance like Kathak, Bharat Natyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali. A short visit to the ASI Museum (Archaeological Survey of India), Jain Museum and State Museum of Tribal and Folk is also quite fascinating about Khajuraho. These museums exhibit hundreds of statutes and a rarest of collection of tribal artifacts in terracotta, metal craft, wood craft, painting, jewelery etc. My last activity during Khajuraho tour was to explore the market area, which is loaded with wonderful sculptures made of iron, brass and stones.