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Khajuraho
Architecture
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Khajuraho
group of temples in Central India is one
of the most illustrious manifestations
of Indian architecture. These 10th-11th
century temples represent religiosity,
patronage, artistic genius and aesthetic
sensibility all at once. Built in the
typical 'Nagara' style of architecture,
over 20 of the original 85 temples have
survived the climate for more than a
thousand years despite being lost into
obscurity and hence, suffering neglect
for a long period of time. Believed to
have been constructed during the
Chandela rule, the temples belong to
Shaivism and Vaishnavism sects of
Hinduism, Jainism and 'tantrism'. Unlike
other temple complexes in the country,
there is no enclosure wall surrounding
these temples and each of them on a high
and solid raised masonry platform.
Though not very large, they have elegant
proportions and are adorned with
sculptures on their exteriors and even
interiors.
These walled sculptures include
depiction of numerous deities, their
attendants, celestial maidens in
sensuous positions and provocative
postures, embracing couples (some of
them in erotic sexual positions),
dancers and musicians and couples
engaged in various refinements of
courtly love. It is believed that one
temple alone sports over six hundred and
fifty such figures ranging from sensual
and warm depictions to explicit sexual
activity (believed to illustrate the
tantric rites by some). Some of these
much-famed or much-notorious sexual
postures are said to follow the Kama
Sutra, the ancient Indian manual of art
of making love. One of the most
preferred destinations after Taj Mahal,
Khajuraho has provided a scenic backdrop
for many movies as well as many Indian
classical dances that have been
performed here. |
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Tel: 91-11-44112200
Fax: 91-11-23721731
E-mail :-
