The Ruins of Khajuraho Temples

The Khajuraho Temples

Khajuraho temples are known the world over for their architecture and erotic images. These temples were built by Rajputs around one thousand years ago. These temples are now UNESCO heritage site in a small town called Khajuraho in Chattarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. The town as well as the temple complex derives its name from the word ‘Khajura’ meaning date palms, the trees that are all around the place. Khajuraho is one of the four holy cities that are linked to Lord Shiva.

Historical speaking, Khajuraho had 85 temples spread across an area of 20 kilometers, Only 20 temples in an area of six kilometers have survived. The most visited and the best piece of architecture is Kandaria Mahadev temple followed by the Lakshmana Temple and Vishvanatha temple. These temples were built by Rajput dynasty of Chandelas who built it around fifty kilometers from their capital city of Mahoba. After the defeat of Chandelas by the Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak the temples were abandoned and a forest of date palm trees grew around it. It was later re discovered by a British officer, T.S. Burt in 1830 and then restored to present glory by successive governments. Today Khajuraho temples are known for their intricate designs and sandstone carving which are carved on the walls of almost all the temples in the complex. The temples are generally east facing and built on a platform. The Hindu ‘mandala design’‘ of square and circles is provides the basis for the architecture of almost all the temples.

1. The Khajuraho temples are located in Chattarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, India
2. They are named after the ‘Khajur’ or date-palm trees that grow here.
3. The temples are known for their architecture and erotic sculpture.
4. Only 20 temples of 85 have survived now.
5. Built in sandstone these temples are mostly Hindu and Jain.

The most important aspect of Khajuraho temple for which they are known the world over is of course the erotic sculpture. All the temples in Khajuraho have around ten per cent of the total sculpture devoted to the art of love making. In fact the bold and precise depiction of sexual content on the temple walls have been debated among the scholars and the general public alike. Most people see it as anathema of spiritual development and see it some kind of aberration of that time. Some scholars feel that such art and sculpture to be part of tantric sexual practices. Many scholars have come up with convincing theories to prove that in fact the sexual content was indeed part of the wholesome life at that time. Sex was not a taboo at that time and if one had to progress on the path of spirituality he or she had to fulfill the carnal desires first. The depiction of erotic figurines is indeed symbolic of the fact that one has to go past it to enter the sanctum sanctorum. It is indeed common in ancient Hindu temples to depict such erotic art albeit in lesser way. The Sun temple of Konark is a point in case.

Today the Khajuraho temples are world famous and in fact have appeared on the famous series the Lost world on History channel. Many tourists from around the world visit it every year, especially in Autumn and winter. Khajuraho dance festival is organized by the Madhya Pradesh government every year in the month of February which showcases the best classical dance talent from around the country. The temples of Khajuraho can be divided in three groups on the eastern group the southern group and the most important, the western group. Most people visit only the Western complex as it is well kept and houses the important temples. The Archaeological Survey of India provides the audio guided tour in the western complex. A light and sound show is also organized at Khajuraho which gives the historical perspective of the temples along with outline of its sculptures and architecture.