Monday, June 2, 2008

India : Madhya Pradesh : Khajuraho : What to See and Excursions - 4

Guys, all the beautious spots are waiting for you at the Khajuraho. It is the mirror of Indiaon culture everyone should see and feel. Let us move with me towards Khajuraho.

Once the capital of the Chandela Kings, Khajuraho is now famous for its magnificent temples. Built by the Chandela dynasty between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. The temples are beautiful examples of Indo Aryan architecture, featuring exquisitely carved sculputures. Dedicated to Lord shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankars, the temple showcase the art and architecutre in medieval India. Today, only 22 temples of the original 85 remains. The Khajuraho temples have declared a World Heritage Site.

The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three geographical groups Western, Eastern and Southern.

Western Group Tempels :

The main temples are in the Western Group.

Kandariya Mahadeo Temple :

The Kandariya Mahadeo is considered to be most evolved example of central Indian temple architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is also the largest of Khajuraho's temples. It features 31 mtrs. high spires and bands of beautiful carvings. It represents Chandela art at it's best.

Chitragupta Temple :


This temple is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. It houses some of the finest sculptures which include processions, dancing girls, elephant fights and hunting scenes. In the inner sanctum, Surya can be seen driving his chariot and seven horses, while on the south facade is an 11 - headed statue of Vishnu. The central head is of Vishnu himself; the 10 other are his incarnations.

Visvanath Temple :


Here, it is the depiction of women that draws the attention. They are shown fondlling a baby, writing letters, playing music and also in the most provocative poses. Apart from these, it also has a large image of Shiva's vehicle, the bull Nandi and statues of elephants on one side and lions on the other of the steps which lead to the high terrace.

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