Even
if situated in the middle of nowhere, the Khajuraho temple complex site
is one the most popular places both foreign and Indian tourists. Temples
of Khajuraho hold the attention of a visitor with their sculptural art,
which is so exquisite and intricate, that one cannot even dream of
cloning it now.
Perfect
in execution and sublime in expressions these Khajuraho temples are a
dedication to the womanhood. The artist's creative instincts have
beautifully captured various facets and moods of life in stone.
Khajuraho,
the ancient "Kharjjuravahaka", was the principal seat of
authority of the Chandella rulers who adorned it with numerous tanks,
scores of lofty temples of sculptural grace and architectural splendour.
The local tradition lists eighty-five temples but now only twenty-five
are standing examples in various stages of preservation. But for
Chausath-Yogini, Brahma and Mahadeva, which are of granite, all the
other temples are of fine-grained sandstone, buff, pink or pale yellow
in colour.
Khajuraho Temples - A Celebration Of LifeThe
existing temple of Khajuraho can be divided into three groups, Western,
Eastern and Southern. The famous Western Group, designated a World
Heritage site, is enclosed within a beautifully laid-out park.
Yasovarman (AD 954) built the temple of Lord Vishnu, now famous as
Lakshmana temple is an ornate and evolved example of its time
proclaiming the prestige of the Chandellas.
The Vishvanatha,
Parsvanatha and Vaidyanatha temples in Khajuraho belong to the time of
king Dhanga, the successor of Yasovarman. The Jagadambi, Chitragupta,
are noteworthy among the western group of royal temples of Khajuraho.
The largest and grandest temple of Khajuraho is the immortal Kandariya
Mahadeva, which is attributed to king Ganda (AD 1017-29).
The
other examples that followed viz., Vamana, Adinatha, Javari, Chaturbhuj
and Duladeo, are smaller but elaborately designed. The Khajuraho group
of temples are noted for lofty terraces (jagati) and functionally
effective plans. The sculptural embellishments include, besides the cult
images; 'Parivara', 'Parsva', 'Avarana' 'Devatas', 'Dikpalas', the
'Apsaras' and 'Sura-Sundaris' which win universal admiration for their
delicate, youthful female forms of ravishing beauty. The attire and
ornamentation embrace the winsome grace and charm.
