Khajuraho Western Group of Temples — Attraction in Khajuraho

An Architectural Marvel

ABOUT KHAJURAHO

Being located in present-day Chattarpur districts in Madhya Pradesh, The Khajuraho Temples date back to the Chandela Dynasty, which was responsible for the construction of the temples around 1000 AD or before. In between, Mahmud Ghazni had tried to attack the area during his raid of Kalinjar but his raid was unsuccessful. Later, I believe Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak also conquered this region. But no damage was done to these parts because of the same. Aurangzeb never eyeing this region also helped in keeping this site intact through time. The fact that it is built on a foundation of granite has helped protect it from natural disasters, over the centuries. Originally, a set of 85 temples, I think the count stands at 12 or so. It was situated in a date palm plantation area, initially. That’s how it gets the name "Khajuraho".

MY EXPERIENCE

I took a guided tour here, as I had little time and this is something I wasn’t too familiar with. I think that worked out pretty well this time.

3 Main Temples:

1] The main 3 temples are - the Lakshmana Burman temple of the god Vishnu. It also has most of the earliest architecture intact. Then, there is a Shiva Temple, which is relatively more modern. Also, there is a Vishnu temple which is later converted into a Parvati temple. These 3 best describe the architectural works of Khajuraho.

A] The Lakshmana temple of god Vishnu is the one with the most intricacies. There is a huge variety of carvings on the outside walls of the temple - Ranging from sexual acts with humans and animals, humans in various stages of their life and scenarios, war and preparation of war, gods, goddesses, demons, chamunda, dragon signifying conflict between mind and heart, various animals and their use.

The interior of the temple has a place for parikrama, with a place for dancers at the entrance followed by the pedestal for the main monument of the god. The temple walls are thick with multi-layers and a gap for air to flow in between, allowing for cooling. There is also a provision to dissipate heat by construction inside. You can feel the dissipating heat if you put your hand close to the construct.

Many of the god/goddess depictions are unique with multiple heads, limbs, rare combinations (combination of multiple gods and unknown variant depictions) and multiple lesser-known vahanas also shown.

B] There is a Shiva temple where, in addition to the recurring themes of the Lakshmana temple, additional geometrical shapes and, mesh-like designs with alternating squares open/solid can be seen. Even blank portions are introduced in this monument, this structure being more modern. More depiction of normal human behaviour and happenings before wars.

The interior of the temple has a similar structure to Lakshmana temple, which is older. Here, instead of Parikrama, we have a place for Havan in front of the monument.

C] The 3rd main temple is that of Parvati, originally a Vishnu temple. The interior and most of the exterior sculptures are similar. In addition to the mesh-like designs introduced in the Shiva temple, it also has some floral designs/patterns.

Many of the temples have the 3 main gods Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva shown doing something over the entrance to the pedestal on which the idol is kept. It could also be a slightly different combination of gods sometimes.

The carvings are very fine and capture great materialistic and emotive detail unlike anything else I have seen. I found myself in awe of what I witnessed and in the throes of laughter or surprise, on the other hand, there is often no correlation between adjacent sculptures. One could be related to gods and goddesses. The next one could be some very explicit sexual activity, shown to the last detail. All next to each other. I think the architects and sculptors were moody....

The Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. They are a series of 22 Hindu and Jain temples built between the 10th and 12th centuries by the Chandela dynasty. The temples are known for their intricate carvings, which depict a wide range of subjects, including gods and goddesses, mythological creatures, and erotic scenes.

The Western Group of Temples is divided into three main areas: Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Lakshmana Temple, and Vishwanath Temple. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is the largest and most impressive temple in the group. It is dedicated to Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and regeneration. The temple is decorated with over 1,000 sculptures, including some of the most famous erotic carvings in Khajuraho.

The Lakshmana Temple is another large and impressive temple in the Western Group. It is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation. The temple is decorated with over 800 sculptures, which depict a variety of subjects, including gods and goddesses, mythological creatures, and erotic scenes.

The Vishwanath Temple is the smallest of the three main temples in the Western Group. It is dedicated to Shiva, but it is not as well-preserved as the other two temples. The temple is decorated with over 200 sculptures, which depict a variety of subjects, including gods and goddesses, mythological creatures, and erotic scenes.

In addition to the three main temples, there are a number of smaller temples in the Western Group. These temples are dedicated to a variety of gods and goddesses, including Vishnu, Shiva, and Jain tirthankaras. The smaller temples are also decorated with intricate carvings, but they are not as well-known as the larger temples.

The Western Group of Temples is a fascinating and beautiful place to visit. The temples are a testament to the artistic and architectural skills of the Chandela dynasty. The intricate carvings are a feast for the eyes, and the erotic scenes are sure to shock and surprise some visitors. However, the temples are more than just a collection of erotic sculptures. They are also a place of worship, and they offer visitors a glimpse into the religious beliefs of the Chandela people.

If you are planning a trip to India, I highly recommend visiting the Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho. It is a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Here are some additional tips for visiting the Western Group of Temples:

The temples are open from sunrise to sunset. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the crowds are smaller. Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking. Bring sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be very strong. You can hire a guide to help you understand the temples and their sculptures. There is a light and sound show held in the evenings, which is a great way to learn about the history of the temples.

I...

"Did not see this, then what you saw in this world...."

Western Group of Temples, Khajuraho........ On the main road, beside the path leading to the Matangeshvar Temple is the A.S.I counter where you must purchase a ticket to visit the western group of temples in this complex and the museum on the opposite side. A boundary wall surrounds and protects the temples within this large rectangular complex and there is only one entry point (see page 33 Plan of the Western Group of Temples). Here at the Western Group you will see some of the most sensational temples in the world.

DEVI MANDAP : Opposite the large Lakshman Temple are two small shrines. The one directly opposite is called Devi Mandap, its cemented peaked roof an indication that it has been renovated during the last century

VARAHA MANDAP : This open pavilion stands to the south of the Devi shrine on a high platform. The mandap stands elevated above the ground with 14 short pillars that support the high pyramidal roof capped with an amalaka and kalash....

LAKSHMAN TEMPLE : This striking temple stands facing the varaha and Devi mandaps. It is one of the three largest temples of khajuraho and the western group of temples and is considered to be the earliest ( c.AD 954 ) to have been built by the chandella rulers. The temples faces the east and is dedeicated to vishnu, though it goes by a rather inappropriate name of lakshman, the brother of Ram, the hero...

KANDARIYA MAHADEV TEMPLE : This is without any doubt the largest and most magnificent temple in Khajuraho. The elegant proportions of this building and its sculptural detailing are the most refined examples of this artistice heritage of central India...

MAHADEV SHRINE : Between the Kandariya and the devi jagdambi Temples is a small shrine whose purpose is difficult to ascertain. It is called the Mahadev Shrine and consists of a small open - pillared porch and sanctum, the structure has suffered further through renovations during the last century. A figure of the rampant lion fighting with a kneeling figure, presumed to be the emblem of the chandellas, has some reason been installed in the porch. there are two similar rampant lion figures on the platform of the Kandariya Madadev and Devi temples.

DEVI JAGADAMBI TEMPLE : This is much smaller than the magnificent Kandariya Mahadev Tenlple. lt has a cross plan with only on set of balconies, only one mandap and no inner pradakshina patha. However, the Devi Jagdambi Temple has some of the loveliest sculptures ill Khajuraho, and because of its medium height most of them are easily...