Khajuraho

The majestic temples of Khajurao were built by the Chandella rulers between the 10th and 12th Centuries, Khajuraho is generally associated with Erotic sculptures. However, the subject of eroticism does not even constitute 1/10th of the sculptures discovered here, that adorn the walls of the temples of Khajuraho.

The religion of Khajuraho was Tantric-Puranic. It was a complex and united religion with both Tantric and Puranic elements.
The composite religious practices at Khajuraho are exemplified in the Lakshmana temple, one of the larger Vishnu temples, built in 954 A.D.
The Khajuraho temples are built in the Central India Nagara style of architecture. In this style, the shikhara is curvilinear in form. They are confederated structures consisting of four or five units: Cella or Garbhgraha, Antarala/Vestibule, Madapa, and a Mukhamandapa or Porch.
The Khajuraho temples have three main division on its elevation: Pitha (plinth), Jangha (wall) and Shikhara (roof).
Above the plinth is the wall section (jangha), divided into two or three sculptural zones. Here, we see lovely figural sculptures- Apsaras, Griffins, Couples or Mithunas, Dikpalas (guardian deities of space). The distinguished erotic groups are situated on the section of jangha that joins the mandapa and the Sanctum Sanctorum.

Next Page