Khajuraho Temples have created a niche for itself as one of the highlights of Madhya Pradesh Tourism due to its uniqueness. Khajuraho temples are the living images of the glorious cultural heritage of India. These temples have the most unique images and sculptures engraved on them which apparently depict erotic and sensuous themes, but were actually intended to convey the spiritual aspects of the passions of human beings, according to one of the many theories that have been put forward by experts on these khajuraho temples. These temples are more like India's own gift to the outside world.
Hisotry
The Chandellas,the descendants of the moon-god the ambitious builders and great connoisseur of erotic arts,embelished their cities and towns with palaces, pools and temples, but the complex of sunshine’s at Khjauraho represents the climax of the erotic art of Hindu temple architecture during the medieval times. These Khajuraho temples were built during the 9th and 10th century AD. King Yasovarman began the era of temple construction here that was going on to become one of the country's major tourist attractions. There is a legend behind the Khajuraho temples which says that the Moon God seduced and ravaged a beautiful Brahmin girl named Hemvati.Soon she gave birth to Chandravarman who was the founder of the Chandela dynasty.
Erotic Art
There are many concepts describing the specific purpose for including sexual art using the sacred temples. The Khajuraho temples usually do not contain sexual or erotic art within the temple or close to the deities; however, some external carvings bear erotic art. Also, some of the khajuraho temples which have two layers of walls have small erotic carvings on the exterior of the inner wall. There are many interpretations from the erotic carvings. They portray that, for seeing the deity, one must leave their sexual desires outside of the temple.
Markandeshwar Temple
The Markandeshwar temple complex, by the River Wainganga, showcases a sprinkling of erotic art. A couple performing ‘fellacio’ will raise eyebrows. Know to be built by danavas (evil forces) in one night, the temple is made from stone, and follows Hemadpanth architecture. The annual fair during Mahashivratri attracts devotees from far and wide every year.
Sun Temple
Sun Temple It is believed to be the place where Lord Rama conducted a yagna here to purify himself of the sin of killing a Brahmana-Ravana. Like Konarak, its architecture is such that the temple catches the first rays of the rising sun. The most striking feature of the temple is a perfectly designed Kama Kunda (water tank) meant for ablutions and for a reflection of the temple in the water.
Khandariya Mahadev temple
Khandariya Mahadev temple has been an old favourite from school days when I scouted book-stores for picture post cards to display in history files. On the stepping stone to the inner sanctum of Khandariya Mahadev lay offerings of flowers, rice and a few coins. A visit later in the evening to Matangeshwar temple was a clear contrast. Recorded Sanskrit chants, bells, and chanting of Om Namah Shivaay, women with heads covered and puja thalis in hand, incense smoke clouding the air, vermillion dots on visitors' foreheads… The priest said that this was the oldest of the Khajuraho temples.
Hisotry
The Chandellas,the descendants of the moon-god the ambitious builders and great connoisseur of erotic arts,embelished their cities and towns with palaces, pools and temples, but the complex of sunshine’s at Khjauraho represents the climax of the erotic art of Hindu temple architecture during the medieval times. These Khajuraho temples were built during the 9th and 10th century AD. King Yasovarman began the era of temple construction here that was going on to become one of the country's major tourist attractions. There is a legend behind the Khajuraho temples which says that the Moon God seduced and ravaged a beautiful Brahmin girl named Hemvati.Soon she gave birth to Chandravarman who was the founder of the Chandela dynasty.
Erotic Art
There are many concepts describing the specific purpose for including sexual art using the sacred temples. The Khajuraho temples usually do not contain sexual or erotic art within the temple or close to the deities; however, some external carvings bear erotic art. Also, some of the khajuraho temples which have two layers of walls have small erotic carvings on the exterior of the inner wall. There are many interpretations from the erotic carvings. They portray that, for seeing the deity, one must leave their sexual desires outside of the temple.
Markandeshwar Temple
The Markandeshwar temple complex, by the River Wainganga, showcases a sprinkling of erotic art. A couple performing ‘fellacio’ will raise eyebrows. Know to be built by danavas (evil forces) in one night, the temple is made from stone, and follows Hemadpanth architecture. The annual fair during Mahashivratri attracts devotees from far and wide every year.
Sun Temple
Sun Temple It is believed to be the place where Lord Rama conducted a yagna here to purify himself of the sin of killing a Brahmana-Ravana. Like Konarak, its architecture is such that the temple catches the first rays of the rising sun. The most striking feature of the temple is a perfectly designed Kama Kunda (water tank) meant for ablutions and for a reflection of the temple in the water.
Khandariya Mahadev temple
Khandariya Mahadev temple has been an old favourite from school days when I scouted book-stores for picture post cards to display in history files. On the stepping stone to the inner sanctum of Khandariya Mahadev lay offerings of flowers, rice and a few coins. A visit later in the evening to Matangeshwar temple was a clear contrast. Recorded Sanskrit chants, bells, and chanting of Om Namah Shivaay, women with heads covered and puja thalis in hand, incense smoke clouding the air, vermillion dots on visitors' foreheads… The priest said that this was the oldest of the Khajuraho temples.
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