 Khajuraho One of the most celebrated manifestations of Indian architecture
is to be found in a group of temples at Khajuraho in central India.
Situated a hundred miles south-east of the town of Jhansi in the
modern-day state of Madhya Pradesh, these temples are over thirty
in number. These temples, unlike many others in central or south
India, do not illustrate a development over a long period of time,
but were erected over a relatively narrow period of hundred years
from A.D. 950. The Khajuraho temples represent, one might say, a
happy and almost unique coincidence of religious emotion, abundant
patronage, artistic genius, and aesthetic sensibility. Fortunately,
these temples have weathered the climate for a thousand years and
have withstood neglect surprisingly well.
The 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. Unlike
the rather plain treatment of other central Indian temple interiors,
the Khajuraho temples are richly decorated with sculpture. Other
than numerous deities enshrined in wall niches, there are attendants,
graceful "maidens" in a variety of provocative postures,
dancers, musicians and embracing couples. On one temple alone, the
figures thus depicted are over six hundred and fifty in number.
Many of these compositions display great sensuality and warmth.
There are also scenes of explicit sexual activity which possibly
illustrate the tantric rites that accompanied temple worship. It
is quite reliably said that some of the sexual postures follow the
Kama Sutra, the ancient Indian manual of love-making.
The Khajuraho temples were built during the reign of the Chandelas.
While some show marks of a Shaivite sensibility, others clearly
manifest the influence of Vaishnaism, Jainism, and tantrism. These
temples have an architectural character distinct from that of any
other group of temples elsewhere in the country. Instead of being
contained within the customary enclosure wall, each temple stands
on a high and solid masonry terrace. Though none of the temples
are very large, they are still imposing structures because of their
elegant proportions and rich surface sculpture.
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