THE KHAJURAHO TEMPLE

KHAJURAHO TEMPLE

Madhya Pradesh is a land of great antiquity. Madhya Pradesh is home to the representative of the monuments of different periods of history. Among the most popular world heritage sites in central India such as rock painting, Buddhist stupas and temples, Khajuraho is known for its ornate temples that are magnificent pieces of spiritual peace with human imagination, artistic creativity, superb architectural work and sensuality.

 

Khajuraho temples are among the most beautiful medieval monuments in the country. These temples were built by the Chandel ruler between 900 AD to 1130. This was the golden period of the Chandela rulers. It is believed that every Chandela ruler built at least one temple in his lifetime. Therefore, not all Khajuraho temples were built by one Chandela ruler, but temple construction was the tradition of the Chandela rulers and almost all the rulers thereafter belonged to the Chandela dynasty.

 The first mention of Khajuraho temples was in BC. In 1022 Abu Rihan al-Biruni and in 1335 Arab traveler Ibn Batuta in his compositions. . All these temples are spread over an area of ​​about 9 square miles.

Khajuraho is considered the religious capital of the Chandelas. The Chandela rulers tried to discriminate in politics by religious and cultural activities, so they established their political capital in Mahoba, which was about 60 km. Away from Khajuraho and the religious / cultural capital of Khajuraho. The entire Khajuraho had a wall with about 8 gates used for entry / exit. It is believed that each gate is filled with two date palm / palm trees. It was named Khajura-Vahika because of these trees present in Khajuraho. In Hindi language, "Khajura" means 'date' and "Vahika" means 'Asar'. In history, Khajuraho is also described as Jejakabhukti.

 

 

After the fall of Chandel dynasty (after 1150 AD), Khajuraho temples faced destruction and disintegration by Muslim invaders in the region, which forced the locals to leave Khajuraho. Since Muslim invaders had a ruling policy of intolerance for places of worship of other religions, all Khajuraho citizens left the city in the hope that its solitude would not attract the attention of Muslim invaders to the temple area and thus to both temples Will do. So from about the 13th century to the 18th century, the temples of Khajuraho have been kept in a forest area, away from popularity until it was rediscovered by the British engineer T. S. Burt. 

 

Introduction of temples

 Khajuraho temples are one of the most important specimens of Indian art. Hindu and Jain temples took nearly a hundred years to take shape. Originally a collection of 85 temples, the number has come down to 25. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple complex is divided into three regions: Western, Eastern and Southern. The western group has most of the temples, the eastern has carved Jain temples while the southern group has only a few temples. Jain temples in the Eastern Group of Temples were constructed during the Chandela rule to thrive Jainism in the region. The temples in the western and southern part are dedicated to various Hindu deities. Of these, eight temples are dedicated to Vishnu, six to Shiva, and one to Ganesha and Surya while three to Jain Tirthankaras. The Kandariya Mahadev Temple is the largest of all the temples that remain.

Khajuraho temple is located in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho temple address is Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606.

Chandela rulers built temples in 100 years, one temple was built by each king. Most of the temples were built by Raja Dhanadeva and Yashovarman. The temples were built near Mahoba which used to be the political capital of the Chandela kingdom. The temples were named after the date palm trees. Khajuraho temples are primarily known for their erotic sculptures and carvings, but Odisha's Konark Sun Temple also has similar sculptures. Interestingly, these idols have many theories of their existence and are based on Hindu iconography and form part of the core belief system that revolves around the four principles of Hinduism: Karma, Dharma, Karma and Moksha.

Khajuraho Temple Architecture

 

The temples follow the Nagara style of architecture and are made of sandstone and granite. All the temples except the Chaturbhuj temple are sun-sighters, a common beauty found in Hindu temples. The temples follow the original mandal design consisting of a square and a circle. The entire prefix is ​​divided into three regions to form a five-pronged angle.

There are following temples in three regions:

 

The temples of Western groups include Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Laxman Temple, Chausath Yogini Temple, Jagadambi Temple, Chitragupta Temple, Matangeswara Temple, Vishwanath Temple and Varaha Temple.

 

The eastern group of temples include Ghantai Temple, Parasnath Temple, Adinath Temple, Brahma Temple, Hanumna Temple, Javari and Vamana Temple.

 

The southern group of temples include Bijamandal Temple, Dulhadeva Temple, Jatakari and Chaturbhuj Temple.

 

Let us know about the main temples of Khajuraho, which are the live signs of ancient India architecture in history for thousands of years till date.

Kandariya Mahadev Temple

Built on a plinth of 4 meters in height, this tall structure is built in the shape of a mountain, symbolizing Mount Meru, which is considered to be the mythical source of world construction. The temple faces east and is built on a raised platform which can be reached by steps. There are many interconnected chambers in the temple which can be seen in sequence. The semicircular, rectangular entrance leads to a central pillared hall called the pavilion. The mandapa leads to a dark area called the sanctum sanctorum.

 

The main tower and the summit are above the sanctum sanctorum. Inside the sanctum sanctorum you can see the marble linga staring at Lord Shiva. This sandstone temple built on granite foundations has around 900 sculptures carved.

The temple is known for exquisite carvings on walls, ceilings and pillars. The carvings depict all the necessary means of life - Kama, Artha, Dharma and Moksha. Statues include animals and humans depicting various aspects of life.

 

 

Viswanath temple 

 

The magnificent Vishwanath Temple is close to the road, close to the eastern side of the Western Group complex in Khajuraho. Along with the Kandaria Mahadeva and Laxman temples, it is considered one of the three grand temples in the city.

Vishwanath Temple is one of the architectural wonders of the Khajuraho temple complex - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Chandela King Dhanga in 1999, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

From the four small subsidiary temples that once surrounded the temple, only two are now left. It is probably no surprise to you that the sandstone of the temple has more amazing carvings, arranged in three rows.

Thanks to a long inscription found on this temple, we know a great deal about the origin of the Vishwanath temple. It was built by the powerful Chandela king Dhanga and in 999 AD. Was preserved in. Dhanga installed two lingas within the temple, one made of stone and the other with emeralds. The temple was then known as the Lord's emerald, or Marakeshwara.

The inscription suggests that there is a wealth of information available to us, as we also know the identity of architects. Her name was Chhichha, and was the first architect to place Matricus (Mother Goddess) in a counterclockwise fashion on the outer ground.

 

Recently there has been some debate as to whether the inscription actually refers to two temples, each one housing a different gender. Whatever it is, by the time Major Alexander Cunningham visited the temple in 1864, the emerald ling was already missing, so today only stone remains

 

The temple consists of an entrance porch, sanctum sanctorum, mandapa, maha-mandapa and barotha. There are three subtle sculptures of similar size carved on the temple wall, adding to the overall appeal of this temple.

 

The picture on the basement shows the carvings of Veerabhadra (a legend arising out of the wrath of Lord Shiva), Lord Ganesha and seven mothers (group of Hindu deities). It is also famous for featuring sura-sundari in erotic poses and the most proportional idols of the couple.

Vishwanath is the only temple in Khajuraho, with its mandapa or Nandi-mandapa intact. That structure with its grand Nandi directly faces the entrance to the temple.

Nandi mandap 

 

64 Yoogini temple 

 

Classified as part of the Western group of temples at Khajuraho but still located far away, the Chausath Yogini offers the visitor something different. The temple is a unique open-air sanctuary, considered to be one of the oldest temples in Khajuraho, dating back to around 885 A.D.

Dedicated to the Chausat (Chausatha) Yoginis, essentially unlike other temples in Khajuraho, the manifestations of the great goddess, made of sandstone, the temple is constructed of coarse granite. The differences do not stop there either, it is the only pilgrimage center in Khajuraho that does not align to the east-west, but is oriented north-east instead.

The temple stands on a lofty platform 5.4m height. It has 79 Sheela, of which only 35 are left, all of the same size except for a single large Sheela. Each Sheela Chhoti is entered through a small entrance and roofed by a crest. The elder Sheela had an image of Durga Mahishasuramardini engraved with the label 'Hinglaja', a goddess who is revered in many parts of northern and western India.

Of all the Yogini temples in India, it is the most primitive in construction and unique in being rectangular. The remaining 14 other Yogini temples in India are circular in plan.

When visited by Major Alexander Cunningham in 1865, only three paintings were made in his chambers; Goddess Hinglaja with Brahmani and Maheshwari. All these images are now safe in the Site Museum.

Laxman temple 

The Laxman Temple is the earliest fully developed example of a typical Khajuraho temple.

During the excavation here a large inscribed slab was discovered at the base of the temple which mentions that King Yashovarman died in around 954 and ordered the construction of the temple. This combination with the architectural style of the monument gives us a construction date of 930 - 950 A.D, which is roughly contemporary with the Varaha temple. That inscription can now be seen on the porch.

Although not the largest of the temples found in Khajuraho, the extent and extent of the figures carved on its outer and inner walls are simply stunning.

 

Adinatha Temple

Dedicated in the late 11th century, the Adinath Temple is one of the three Jain temples in Khajuraho considered part of the eastern group.

Only two major parts of the temple now survive, the vestibule and the sanctum sanctorum. The plan and design of the temple is similar to the Vamana temple, one of the paintings painted on the top row of the outer wall. The other difference, perhaps more important, is the curved peak. These elements, coupled with some of the more developed styles of sculpture, suggest that the Adinath temple was built after the Vamana temple.

Interestingly, despite having a Jain temple, these walls have carvings of many Hindu deities. However, the Jain idols below are reserved with statues of Ambika, Chakreshwari, and Padmavati.

 

There is a black idol inside the temple which is Lord Adinath. The distinguishing features of Adinath are the long locks of his hair which fall on his shoulders.

 

 Parshvanatha Temple

Chandela during the reign of King Dhananga and originally dedicated to Adinath, 960 AD. Built around, the Parshvanath temple is one of the finest monuments of Khajuraho.

No one is sure why this Jain temple has so many images of Hindu Gods and Goddesses on the outside wall, it is also a theme that is a little later than the Adinath Temple.

The interior consists of a sanctum sanctorum, with an entrance gate containing ambulatory, a vestibule and a maha-mandapa. The terrace is decorated brilliantly.

It is believed that the first installed idol in the temple was that of Adinath. When Major Alexander Cunningham visited the temple in 1852, he found the main sanctum sanctorum empty, and described it only as the "Jainatha Temple". He also said that the temple was repaired in 1847 by a Jain banker.

Thirteen years after these renovations, in 1860, a statue of Parshwanath was installed in the main sanctum sanctorum.

 

 

 Shantinatha Temple

Instead of a single temple, Shantinath is a temple complex, which consists of several modern temples, some of which stand on the ruins of very old temples, dating back to at least 1027 AD.

 

The overall temple complex was built nearly a century ago, but in many places you can see the architecture and carvings that date back much earlier.

 

 

            

 

 

 Chaturbhuj Temple

The Chaturbhuj Temple (also known as the Jatakari Temple) is located to the south of Khajuraho, about 650 meters southwest of the village of Jatakari not far from the airport. The best time to visit is 4:30 pm.

It is a modestly sized and much restored temple, similar to the plan of the Javari Temple, and consists of a sanctum sanctorum, vestibule, pavilion and porch.

According to Khajuraho standards, the exterior may be a slightly disappointing temple, despite the inner sanctum of the sanctum sanctorum

Here is a 2.75 meter high four-armed statue of Vishnu, one of the most majestic symbols of North India. Unlike most other temples in Khajuraho, the quadrilateral statue faces west, as it is a magnificent sculpture. If you visit the temple at 4:30 pm, you will be treated to an icon being lit by the golden rays of the sun set, which is simply magical.

Whatever it is, it is the tallest stone carved statue among all the temples in Khajuraho, and a visit in the late afternoon will certainly not disappoint!

 

Duladeo Temple

The Duladeo temple, also known as the Kunwar Math, is located 700 meters southwest of the cluster of Jain temples near the Khudadar River. It is considered to be one of the great temples of Khajuraho built during the reign of Chandela king Madanavarman in about 1130 A.D.

Duldev is dedicated to lord Shiva.

 

 

By the time of the British arrival, the temple was in a poor condition and partially ruined. The side walls, columns and shikara were later restored. These restored parts can be identified by the lack of carving and the color of the light sandstone, as can be seen above.

The interior of the temple is very plain compared to some temples seen in Khajuraho, and reflects the influence of West Indian architectural traditions.

The sanctum has a central sign of a linga, it is considered not contemporary with the temple but a later replacement.

An unusual feature on the Linga is the additional 999 more Linga carved around its surface. Its religious significance is that 1 circumambulation of the Linga will be equivalent to circling it 1,000 times.

 

 

 

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