India:

India Trip

November 2008

Khajuraho

This magnificent group of temples (World Heritage Site…UNESCO) was built between 9th and 10th centuries by the Chandela Dynasty. Twenty-two of over eighty temples still survive today. The temples are set in a parkland landscape. Architecturally these temples are unique.They are ornately carved and designed to lead one’s eye upward to heaven. The sculptures depict the everyday life of the people.

There are also many erotic stone carvings that have a strong sensual appeal. They are said to symbolize love and prana energy in Hindu thought. In colonial times, when British archaeologists excavated them, they scandalized post-Victorian English sensibilities. The Khajuraho Temples do not contain sexual or erotic art inside the temple or near the deities; however, some external carvings are visually erotic art.

These temples never underwent massive destruction by early Muslim invaders, unlike other cultural centers of North India. Due to overgrowth and a jungle-like existence following their abandonment, a number of them survived. Today, the temples serve as fine examples of Indian architectural styles that have gained popularity due to their explicit sculptural depiction of the traditional way of sexual life during medieval times. They were rediscovered during the late 19th century, but the jungle had taken a toll on many of the monuments.

The temples are dedicated mostly to Hindu deities - to God's Trio, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva; a few are dedicated to the Jain. Khajuraho has not received the attention it deserves for its significant contribution to the religious art of India – there are literally hundreds of exquisite images on the interior and exterior walls of the shrines. Today thousands of world tourists visit these temples with their fascinating Hindu art and culture engraved in stone by craftsmen of ancient years.

Khajuraho Photo Gallery

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