Far away in India , lost among the jungle, is a unique temple complex called Khajuraho. It was built by the Chandela dynasty, which ruled here from the 9th to the 13th centuries. In everyday life you can often find the name "Khajuraho", which is not entirely true: in Hindi, the name of the temple sounds more like "Khajuraho". What is the true meaning of the architectural style of this complex of buildings, historians and art historians are still to this day. Definitely one can only say that the Indian temple is dedicated to love and beauty.
How to get to Khajuraho?
The city in India, where the world-famous temple of love is located, is also called Khajuraho, and it is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. You can reach it from New Delhi (it is about 600 km) or through Orchu (420 km from Agra). Roads here leave much to be desired, however, if you want to fully experience the unique charm of India, ride to Khajuraho hitchhiking . Otherwise, you can use the services of a local airport that conducts regular flights to Delhi and back.
Khajuraho Temple Complex
The construction of the temples was at the time of the revival of Hinduism. In the capital of the Chandela dynasty - the ancient city of Khajuraho - 85 temples were built, dedicated to Vishnuism, Shaivism and Jainism, and, in addition, various household and farm buildings. All these buildings, including the palace of the ruler, were eventually destroyed. In particular, they were destroyed by Muslim troops, believing too overt Indian sculptures of depravity. Up to now, only 25 ancient temples have survived. In 1838, they were rediscovered by the Englishman Bert, an engineer and a military man, who discovered a small town in the jungle. A tourist village was built around the temple complex, overgrown with hotels, shops, bars and eateries over time.
All Khajuraho temples are built of sandstone, but there are also three granite buildings. And it unites all the buildings with a single North Indian architectural style - carbon deposits. It is characterized by the compactness and elongation of buildings, the absence of walls around them and the abundance of sculptural compositions inside and outside buildings. The domes of the temples look like the Himalayan Mountains - the abode of ancient gods.
All 25 existing temples of love are divided into three large groups: western, eastern and southern. They differ slightly in religious nuances, but all in their own way are interesting and beautiful.
The temples are under the protection of UNESCO. Recently, the organization even took upon itself the responsibility to prevent the destruction of these valuable historical sites.
Architectural and sculptural features of the Indian temple of love Khajuraho
Undoubtedly, the main feature that glorified this temple complex to the whole world is the erotic orientation of many sculptural compositions. Thanks to them Khajuraho in India and beyond is often called a temple of sex or a temple of the Kama Sutra. But it is fair to say that the vast majority of sculptures with explicit erotic and sexual content are located at a considerable height, and they are difficult to consider.
In addition to the love scenes, the sculptures of the temples show us various episodes from the life of members of the Chandela dynasty, as well as gods and apsars - heavenly maidens, distinguished by unearthly beauty. Represented in the form of bas-reliefs, they are engaged in everyday affairs: they build houses, play weddings, sow grain, wash and comb their hair, etc.
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Traveling through the cities of India, be sure to visit the temple of love with its unusual medieval architecture. According to legend, touching the statues helps men to gain man's strength, and women guarantee help in conceiving children and, of course, beauty.