The
temples of Khajuraho are India's unique gift to the world, representing, as
they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy; perfect in execution and sublime
in expression. Life, in every form and mood, has been capured in stone, testifying
not only to the craftsman's artistry but also to the extraordinary breadth
of vision of the Chandela Rajputs under whose rule the temples were conceived
and constructed.
The world renowned temple town of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh designated by
UNESCO as a world heritage site for its archaeological and historical monuments.The
Khajuraho temples were built in the short span of a hundred years, from 950-1050AD
in a truly inspired burst of creativity. Of the 85 original temples, 22 have
survived till today to constitute one of the world's great artistic wonders.
The Creators of Khajuraho claimed descent from the moon and the legend behind
the founding of this great dynasty and the temples is a fascinating one. Hemwati,
the lovely young daughter of a Brahmin priest, was seduced by the moon-god
while bathing in a forest pool. The child born of this union was Chandravarman,
founder of the Chandela dynasty. Brought up in the forests by his mother who
sought refuge from a sensorious society, Chandravarman, when established as
a ruler, had a dream-visitation from his mother. It is said that she implored
him to build temples that would reveal human passions, and in doing so, bring
about a realization of the emptiness of human desire. It is also possible
that the Chandelas were followers of the Tantric cult, which believes that
gratification of earthly desires is a step towards attaining the infinite
liberation of nirvana.
Why they chose Khajuraho, even then a small village, as the site for their
great complex is also open to of their faith and the many beliefs represented
in the temples, the Chandelas conceived Khajuraho as a seat of religion and
learning, to bring together many sects.
With their decline, the temples lay forgotten for many centuries, covered
by the encroaching forests, victim to the ravages of the elements. Re-discovered
only in this century, restored and claned, the temples of Khajuraho once again
testify to a past glory.
Architecturally too, they are unique, being very different from the temple
prototype of their period. Each stands on a high masonry platform with a marked
upward direction in the structure, further enhanced by vertical projections
to create the effect of grace and lightness. Each of the chief compartments
is mounted by its own roof, grouped so that the highest is in the centre,
the lowest over the portico; a highly imaginative recreation of the rising
peaks of the Himalayas, abode of the gods.
The three main compartments are the entrance (ardha-mandapa), assembly hall
(mandapa) and sanctum (garbha griha), with further additions in the more developed
temples.