The Glorious Sculptured Temples of Khajuraho

Khajuraho is a village in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh of India and is globally eminent for housing centuries old temple architecture. Khajuraho unfolds the saga of the incredible architectural skills of the Chandela dynasty which ruled the city during 950 AD and 1150 AD. Khajuraho is still recognized as the cultural capital of the Chandela Rajputs. It serves as the paradise for art lovers because it shows the rich culture which is stoned in ancient temples. These fascinating temples are styled in 'Nagara' architecture. Khajuraho is an enchanting place excluded from the crowded and polluted city life. Thus, it accommodates a very tranquil and soothing ambience. This exclusive group of medieval temples has been listed under the World Heritage Site and adds on a gem to the country's pride.

The history of Khajuraho holds much significance and many legends behind its emergence. The glorious history can be witnessed through its group of ancient temples. These glorious sites were exclusively built during 950 AD and 1150 AD and their construction was completed in around 200 years. Around 80 temples were formed, out of which only 22 has remained in fairly good condition and rest are standing as interesting ruins which are ready to be explored. Ruined with the ravages of time, some of these times are Chausath Yogini, Brahma, Lalgun Mahadev, Matangeshwar, Varaha, Lakshman, Parshwanath, Chaturbhaja, Ghantai, Vishwanath, Devi Jagdambi, Chitragupt, Kandriya Mahadevi, Vaman, Adinath and Dulad Temple.

These temples are made up of sandstone, bought from Panna, reflecting different hues like pink, amber etc. The interior of the temple are spectacularly beautiful and is strikingly interconnected. The ceilings of the interior are delicately carved with the floral as well as geometric designs. This amazing art magnetize its onlookers. The exteriors are spectacularly adorned with exquisitely carved out sculptures. These sculptures are given a sensuous design which shows the physical desire and passion. The sculptures are primarily divided into five groups: first represent the cult-images, second represent family and associated aspects, third represent the Apsaras – beautiful women of the heaven, fourth representances scenes scenes, teachers, disciples' dancers and musicians and finally fifth representations animals and beasts. The architectural marvel and exotic sculptures showcase the artistic brilliance and creative talent of the Chandela monarchs.

One of its most intriguing features, apart from the sculptures, is the fact that these sensuous sculptures are present only at the periphery. The presence of these exclusive and erotic sculptures outside the temples may implying that one has to leave all the human desires behind to unite with the god. There are a lot of perceptions about the depictions of these erotic sculptures. Some even take it as a living specimen for understanding the spiritual and the sexual. It expresses that spiritual and sexual life goes hand in hand and contentment in both is necessary.

The objective of life on earth can only be fulfilled by following the path of Sexual and spiritual. These elegant Temples composes a myriad of other sculptures as well which exhibits the life of a common man and activities like music and dance.