The legacy of Khajuraho group of monuments
Khajuraho is a town of historical importance in the Madhya Pradesh state of India. It is also the UNESCO World Heritage site and homes several Hindu and Jain temples. Most of the monuments here are built by the rulers of Chandela dynasty and dates back to the 11th century.
What does “Khajuraho” mean?
There are many interpretations of the name of the place being Khajuraho. One is, the actual name of the town is Kharjuravāhaka, which changed to Khajuraho with time. It is derived from the Sanskrit word kharjura, meaning date palm and vāhaka, the carrier. Legends say that the entrance of the temples had two golden date palm trees on either side.
Another saying associates the name Khajuraho with the scorpion bearer, a symbolic name for Lord Shiva.
Courtesy: commons.wikimedia.org
History of Khajuraho group of monuments
Most of the temples in Khajuraho were built during the year 950-1050 by Yasovarman and Dhanga kings of the Chandela dynasty. These temples are located at about 35 miles distance from their capital town of Bundelkhand.
During the 13th century, when Central India was seized by the Delhi Sultanate, many temples were destroyed and many remained unattended. The region grew into a forest and was rediscovered in 1850 by British.
Distinguishable features of the temples in Khajuraho
- In the Khajuraho group of temples, 6 are dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consorts, 8 to Lord Vishnu and his affinities, 1 to Lord Ganesha, 1 to Sun god, and 3 to Jain Tirthankars.
- The temples present intricately carved erotic sculptures and wall paintings.
- The temples follow the typical Indian grid geometrical design called Vastu-Purusha-Mandala.
- The temples’ architecture is symbolic and reflects Hindu beliefs through its form and structure.
- Almost all Khajuraho temples face the sunrise.
You can hire a cab for visiting these sites in Khajuraho for the entire day and to explore Bundelkhand and other related places.
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