Khajuraho group of monuments UPSC | Khajuraho Temple Sculptures | Khajuraho group of monuments Madhya Pradesh | Khajuraho group of monuments History | Khajuraho group of monuments Timings and Travel | Khajuraho group of monuments UNESCO
Khajuraho is famous for its Erotic Sculptures on the walls of Temples, These are the Group of Monuments located in Chattarpur District of Madhya Pradesh, This is just 175 Km away from Jhansi of Uttar Pradesh. These are groups of Temples and monuments dedicated to both Hinduism and Jainism.
The Construction began in 800 AD and went up till 1200 AD. In between this timeline, many temples were built for both Hindus and Jains, For Hindus mostly it is of Lord Shiva Temples. This is Given UNESCO World Heritage Status.
Three primary complexes of the temple are committed to extraordinary gods and goddesses of Hindu perception while a number of them are committed to Jaina perception as well.
The temples in western complicated are in particular committed to Hindu deities while the temples withinside the Eastern Complex are in particular committed to Jaina Tirthankaras.
Though the monuments of Khajuraho are committed to 2 extraordinary religions, they proportion a not unusual place typology. The amazingly embellished building, i.e., the Janghas is set on an improved structure. The Janghas are once more enclosed with numerous registers of inscribed panels upon which open-paintings galleries are set. These Janghas are topped through a chain of towers with curvilinear contours and Sikharas.
All those towers are specific functions of the temples withinside the Nagera fashion and signify the Cosmic Mountain of Mount Kailasha. The specific plan of the temple consists of an entrance, mandapa, sanctum-sanctorum, aside from extraordinary annexes.
History
The name Khajuraho is derived from KHajjura which is a Sanskrit name of Date Palm. This Place was ruled by Chandela Dynasty. The Building of Temples happened between 885 AD TO 1050 AD.
Some of the Historical records state that there is a total of 85 Temples built in Khujaraho and almost its area was about 20 Sq Km. But out of which today only 25 Survived and the rest all were destroyed by Invaders. Initially, this temple was built for Brahmacharis. Until they reach Manhood they would see the sculptures on the temples and gain Knowledge about Sex and its importance in life.
Architecture
The Architecture of Khajuraho temples is mostly 8×8 Grid Patterns, The Patterns were followed for all temples and they carved those erotic sculptures on Lime Stone and Mixed an unknown material along with motor and plastered on the sculptures. Till today the mixture is Unknown.
The Mandalas on the top of the Temple Dome are said to be carved before and later attached on the Top. The Craftsmanship on all the temples is magnificent. Also, there is a Four-Faced Shiva Lingam which attracts many tourists.
Group of Monuments in Khajuraho
Temples dedicated to Jainism, Hinduism.
| Sequence | Temple Name | Religion |
| 1 | Chausath Yogini | Hinduism |
| 2 | Lalgun Mahadev | Hinduism |
| 3 | Bramha Temple | Hinduism |
| 4 | Lakshmana | Hinduism |
| 5 | Varaha | Hinduism |
| 6 | Parshvantha | Jainism |
| 7 | Ghantai | Jainism |
| 8 | Mahishasuramardhini | Hinduism |
| 9 | Vishvanatha | Hinduism |
| 10 | Matangeshwar | Hinduism |
| 11 | Vishnu-Garuda | Hinduism |
| 12 | Beejamandal Temple ruins | Hinduism |
| 13 | Ganesha | Hinduism |
| 14 | Jagadambi | Hinduism |
| 15 | Chitragupta | Hinduism |
| 16 | Adinath Temple | Jainism |
| 17 | Shanthinatha Temple | Jainism |
| 18 | Kandariya Mahadeva | Hinduism |
| 19 | Vamana | Hinduism |
| 20 | Javeri | Hinduism |
| 21 | Chaturbhuja | Hinduism |
| 22 | Duladeva | Hinduism |
History of Monuments
Khajuraho, the historical Kharjjuravahaka, is in the State of Madhya Pradesh and was ruled by the Chandella rulers who decorated it with several tanks, ratings of lofty temples of sculptural grace, and architectural splendor.
Yasovarman (A.D. 954) constructed the temple of Vishnu, which’s now well-known as Lakshmana temple, and is an ornate and developed instance of its time proclaiming the status of the Chandelles.
Temples of Khajuraho are globally well-known for his or her architectural artwork and had been declared global history with the aid of using UNESCO. The Visvanatha, Parsvanatha, and Vaidyanatha Temples belong to the time of king Dhanga, the successor of Yasovarman. The Jagadambi, Chitragupta, are noteworthy some of the western institutions of royal temples of Khajuraho.
The biggest and grandest temple of Khajuraho is the immortal Kandariya Mahadeva, which’s attributed to king Ganda (A.D. 1017-29). The different examples that accompanied are namely Vamana, Adinatha, Javari, Chaturbhuj, and Duladeo, are smaller however elaborately designed. The Khajuraho institution of temples is mentioned for lofty terraces (jagati) and functionally powerful plans.
The sculptural elaborations include, except the cult images: parivara, parsva, avarana devatas, dikpalas, the apsarases, and sura-sundaris, which win commonplace admiration for his or her delicate, younger woman varieties of ravishing beauty. The apparel and ornamentation embody the winsome grace and charm.
Monuments in South of Khajuraho
Not many humans visit this segment however handiest are the ones who’ve actual hobbies in architecture. One is welcomed right here with the aid of using Duladeo Temple that is the youngest temple relationship 1100 – 1150. A lot of wooden paintings have been used to make this temple in contrast to granite which has been utilized in the Western institution.
Next is Chaturbhuja temple such as 2.7 m excessive four-armed statue Vishnu in its sanctum. Interestingly it does now no longer have any erotic structures. There is likewise the Bijamandala Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, with top-notch unfinished carvings and a number of maximum elusive carvings.
Repetitions of sculptural paintings are visible on this segment of the temple, but the paintings are as specific as in different components of Khajuraho. The southern institution of temples does see a few sculptures which has been left finished – in most cases due to much fewer resources.
UNESCO WHS STATUS
The Group of Monuments together in Khajuraho are given World Heritage Status in 1986, For Protecting Culture and Heritage of Hinduism and Jainism , Since 8th Century.
Best Season to Visit
Winter is the best season and also recommended season to Visit Khajuraho and group of Monuments.
Climate Effect
This is an almost 700-year-old temple, As it withstood many climatic changes over these many years, Few Sculptures were broken and also some of the statues and temples were destroyed by human interference. The Climate effect on these temples is minimal.
Entry Ticket Cost
This is maintained by the Archeological Survey of India, The Timings for entry are between 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM, The Ticket Cost is 30 Rs for Indians and 500 Rs for Foreigners.
Book your Tickets Online here: PAYUMONEY
Travel Route
Sagar is the only Town that is close to Khajuraho, But there are many hotels and Stays that are available in and near Khajuraho Complex. The nearest Railway Station is Mahoba Railway Station from there Khajuraho is just 63 km away.
Booking.com