KHAJURAHO
Extraordinary temples rise spire upon spire like a mirage. Built by the Chandela kings in the 10th Century, just 22 of the original 85 temples still remain. Their tall spires are balanced with horizontal bands of the most dazzling profusion of carved figures, animals, trees chariots- sculpted with unerring perfection. Jain temples nearby are also very exquisitely carved.
Khajuraho is a village in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, located in Chhatarpur District, about 385 miles (620 kilometres) southeast of Delhi, the capital city of India.
The Khajuraho group of monuments has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in India, Khajuraho has the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculpture. The name Khajuraho, ancient "Kharjuravahaka", is derived from the Sanskrit word kharjur meaning date palm.
The city was once the original capital of the Chandela Rajputs, a Hindu dynasty that ruled this part of India from the 10th to the 12th centuries. The Khajuraho temples were built over a span of 200 years, from 950 to 1150. The Chandela capital was moved to Mahoba after this time, but Khajuraho continued to flourish for some time.
Today, the temples serve as fine examples of Indian architectural styles that have gained popularity due to their explicit depiction of the traditional way of sexual life during medieval times. They were rediscovered during the late 19th century and the jungles had taken a toll on all of the monuments.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Khajuraho Temples :The great works done by the architects of ancient India, still remains unique. One thousand years ago, under the patronage of the Chandela Rajput kings of Central India, 85 temples, magnificent in form and richly carved, were built near the village of Khajuraho. In 100 years (950 AD - 1050 AD), all the temples were completed. Today, of the original 85, only 22 have survived the ravages of time, these remains show the joy of creativity, the ultimate fusion of man with his creator
