Khajuraho Group of Monuments
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Location: Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Dates: 950–1050 CE
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Style: Hindu and Jain temple architecture
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UNESCO World Heritage Site: 1986
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a collection of Hindu and Jain temples located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, India. The temples were built between 950 and 1050 CE, and are considered to be some of the finest examples of Hindu and Jain temple architecture. The temples are famous for their erotic sculptures, which are some of the most explicit in Indian art.
The Khajuraho temples are divided into three groups: the Western Group, the Eastern Group, and the Southern Group. The Western Group is the largest and most famous group, and contains the most of the erotic sculptures. The Eastern Group is smaller and less well-known, but it contains some of the most beautiful temples in the complex. The Southern Group is the smallest group, and it contains only a few temples.
The Khajuraho temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and they are one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The temples are open to the public, and they can be visited all year round.
Key Features
* The Khajuraho temples are built in a variety of styles, including Nagara, Dravidian, and Indo-Aryan.
* The temples are decorated with intricate carvings, including sculptures of gods, goddesses, animals, and erotic scenes.
* The temples are located in a beautiful setting, surrounded by lush forests and green hills.
History
The Khajuraho temples were built during the reign of the Chandela dynasty, which ruled over central India from the 9th to the 12th centuries CE. The temples were built as a way for the Chandela kings to show their devotion to the Hindu and Jain gods.
The Khajuraho temples were abandoned in the 13th century CE, and they were rediscovered by British explorers in the 19th century CE. The temples were restored in the early 20th century CE, and they are now one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.
Significance
The Khajuraho temples are a significant example of Hindu and Jain temple architecture. The temples are also a valuable source of information about the Chandela dynasty and the culture of medieval India. The temples are a popular tourist destination, and they are a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of India.
Architecture
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
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Location: Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Dates: 950–1050 CE
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Style: Hindu and Jain temple architecture
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Materials: Sandstone
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Features:
* Exquisitely carved sculptures depicting Hindu and Jain mythology
* Large complex of temples, spread over 6 sq km
* UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It consists of a large complex of Hindu and Jain temples, dating from the 9th to 10th centuries CE. The temples are renowned for their exquisitely carved sculptures, which depict Hindu and Jain mythology.
The temples are spread over an area of 6 sq km and are divided into three groups: the Western Group, the Eastern Group, and the Southern Group. The Western Group is the largest and most famous, and contains some of the most iconic temples, such as the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple and the Lakshmana Temple. The Eastern Group is smaller and more secluded, and contains some of the most intricately carved temples, such as the Chitragupta Temple and the Vishwanath Temple. The Southern Group is the least visited, but contains some of the most beautiful temples, such as the Parshvanatha Temple and the Adinath Temple.
The Khajuraho temples are a masterpiece of Hindu and Jain temple architecture. They are a testament to the artistic and cultural achievements of the Indian subcontinent during the medieval period.
Key Features of Khajuraho Temple Architecture
The Khajuraho temples are characterized by their intricate carvings, which depict Hindu and Jain mythology. The carvings are found on all parts of the temples, including the walls, pillars, and ceilings. Some of the most common motifs include:
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Apsaras: Female celestial dancers
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Gandharvas: Male celestial musicians
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Yakshas: Male guardians
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Naginis: Female serpents
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Kirtimukhas: Lion-headed monsters
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Floral motifs: Lotuses, lotuses, and more lotuses!
The carvings are not only beautiful, but they also provide valuable insights into the religious beliefs and cultural practices of the people who built the temples.
Significance of Khajuraho Temples
The Khajuraho temples are a significant example of Hindu and Jain temple architecture. They are a testament to the artistic and cultural achievements of the Indian subcontinent during the medieval period. The temples are also a popular tourist destination, and they attract visitors from all over the world.
References
* [UNESCO World Heritage Site: Khajuraho Group of Monuments](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/344)
* [Khajuraho Temples](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Khajuraho-temples)
* [The Khajuraho Group of Monuments](https://www.tajmahal.gov.in/
khajuraho-group-of-monuments)