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KHAJURAHO
SCULPTURES
THAT BAFFLE THE VIEWERS
Khajuraho has
always remained tucked away from the mainstream events of history. This is
probably why the famed temples escaped the ravages of invaders. The origin of
these temples as well as the history of the Chandela dynasty, during whose era
they were built, are not fully documented. However, it is generally agreed that
they were built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. and that they numbered no fewer
than 85. Today only 22 temples, in a good state of preservation, survive. The
sculptures, considered to be the most perfect figures achieved in stone, depict
gods and goddesses and amorous couples. The erotic tinge to many of the works
here have given rise to speculations in various fields.
Architecturally,
the Khajuraho temples are unique, being very different from temple of their
period. Each stands on a high masonry platform with a marked upward direction in
the structure further enhanced by vertical projections to create the effect of
grace and lightness. Each of the chief compartments is mounted by its own roof,
grouped so that the highest is in the centre, and the lowest over the portico. A
highly imaginative recreation of the rising peaks of the Himalayas, abode of the
gods. The three main compartment are the entrance (ardhamandapa), assembly
hall (mandapa), and sanctum (garbha griha), with further additions in the more
developed temples.
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KHAJURAHO
DANCE FESTIVAL |
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a true tribute to the Khajuraho tradition a dance
festival is held here every March over a period of 7 days when the
country's best dancers perform various classical styles. |
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Indian Airlines and Jet
Airways connect
Khajuraho with Delhi, Agra, Varanasi.
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The
nearest railhead is Mahoba, 65 km. Other convenient railheads are Jhansi,
176 km, on the Delhi-Chennai route and Satna 117 km, on the Mumbai-Allahabad-Howrah route. However Harpalpur (110 km) is the nearest
railhead to visit Khajuraho.
Shatabdi Express,
running on the Delhi-Agra-Gwalior-Jhansi-Bhopal route is the fastest link
for the tourist coming from Delhi, Agra and Gwalior.
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Khajuraho
is connected good roads to Agra, Bhopal, Gwalior, Lucknow, Varanasi,
Allahabad etc.
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Some
important road distances from Khajuraho
| REWA |
167 km |
GWALIOR |
276 km |
| AGRA |
414 km |
BHOPAL |
372
km
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| LUCKNOW
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287 km |
VARANASI
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415 km |
| ALLAHABAD
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285 km |
DELHI |
616 km
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| JHANSI
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176 km |
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The famed temples
of Khajuraho are grouped into three divisions - the western, eastern and
southern groups. |
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Kandariya
Mahodeo
The largest
and most typical Khajuraho temple, it soars 31m high. Dedicated to Shiva, the
sanctum sanctorum enshrines a linga. The main shrine
is exquisitely carved and features, in delicate details, gods, goddesses,
celestial maidens and lovers. Special mention should also be made of the
entrance arch, the ceilings and pillars of the interior compartments.
Chausath Yogini
Only surviving granite temple of the period (900 A.D.), is dedicated to Goddess
Kali. Only 35 of the original 64 shrines exist.
Chitragupta
Temple
Facing eastwards, is a temple devoted to the sun god. The five feet
high image of the deity driving a horse-drawn chariot is the highlight
here. Also depicted are group scenes showing royal processions, hunting
scenes and group dances which reveal the lavish lifestyle of the Chandela kings.
Vishwanath
Temple
A three-headed image of Brahma is enshrined here. The approach is
equally impressive, with lions flanking the northern and elephants the southern
steps. A Nandi bull faces the shrine.
Lakshmana
Temple
Vaishnavite in architecture, shows the Hindu trinity of Brahma,
Vishnu and Shiva with Goddess Lakshmi, Vishnu's consort. The exquisitely carved
sanctum sanctorum has a three-headed idol of Vishnu in different postures.
Matangeswara
Temple
Devoted to Shiva, houses a 8 ft. high Shiva lingam.
The
eastern group consists of the Parsvanatha
Temple,
which is a Jain temple, with exquisite sculptures on the outer walls, Inside, a
throne faces the bull emblem of the first Jain trithankara, Adinatha
Parsvanath
Temple
The group's largest Jain
temple and exquisite in detail. The sculptures on the northern outer wall are
particularly noteworthy. The themes depict everyday activity in charming detail.
Within a throne faces the bull emblem of the first tirthankara, Adinath. The
Parsvanath image was installed in 1860.
Ghantai Temple
Another Jain temple which depicts the 16 dreams of Lord Mahavira's mother.
Adinath Temple
Dedicated to the Jain saint Adinath, is lavishly embellished with sculpted
figures including Yakshis. The Hindu temples of Brahma also belong to this
group.
The three Hindu
temples of the group are the Brahma, containing a four-faced linga; the Vamana,
whichis adorned on its outer walls with carving of apsaras in a variety of
sensuous attitudes and the Javari, with a richly carved gateway and
exterior sculptures.
The
southern group comprises the Duladeo
Temple,
dedicated to Shiva. The figures of apsaras and ornamental carvings are its
highlights
Chaturbhuj
Temple
houses a huge intricately carved statue of Lord Vishnu in the
sanctum sanctorum.
Duladeo Temple
Dedicated to Shiva, the apsara and ornamented figures are the temple's most
striking features.
Panna
National Park
A 30-minutes drive from
(25 kms) Khajuraho, is spread over
543 sq. km along the eastern banks of the Ken river. There are gorges,
waterfalls and wildlife such as tigers, panthers, bears, wild boars, bluebulls,
gazelles, spotted deer, black bucks and birds. The parks is under Project Tiger.
Bandhavgarh
National Park
The
Park is 237 km from Khajuraho and is in the heart of the Vindhya mountain ranges.
The forest, tree-covered hills, archaeological remains and a variety of wildlife
make the park an enchanting place. The 14th century Bandhavgarh fort and
pre-historic caves with inscriptions are worth a visit.
Orchha
165, from
Khajuraho and 8 km off
the Khajuraho-Jhansi highway (18 km from Jhansi) is a medieval city flanked by
the Betwa river. The 16th and 17th century palaces and temples here have
withstood the ravages of time. The paintings, mirrorwork, stairways and delicate
trelliswork in Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and Rai Praveen Mahal are enchanting.
Adding to the architectural beauty are the Ram Raja, Chaturbhuj and
Laxmi-narayan temples and cenotaphs.
Majhgawan Diamond Mines
55 kms from
Khajuraho, visitors are allowed to visit the mines from 9-11 a.m. without permission
of the National Mineral Development Corporation. These are the only working mine
in India, and the largest in Asia.
SHIVRATRI
(March)
This festival is usually in March to worship Lord Shiva Devotees come from far
away to worship at the Matangeshwar Temple. A 10-day-long bazaar is held where
traders from all over he state display their traditional wares and
handicrafts. A rural circus, folk theatre, magic shows and merry-go-rounds add
to the fun.
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DELUXE
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FIRST
CLASS
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STANDARD
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Taj
Chandela |
Trident |
Clarks
Khajuraho |
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Khajuraho
Ashok |
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Usha
Bundela |
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