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| relief panel on kandariya mahadev temple of khajuraho. |
- The Khajuraho temples represent the pinnacle of northern Indian temple art and architecture during the Chandella dynasty, dating from 950 to 1050 AD.
- Originally, there were 85 temples in Khajuraho, spread over 20 square kilometers. Today, only 25 temples remain, covering six square kilometers.
- These temples are exceptional examples of Nagara-style temple architecture and belong to two religions, Hinduism and Jainism.
- They are renowned for their harmonious blend of architecture and sculpture.
Western Group of Temples:
- Located near the archaeological museum, the Western Group includes temples like Lakshmana, Matangeshwara, Varaha, Kandariya Mahadev, Chitragupta, Parvati, Vishwanatha, and Nandi.
- The Western Group features approximately 870 magnificent sculptures on both interior and exterior walls, depicting gods, goddesses, and Hindu mythological beings.
- Notable attractions in this group include a Shivling and beautiful floral carvings.
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple:
- this temple consists of successive towers, resembling hills.
- The lintel of the temple displays a four-armed Shiva alongside Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu.
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kandariya mahadev temple
Jagdambi Temple:
- Dedicated to Goddess Parvati (Jagdambi), this temple features a beautifully carved sculpture of Lord Vishnu inside the sanctum.
- It also showcases sculptures of celestial beauties (sura-sundaris).
Chitragupta Temple:
- This temple is devoted to Lord Surya, the Sun God.
- It includes an impressive sculpture of eleven-headed and eight-armed Lord Vishnu, along with artistic representations of divine couples.
Eastern Group of Temples:
- Includes temples like Vamana Temple (dedicated to Lord Vishnu's fifth incarnation), Javari Temple, Parsvanatha Temple, Adinatha Temple, Santinatha Temple, Ghantai Temple, and Brahma Temple.
Southern Group of Temples:
- Duladeo Temple (Kunwar Math) boasts flying celestial figures on the Shikhara tower and intricately carved female figures with jewelry.
- Chaturbhuja Temple stands out for its absence of erotic sculptures and features sculptures of Ganga, Jamuna, and Lord Vishnu.
· The sculptural embellishments include, besides the cult images; parivara, parsva, avarana devatas, dikpalas, the apsarases and sura-sundaris which win universal admiration for their delicate, youthful female forms of ravishing beauty. The attire and ornamentation embrace the winsome grace and charm.
· The recent excavation at Bija Mandal in Jatkara near Khajuraho has revealed the remains of a huge temple base datable to 11th century A.D. which extends over 4 m than the largest known temple (Kandariya Mahadeo Temple). An exquisite image of Sarasvati was also found from here.
- Lakshmana Temple:
- Architectural Style: Nagara style.
- Features:
- Placed on a high platform accessed by stairs.
- Four smaller temples in the corners.
- Towers or shikharas rise upward in a curved pyramidal fashion.
- Horizontal fluted disc (amalak) topped with a kalash or vase.
- Projecting balconies and verandahs.
- The Lakshmana temple of Khajuraho, dedicated to Vishnu, was built in 954 AD. by the Chandela king, Dhanga.
- Kandariya Mahadeo Temple:
- Period: Epitome of medieval temple architecture in Central India.
- Features:
- Massive structure with typical features of Central Indian temples.
- Extensive erotic sculptures, symbolizing the harmony of human experience and spiritual pursuit.
- Mithun sculptures (embracing couples) placed at entrances or on exterior walls.
- Highly stylized sculptures with sharp features: full relief, sharp noses, prominent chins, slanting eyes.
Chausanth Yogini Temple:
- Location: Khajuraho.
- Period: Predates the tenth century.
- Features:
- Small, square shrines of roughly-hewn granite blocks.
- Dedicated to devis or goddesses associated with the rise of Tantric worship.
- Part of the cult of yoginis prevalent between the seventh and tenth centuries.
- Few surviving examples across Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.
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