Khajuraho is an ancient city in Madhya Pradesh, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The erstwhile capital of the Chandela Dynasty, Khajuraho is famous for its temples considered to be among the best examples of the Nagara-style medieval Indian architecture. The Khajuraho temples were largely constructed between 950 AD and 1050 AD. The ‘Khajuraho Group of Monuments’ is famous for its sculptures of nayikas and deities. Historical records show that the Khajuraho temple site had 85 temples in 12th century (in 20 sq km about 25 temples have lasted, spread over six sq km). Of the surviving temples, Kandariya Mahadeva Temple has sculptures with intricate details, symbolism, and expressiveness of ancient Indian art. The Khajuraho temples were dedicated to two religions — Hinduism and Jainism — suggesting a tradition of acceptance and respect for diverse religions. The temples are famous for their erotic carvings but there is more to them that show a celebration of love, life, and worship. Barely 10% of the carvings on the temple complex are sensual in nature and majority of them depict the life of people.
Khajuraho is an ancient city in Madhya Pradesh, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The erstwhile capital of the Chandela Dynasty, Khajuraho is famous for its temples considered to be among the best examples of the Nagara-style medieval Indian architecture. The Khajuraho temples were largely constructed between 950 AD and 1050 AD. The ‘Khajuraho Group of Monuments’ is famous for its sculptures of nayikas and deities. Historical records show that the Khajuraho temple site had 85 temples in 12th century (in 20 sq km about 25 temples have lasted, spread over six sq km). Of the surviving temples, Kandariya Mahadeva Temple has sculptures with intricate details, symbolism, and expressiveness of ancient Indian art. The Khajuraho temples were dedicated to two religions — Hinduism and Jainism — suggesting a tradition of acceptance and respect for diverse religions. The temples are famous for their erotic carvings but there is more to them that show a celebration of love, life, and worship. Barely 10% of the carvings on the temple complex are sensual in nature and majority of them depict the life of people.