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One
of the most celebrated manifestations of Indian architecture
is to be found in a group of temples at Khajuraho in
central India.
The Khajuraho temples were built during the reign of
the Chandelas. While some show marks of a Shaivite sensibility,
others clearly manifest the influence of Vaishnaism,
Jainism, and tantrism. These temples have an architectural
character distinct from that of any other group of temples
elsewhere in the country. Instead of being contained
within the customary enclosure wall, each temple stands
on a high and solid masonry terrace. Though none of
the temples are very large, they are still imposing
structures because of their elegant proportions and
rich surface sculpture
Unlike the westerners, the Indian artists did not depend
on live models for their creativity. However, some intellectuals
have measured the Khajuraho sculptures and argue that
they are of the same proportions as human bodies. these
sculptures were created by the artist's imagination
of lovemaking positions prevalent at that time, or based
on the rules outlined in the Kamasutra. Irrespective
of how they were modeled, we have to agree on the extraordinary
capabilities of the sculptors. No Indian has to be ashamed
of these temple sculptures. On the other hand, we should
be proud of the advanced representations of sexuality
made thousands of years before Alfred Kinsey published
his scientific analysis of human sexuality in 1948.
Access :
Air : A daily Boeing
737 service (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) links Khajuraho
with Delhi, Agra,
Varanasi and Kathmandu.
Rail : The
nearest railheads are Mahoba (64 km) and Harpalpur (94
km). Jhansi (175 km)
and Satna (117 km) are convenient railheads for visitors
from Delhi, Mumbai,
Calcutta, Chennai,
Agra & Varanasi.
Road : Khajuraho
is connected by regular bus services with Mahoba, Harpalpur,
Satna, Jhansi, Gwalior,
Agra, Jabalpur
& Bhopal.
Best Season :
September to March
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