Places
of Interest in Madhya Pradesh
Khajuraho Travel 
The
world renowned temple town of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh designated by UNESCO
as a world heritage site for its archaeological and historical monuments.
The Khajuraho temples were built in the short span of a hundred years, from
950-1050AD in a truly inspired burst of creativity. Of the 85 original temples,
22 have survived till today to constitute one of the world's great artistic wonders.
The Creators of Khajuraho claimed descent from the moon and the legend
behind the founding of this great dynasty and the temples is a fascinating one.
Hemwati, the lovely young daughter of a Brahmin priest, was seduced by the moon-god
while bathing in a forest pool. The child born of this union was Chandravarman,
founder of the Chandela dynasty. Brought up in the forests by his mother who sought
refuge from a sensorious society, Chandravarman, when established as a ruler,
had a dream-visitation from his mother. It is said that she implored him to build
temples that would reveal human passions, and in doing so, bring about a realization
of the emptiness of human desire. It is also possible that the Chandelas were
followers of the Tantric cult, which believes that gratification of earthly desires
is a step towards attaining the infinite liberation of nirvana.
Why
they chose Khajuraho, even then a small village, as the site for their great complex
is also open to of their faith and the many beliefs represented in the temples,
the Chandelas conceived Khajuraho as a seat of religion and learning, to bring
together many sects.
With
their decline, the temples lay forgotten for many centuries, covered by the encroaching
forests, victim to the ravages of the elements. Re-discovered only in this century,
restored and claned, the temples of Khajuraho once again testify to a past glory.
Architecturally too, they are unique, being very different from the
temple prototype 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, the lowest
over the portico; a highly imaginative recreation of the rising peaks of the Himalayas,
abode of the gods.
The three main compartments are the entrance (ardha-mandapa),
assembly hall (mandapa) and sanctum (garbha griha), with further additions in
the more developed temples.
How to Reach By Air:
Regular services link Khajuraho with Delhi, Agra and Varanasi.
By
Rail: The nearest rail heads are Harpalpur (94 km) and Mahoba (61 km ) . Jhansi
(172 km) is a convenient rail head for those traveling from Delhi and Madras;
Satna (117 km) , on the Mumbai-Allahabad line of the Central Railway for those
coming from Mumbai, Calcutta and Varanasi
By Road: Khajuraho
is connected by regular buses with Satna, Harpalpur, Jhansi and Mahoba.
Best Season: July to March.
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Madhya Pradesh Travel
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