Morning
Breakfast at hotel, Proceed for sight seeing
of khajuraho.
Breakfast at hotel, and Move out for the
sight seeing of this historical place and
see the erotic temples of Khajuraho.
History of Temples:
Khajuraho temples were constructed between
950 and 1050 A.D. during the reign of Chandel
Empire. Khajuraho derives its name from
the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which
can be found in abundance in the area. These
temples are considered the "high point"
of Indian architectural genius in the Medieval
period.
Originally there were 85 temples, of which
only 22 still exist. The amazingly short
span of 100 years, from 950 AD - 1050 AD,
saw the completion of all the temples, in
an inspired burst of creativity. With the
wane of the Chandela empire, these magnificent
temples lay neglected, and vulnerable to
the ravages of Nature. It was only in this
century, that they were rediscovered, restored
and granted the recognition that they justly
deserve. The murals depict the life and
times of the Chandelas, and celebrate the
erotic state of being. They not only testify
to the mastery of the craftsman, but also
to the extraordinary breadth of vision of
the Chandela Rajputs under whose reign,
these temples were constructed. Their style
of architecture was also rather peculiar
to their times. Each structure stands on
a high masonry platform with a distinct
upward direction to their build, further
enhanced by several vertical projections
to simulate the effect of an overall lightness.
The three main compartments are the entrance
(ardhamandapa), assembly hall (mandapa),
and the actual sanctum (garbha griha). The
temples are grouped into three geographical
divisions : western, eastern and southern.
The creators of Khajuraho claimed descent
from the moon. The legend that describes
the origin of this great dynasty is a fascinating
one : Hemavati, the beautiful young daughter
of a Brahmin priest was seduced by the moon
god while bathing in the Rati one evening.
The child born of this union between a mortal
and a god was a son, Chandravarman. Harassed
by society, the unwed mother sought refuge
in the dense forest of Central India where
she was both mother and guru to her young
son. The boy grew up to found the great
Chandela dynasty. When he was established
as a ruler, he had a dream-visitation from
his mother, who implored him to build temples
that would reveal human passions, and in
doing so bring about a realization of the
emptiness of human desire. Chandravarman
began the construction of the first of the
temples, successive rulers added to the
fast growing complex.
Yet another theory is that the erotica
of Khajuraho, and indeed of other temples,
had a specific purpose. In those days when
boys lived in hermitages, following the
Hindu law of being "brahmacharis"
until they attained manhood, the only way
they could prepare themselves for the worldly
role of 'householder' was through the study
of these sculptures and the earthly passions
they depicted.
If the temples of Khajuraho can be said
to have a theme, it is woman. A celebration
of woman and her myriad moods and facets-
Writing letters, applying kohl to her eyes,
brushing her hair, dancing with joyous abandon
playing with her child. Woman - innocent,
coquettish, smiling - infinitely seductive,
infinitely beautiful. Depicted in a wealth
of detail, sharply etched, sculpted with
consummate artistry. The philosophy of the
age dictated the enjoyment of the delights
of arth (material wealth) and kama (sensual
pleasures) while performing one's dharma
(duty) as the accepted way of life for the
grihastha (householder). Hence, the powerful
combination of the visual and sensual pleasures
combined with the duty attributed to the
worship of the Dieties brings about a powerful
transformation of the body and the soul.
To include all of these aspects of life
in one's early years makes it easier to
renounce them without regret or attachment
as one moves on to one's next stages of
life toward moksha (liberation).
Transfer to Jhansi railway station to catch
Overnight train to Delhi.
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