Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho Temples - A Celebration
Of Life
The existing temple of Khajuraho can be divided into three groups, Western, Eastern and Southern. The famous Western Group, designated a World Heritage site, is enclosed within a beautifully laid-out park. Yasovarman (AD 954) built the temple of Lord Vishnu, now famous as Lakshmana temple is an ornate and evolved example of its time proclaiming the prestige of the Chandellas.
The Vishvanatha, Parsvanatha and Vaidyanatha temples in Khajuraho belong to
the time of king Dhanga, the successor of Yasovarman. The Jagadambi, Chitragupta,
are noteworthy among the western group of royal temples of Khajuraho. The largest
and grandest temple of Khajuraho is the immortal Kandariya Mahadeva, which is
attributed to king Ganda (AD 1017-29). The other examples that followed viz.,
Vamana, Adinatha, Javari, Chaturbhuj and Duladeo, are smaller but elaborately
designed. The Khajuraho group of temples are noted for lofty terraces (jagati)
and functionally effective plans. The sculptural embellishments include, besides
the cult images; 'Parivara', 'Parsva', 'Avarana' 'Devatas',
'Dikpalas', the 'Apsaras' 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.
