In this Article we will discuss about Architectural Features of Khajuraho Temples B.A Ancient History Notes. For exam Perspective Architectural Features of Khajuraho Temples is very important topic.
Introduction
The Khajuraho temples, located in the state of Madhya Pradesh in central India, are famous for their stunning architecture and intricate carvings. These temples were built between the 9th and 12th centuries by the Chandela dynasty, and they reflect the artistic and cultural achievements of ancient India. The temples of Khajuraho are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors from around the world due to their beautiful design and historical importance. These temples are especially well-known for their detailed sculptures, which depict gods, goddesses, animals, and scenes from everyday life.
Historical Background
The Khajuraho group of temples was built during the reign of the Chandela dynasty, who were known for their patronage of art and architecture. The temples were primarily dedicated to Hindu gods like Shiva, Vishnu, and Devi, but there are also some Jain temples in the complex. Over time, the temples were abandoned and forgotten, and many of them were hidden under dense forest until rediscovered in the 19th century. Today, Khajuraho is an important historical and religious site, as well as a popular tourist destination.
Architectural Style
The temples of Khajuraho are primarily built in the Nagara style, which is a typical architectural style for North Indian temples. The Nagara style is characterized by a curving tower or spire, called the Shikhara, which is the most prominent feature of the temple. The spire symbolizes Mount Meru, the mythical center of the universe in Hindu cosmology, representing the connection between heaven and earth.
The temples are built with sandstone, and the stone is intricately carved to create beautiful sculptures. The overall design of the temples is highly symbolic, with the entire structure representing the body of a divine being or god. The temples are often surrounded by walls adorned with detailed carvings and surrounded by courtyards. They are usually elevated on platforms, which separate the sacred space from the outside world.
Main Features of the Khajuraho Temples
The Sanctum (Garbhagriha)
At the heart of each temple is the sanctum or garbhagriha, which is the most sacred part of the temple. This is where the main deity of the temple is enshrined, and it is the focal point for worship and devotion. The sanctum is a small, dark room that symbolizes the womb or origin of the universe. The idol of the god or goddess is placed in the sanctum, and devotees perform rituals and prayers here.
The Mandapa (Hall)
In front of the sanctum is the mandapa, or hall, which serves as a gathering space for worshippers. The mandapa is often large and open, with a number of pillars that support the roof. These pillars are highly decorative, with detailed carvings of gods, goddesses, and mythological scenes. The mandapa is used for rituals, music, dance, and other religious activities. In many Khajuraho temples, the mandapa is decorated with intricate carvings, often depicting stories from Hindu mythology.
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The Shikhara (Tower)
The Shikhara is the towering spire that rises above the sanctum and is the most recognizable feature of Khajuraho temples. It is built in a pyramidal shape and symbolizes the mountain that connects heaven and earth. The Shikhara is usually adorned with small sculptures and carvings that add to the beauty and complexity of the design. The tower is an essential part of the Nagara architectural style, which aims to create a spiritual connection between the temple and the divine.
The Sculptures and Carvings
One of the most unique features of the Khajuraho temples is the intricate and elaborate carvings that cover the walls, ceilings, and pillars. The carvings depict various deities, celestial beings, dancers, animals, and mythological scenes. The sculptures are highly detailed and skillfully crafted, showcasing the craftsmanship of the artists of that time.
Many of the carvings at Khajuraho depict gods and goddesses like Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, and Lakshmi. These figures are beautifully represented in various postures and expressions. Other sculptures show animals, such as elephants, horses, and lions, which are often symbolic in Hindu mythology.
One of the most famous aspects of Khajuraho is its erotic sculptures. These carvings, often found on the outer walls of the temples, depict couples in intimate embraces and are thought to represent the balance between the physical and spiritual worlds. The erotic sculptures are not meant to be inappropriate but rather symbolize the concept of life and love in Hindu philosophy.
The Pillars
The pillars in the Khajuraho temples are another notable feature. They are tall and sturdy, supporting the roof of the mandapa and other structures. Many of the pillars are adorned with carvings, and some are highly decorative, with images of gods, dancers, and celestial beings. The designs of the pillars vary from temple to temple, but they all share the same level of artistic detail.
The carvings on the pillars are meant to tell stories or convey religious ideas. Some pillars depict scenes from Hindu epics, such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, while others show daily life during the time of the temple’s construction. The pillars are important because they support the structure of the temple while also contributing to the artistic beauty of the design.
The Temples’ Layout and Organization
The temples at Khajuraho are often arranged in a specific layout, with several temples grouped together in an area. The temples are typically surrounded by a wall, and many of them are placed on elevated platforms to separate the sacred space from the rest of the environment.
Some temples at Khajuraho are dedicated to a single deity, while others are designed to house multiple deities. The temples are organized in a way that creates a spiritual journey for the worshipper, with each area leading to the next, from the outer walls to the innermost sanctum.
Symbolism and Spiritual Meaning
The architecture and design of the Khajuraho temples are deeply symbolic. Every part of the temple, from the spire to the carvings, holds spiritual meaning. The structure of the temple represents the body of the divine, with the garbhagriha symbolizing the heart or center of the divine being. The outer walls of the temple are often decorated with carvings that represent various aspects of life, from divine figures to daily activities, highlighting the connection between the divine and earthly existence.
The erotic sculptures, often misunderstood, represent the idea of fertility, creation, and the unity of opposites in Hindu philosophy. These sculptures were seen as a symbol of the divine energy that flows through all life, linking physical and spiritual worlds.
Conclusion
The Khajuraho temples are a remarkable example of ancient Indian architecture. Their intricate design, impressive spires, and detailed sculptures have made them a significant part of India’s cultural heritage. The temples are a beautiful blend of art, spirituality, and craftsmanship, with each part of the structure serving a symbolic and functional purpose. The stunning carvings of gods, goddesses, animals, and erotic figures make the Khajuraho temples unique, showcasing the skill and creativity of the architects and artists of that time. Today, these temples remain a source of inspiration for architects, historians, and art lovers from around the world.