Tumgik
#Chitragupta Khajuraho Temple
colin-ross · 7 days
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
I finally made it to Khajuraho today, after two (lengthy) train journeys. I missed out on Khajuraho, along with Hampi, when I visited India last year and was determined to see them this time.
So what’s here you ask, well temple and a lot of them (though not as many as there was. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments are a group of Hindu and Jain temples, there were well over 80 no now there are about 22 left. I only had time to explore the Western Group, but those are the main ones.
The temples are probably best know for having some ‘erotic’ carvings and there are some scattered in the photographs I took. I probably missed quite a lot of the erotic art as I wasn’t overly looking for it - I did see you could get a tour guide just to see it all! The erotic stuff is only on the outside of the temples, nothing untoward inside.
The Khajuraho temples were built between 885 and 1000 CE by the Chandela dynasty. The temple complex was forgotten and overgrown by the jungle until 1838 when Captain T.S. Burt, a British engineer, came across them.
There is a logically route to follow. I started with the biggest temple - the Kandaria Mahadev Temple, it is dedicated to Shiva and has many spires to resemble Mountain Kailasha in Himalayas. Next up was the Devi Jagadambi Temple, followed by the Chitragupta Temple. The Parvati Temple was next followed by the Visvanatha Temple and Nandi Shrine. The last temples I visited were the Pratapeshwar Temple, Laksmi Temple, Varaha Temple and Lakshmana Temple which were in their own section.
0 notes
mptourandtourism · 2 years
Text
Stately Khajuraho, expressing the love and heritage
Khajuraho an ancient city located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh is known for it’s magnificent temples and intricate sculptures. These sculptures are built in the medieval period by the Chandela Dynasty, the UNESCO site of the ‘Khajuraho Group of Monuments’ is famous for its Nagara-Style architecture and graceful sculptures of female protagonists of Indian mythologies called ‘Nayikas’ and the Hindu deities.
Features of the sculptures carved on the temples
Built between 950–1050 AD, these temples represent various forms of meditation, spiritual teachings, and relationships, through stimulating art. The first recorded mention of the Khajuraho group of temples comes from the written archives of Abu Rihan al-Biruni in 1022 CE and the well-known traveler from Arab, Ibn Batuta. The majority of these temples are made up of sandstones of different colors except the Chausathyogini, Brahma, and Lalguan-Mahadeva temples which are made from granite. These stones are likely to have been obtained from the Panna quarries on the eastern side of the river Ken.
The Khajuraho Group of Temples is divided into three groups: Eastern, Western and Southern. Beautiful, detailed, and expressive, the sculptures of the Khajuraho temples will leave you in awe and wonder.
Here are some of the best places to visit in and around Khajuraho that you must add to your bucket list
Kandariya Mahadev Temple
This world famous temple has approximately 870 majestic sculptures carved on the interior and exterior walls. The sanctum has beautiful floral carvings and the interior has a Shivlinga. Three sections of the outer wall depict statues of gods, goddesses, and mythological creatures. There are many other temples and sites like Chaunsath Yogini, Chitragupta, Vishwanath and Lakshmana temples in the western group.
Bhagawan Parshwanath Digambar Jain Mandir
This is the biggest Jain temple among the eastern group which is meticulously detailed. The Parsvanath sculpture was placed in the year 1860. On the northern exterior wall, the sculptures are quite interesting and depict ordinary life in artistic ways. Within, a throne is positioned in front of the bull symbol of Adinath, the first Tirthankara.
Sound & Light Show
This enthralling sound and light show showcase the lives and times of the great Chandela Kings and the historical chronicles of the magnificent temples built in the tenth and eleventh centuries. The 50-minute spectacle, which is projected on the complex of the Western Group of temples, is performed in Hindi and English every evening. The Indian megastar Amitabh Bachchan narrates the tale of Khajuraho in his pre-recorded mesmerizing voice.
State Museum of Tribal and Folk Arts
At the Chandela Cultural Complex, a magnificent collection of masterpieces of tribal and traditional arts and antiquities from all around Madhya Pradesh are on exhibit. The State Museum’s collection includes around 500 art pieces of terracotta, metalwork, woodwork, tribal and folk art, tattoos, jewelry, and masks. The museum is open from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m., on all days except Mondays and government holidays.
Raneh Water Falls
This fall is located on the magnificent Ken river. Here, the primary attraction is the 5-kilometer-long, 100-foot-deep Canyon of Crystalline Granite. This granite features pink, red, hazy white, green, and grey shades.
Panna National Park
Panna National Park, which stretches along the Ken River, is a 30-minute drive from Khajuraho. Other than the tiger, various magnificent species such as the leopard, wolf, and crocodile may be seen here. One can also sight Herds of Blue Cow(Nilgai), Chinkara, and Sambar in Panna National Park. There is a marvellous Pandav Falls nearby.
Tomb of Maharaja Chhatrasal
Maharaja Chhatrasal (4 May 1649–19 December 1731), was a medieval Indian warrior who fought against the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, and established his own kingdom in Bundelkhand, becoming a Maharaja. The tomb of Maharaja Chhatrasal is an octagonal structure built in the 18th century A. D.
If you are planning a trip to Khajuraho in February, you can be a part of the Khajuraho Dance Festival and witness the magnificent city unveil its architectural glory, as renowned artists perform in the backdrop of the historical monuments. This grand cultural extravaganza is a stunning blend of art and architecture.
Source URL- https://www.mptourism.com/stately-khajuraho-expressing-the-love-and-heritage.html
1 note · View note
ancienthinduism · 5 years
Text
art.sensuality.hinduism . an equisite perfection of sculptures ~KHAJURAHO
Tumblr media
~ kandariya mahadev temple
Khajuraho was an ancient city in the Madhya Pradesh region of northern India. From the 10th to 12th century CE it was the capital of the Chandella kings who ruled Bundelkhand. Khajuraho is popular for its group of artistic temples which were built by the Chandela rulers between the 10th and 12th Century. Chandela rulers were the great patrons of art and this is the reason that the Khajuraho group of temples is known for its sculptural wealth. Despite Khajuraho’s once great reputation as an important cultural centre there are no surviving non-religious buildings, but the presence of 35 Hindu and Jain temples make it one of the most significant historical sites in India today and worthy of its name given by the 11th century CE Muslim historian Abu Rihan Alberuni as ‘the City of the Gods’. Khajuraho is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.There were some 85 temples constructed during the aforementioned period but only 25 temples remain in the complex today.
The Khajuraho temples are even mentioned in the records of Al Biruni and Ibn Battuta. All the temples are built out of fine sandstone except Chausath Yogini, Brahma and Lalguan-Mahadeva temples constructed out of granite.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ~
Most of the Khajuraho temples were built between 950 and 1050 CE during the Chandela Dynasty. According to histories, the temple site had 85 temples by 12th century and 25 only survived, of which the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple built by King Vidyadhara is the famous for its intricate sculptures and arts. Kings Yashovarman and Dhanga are famous for their construction of The Lakshmana Temple and Vishvanatha Temple respectively.
Many of the currently surviving temples contain inscriptions that most of them are built between 970 and 1030 CE. The first recorded mention of the Khajuraho temples is in the accounts of Abu Rihan al Biruni in AD 1022 and the Arab traveler Ibn Battuta in AD 1335.
Khajuraho is believed to be the religious capital of Chandelas. The group of temples was enclosed by a wall with 8 gates, with each gate flanked by 2 date/palm trees. Hence, it is called as Khajura-vahika meaning Date Bearing. Khajuraho is also mentioned as Jejakbhukti in historical records.After the fall of Chandela Dynasty, Muslims invaded the region and the temples were hidden under forests from 13th to 18th century until they were rediscovered by T.S. Burt, a British surveyor in 1830.
The Chandelas were followers of the Tantric cult which believes that gratification of earthly desires is a step towards attaining the ultimate liberation. Tantrism has been mostly misunderstood and the Philosophical part of Tantras like the Mahanirvana Tantra have been totally forgotten. This was one of the reasons why Tantrics perished. Nevertheless it remains a distinct path of Spiritual Practice though it has very few followers all over the world.
Tumblr media
Categories of Sculptures
Tumblr media
Based on their nature, the sculpture in Khajuraho is categorized into five. The first group of sculptures is the cult images. The second category of images that occur in the niches comprises of enclosing divinities, family, and the attendants. The third and the most dominant group of sculptures are that of the apsaras and the sura-sundries who are portrayed in dancing postures and graceful nymphs respectively.
The fourth group of sculptures is secular images depicting scenes like teacher and student, dancer and musicians, erotic couples, etc. The last category of sculptures is that of animals including the mythical beasts. We find the sculptural art at its zenith in the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple.
Tumblr media
~a close architectural overview of Kandariya mahadev temple, khajuraho.
The Importance of the Erotic Sculptures
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Amongst all the group of sculptures mentioned, the erotic sculptures are considered to be exemplary in highlighting the sensuous human emotion. To quote art historian Krishna Deva, ‘the sculptural art of Khajuraho surpasses the medieval school of Orissa in revealing the sensuous charms of the human body’. Some consider the erotic sculptures as an illustration from the ancient text of Kamasutra. The stress is laid on considering sex as a source of creation. The sensual element has always been described in the ancient literature and folk tradition.
Western, Eastern and Southern Group of Temples
Tumblr media
~ Vishvanath temple
Tumblr media
~Lakshmana temple
The western group of temples is the most visited ones by the tourists. It comprises the Lakshmana temple, the magnificent Kandariya-Mahadeva Temple, Chitragupta temple and Vishvanath temple. Kandariya Mahadeva is the largest monument in Khajuraho with its architecture depicting the splendid and considerably taller sculptures and also the Central style of architecture. The eastern group of temples includes the Brahma temple, Vamana temple, and other Jain temples.
Means of Transport ~
By Air: The nearest airport is Delhi International Airport. From Delhi , a connecting flight plies to the Khajuraho Airport which is 2 km from the Khajuraho City.
By Train: Khajuraho has its own railway station named after the famous temple. The railway station is around 5 km away from the popular tourist spots of Khajuraho. Rental cars are available from the station premise to Khajuraho temples.
By Road: Khajuraho is well connected by roadway to major cities like Jhansi, Orchha, Katni, Chattarpur etc. Many kinds of buses are available that one can select from to reach Khajuraho from different parts of North India.
Tumblr media
‘The basic Universal Divine Energy (Shakti) is a symbol of the union of man and woman and it is the main spiritual emotion in Hindu art depicted in the man-woman sculptures seen in Amravati, Khajuraho, Konark, etc.Here Divine Energy (Shakti) manifests  in the man-woman union, the basis of Vedic art and culture. Sculptures in the Ajanta caves are also a depiction of the man and woman, but sexual congress is prohibited in the sculptures’.  Bharatiya SanskrutiKosh, pages 166-169
29 notes · View notes
Tumblr media
Khajuraho Dance Festival 20 Feb.2020 to 26 Feb.2020 - Khajuraho Dance Festival , organised by the Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad, is a one-week festival of classical dances held annually against the spectacular backdrop of the magnificently lit Khajuraho temples in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh state in central India. The festival is conducted in February from the 20th to the 26th. This cultural festival highlights the richness of the Indian classical dance styles such as Kathak, Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, and Kathakali with performances of some of the best exponents in the field. Modern Indian dance has been added recently. The dances are performed in an open-air auditorium, usually in front of the Chitragupta Temple  dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and the Vishvanatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, belonging to the western group. The festival features dance performances by artists of world fame. Contact us for get Free Entry Pass.. ASAHI INDIA TOURS Cell No.09425342105 email: [email protected] www.safaripannatigerreserve.com https://www.instagram.com/p/B5EcXLdnscX/?igshid=1xane4n1b4fs9
0 notes
optimatravels · 5 years
Text
Book Golden Triangle Tour with Khajuraho with Optima Travels
Tumblr media
This year, you might be looking to take a holiday somewhere you haven’t been before—places that can combine fun with some learning. So, how about doing a Golden Triangle Tour with Khajuraho? As you already know, the Golden Triangle Tour comprises visiting Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikhri and Jaipur. Add to this basic tour a unique travel destination like Khajuraho and enjoy a holiday of a lifetime. The wonderful erotic frescoes here that have survived the ravages of time since centuries are absolutely amazing.
Whereas Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are known to be steeped in history, Khajuraho is a World Heritage Site, UNESCO, and is famed for its carved temples. Soothing and lovely weather in winters (October to March) create all favourable conditions to visit Khajuraho. Being on a plateau, its salubrious weather makes your journey to and stay in Khajuraho a comfortable trip. Apart from this Golden Triangle Tour with Khajuraho, there are many more Khajuraho Tour Packages and you can choose any of them as per your liking. Furthermore, all these Khajuraho tours are customizable to your unique or individual requirements. Optima Travels, a reputed travel company in India, takes care of all travel needs of a visitor.
Let’s look at a typical itinerary for you:
Your itinerary:
Your trip begins in Delhi, the site of the Mughal, Rajput and British rulers. No wonder, it is an amalgam of history from different eras and therefore different types of architecture and sculptures. After visiting ancient monuments and exploring buzzing bazaars in Delhi, move on to Agra where you will see the world-famous Taj Mahal. Proceed from here to Jaipur, the seat of royalty and the perfect grounds for palaces, forts and other historical relics. On the way, drop at Fatehpur Sikhri, the erstwhile Mughal capital made in red sandstone. Return to Delhi and board a plane to reach the temple town of Khajuraho.
In Khajuraho, admire the craftsmanship of the Chandela kings. Intricate sculptures adorn the walls of Kandariya Mahadeo Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Jagdamba Temple, Chitragupta Temple, etc. Stay overnight here after your 4 Days Golden Triangle Tour India and prepare to leave for Delhi next morning. Your holiday ends when you reach Delhi. Visiting Khajuraho is a great experience, one no one would like to miss. So, when added to great and historical cities like Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, it’s a dream holiday for anyone. So, why not take up a trip of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Khajuraho for about eight days? If you’re keen to do this trip and enjoy India’s historical relics and culture, this trip would be just perfect one for you.
Once you decide, you can get in touch with a highly rated and trusted travel agency, like Optima Travels. We do everything for you to make your trip memorable—right from your train or air journeys to your hotel bookings and reservations at the various sights. We are known to be meticulous in our planning and arrangements, so your holiday will go off without a hitch. You can choose to do a 5 Days Golden Triangle Tour India with Khajuraho. You set the number of days and set off on this wonderful holiday.
And, if you have any special need for a member of your group, kindly let us know so that we can make adequate arrangements for them. And yes, after you book with us, you also stand to get hefty discounts. So, get in touch with optimatravels.com today, and let’s set the ball rolling.
0 notes
versedio · 5 years
Photo
Tumblr media
4/4/19: Khajuraho, Chitragupta. #travel #adventure #nickylostinindia #nickydoesasia #India #fujifilm #instax #leica #sofort #film #staybrokeshootfilm #ishootfilm #buyfilmnotmegapixels #toohipsterfordigital #analog #filmisnotdead #khajuraho #khajurahotemples #temple #hindu (at Khajuraho Temples) https://www.instagram.com/p/By3FcvrnXa7/?igshid=15dej7phzyiqh
0 notes
holidaysatindia · 5 years
Photo
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Khajuraho Orchha Tour Package
#MadhyaPradeshTours #IndiaHeritageTours #IndiaTours2019
Book 6 days Khajuraho Orchha tour package with HolidaysAt India and get discounted deals on early bookings
https://zurl.co/GaU7
Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival At Gwalior - Orchha (124 Km/2:30 Hrs) On the day of arrival at Gwalior airport, our Holidays At representative will assist you at the airport and later drive to Orchha. Upon arrival at Orchha check in your hotel for night stay. Relax at the hotel or day free to leisure activities. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: At Orchha Today morning after breakfast at the hotel, later proceed for a full day guided tour to Orchha, visit Jahangir Fort, Rai Praveen Ka Mahal, riverside cenotaphs, Ram Raja Temple etc. Here fort located on the Island of Betwa River. All these monuments are of Bundela dynasty. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Orchha - Khajuraho (173 Km/3:30 Hrs) Today morning after breakfast at the hotel, later check out from the hotel and drive to Khajuraho. Upon arrival at Khajuraho check in your hotel for night stay.
Later proceed for a full day guided tour to Khajuraho, visit the world famous Khajuraho Temples. These temples were built by the Chandelas between 950 AD & 1050 AD. The important ones are Chaunset Yogini Kali Temple, the Mahadev Temple, Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely image of 11 headed Vishnu, Vishvanath & Nandi Temples, Lakshmana Temple, Visha Temple of Shiva, which is the largest & most typical of temples. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Khajuraho - Gwalior (280 Km/4:30 Hrs) Today morning after breakfast at the hotel, later check out from the hotel and drive to Gwalior. Upon arrival at Gwalior check in your hotel for night stay. Relax at the hotel or day free to leisure activities. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: At Gwalior Today morning after breakfast at the hotel, later proceed for a full day guided tour to Gwalior, visit Gwalior Fort, Man Mandir Palace, Suraj Kund, Jal Vilas Palace and Museum, Tombs of Ghaus Mohammed and Tansen, Gujari Mahal and Archaeological Museum and Teli-ka-Mandir. Relax at the hotel or day free to leisure activities. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6: Departure from Gwalior Today morning after breakfast at the hotel, later check out from the hotel and transfer to Gwalior airport to board the flight to your home.
0 notes
payalmathur · 5 years
Text
4 Marvelous Places To Visit In Madhya Pradesh For All History Buffs!
In the heart of India resides a spectacular state which is an integral part of the glorious history and culture of the country. Madhya Pradesh is the state which is located in central India and is bestowed with historical places, vibrant culture, diverse wildlife, stunning temples, and picturesque landscapes. The state has it all and is perfect for all kinds of travelers. From Sanchi Stupa in Bhopal to Rajwada in Indore, Madhya Pradesh will take you back to the ancient history of India and will make your vacation memorable for sure. Another eminent part of this state is its traditional food that you must try on your vacation. Madhya Pradesh’s impeccable cities have a lot which one can explore and it may take days to do that.
There are many magnificent places that you can visit in this state and which Madhya Pradesh Tourism boasts of. Famed for its caves, forts, and topography, this state will make you extend your vacation as it has many tourist attractions which are quite alluring and you can’t resist them. To help you visit the best ones here is a handy list which you must check out before heading out on your next vacation.
1. Sanchi Stupa 
One of the best places to visit in Madhya Pradesh is Sanchi Stupa which is located near the capital city Bhopal. The grand Stupa in Sanchi is not only the oldest stone structure but also an eminent monument of Indian architecture. The Stupa is built on the relics of Lord Buddha and was commissioned by the great Indian ruler Ashoka in the 2nd century. Sanchi Stupa is also one of the prime destinations visited by tourists from all around the world.
2. Rajwada
Built 2 centuries ago by the Holkar of the Maratha Empire, Rajwada is an important tourist attraction in Indore. To witness the marvelous architecture of the Maratha empire you should visit this historical place. Rajwada is the depiction of Maratha architecture style. This place is a paragon of Indo-Saracenic architecture and is a seven-storied structure with a lush green garden which will surely leave you in awe!
3. Ralamandal
All the wildlife enthusiasts should visit this place located in Indore. Ralamandal is a wildlife sanctuary which is quite famous among travelers. You can witness the exotic wildlife of Madhya Pradesh at this sanctuary. You can spot a leopard or a black buch here. You can also find plant species like eucalyptus and babul here. Go relax amidst nature and soak in some calm at this serene sanctuary.
4. Western Group Of Temples
One of the well-known UNESCO world heritage sites in India is the Khajuraho group of temples located in Chhatarpur. This group is a mix of Jain and Hindu temples which reflect beauty and charm. These temples were built by the Chandela Dynasty between 950 to 1050. Some of the famous temples that you should visit are Varaha Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Kandariya Mahadeo Temple, Chitragupta Temple, Chausath Yogini Temple, and  Matangeshwar Temple. 
This handy list of places that you should visit to witness the best of Madhya Pradesh tourism has all the details that you may require on your vacation. To have an encounter with the rich history and culture of India you should visit Madhya Pradesh once in your life for sure. 
0 notes
oursubsolo · 6 years
Photo
Tumblr media
Chitragupta temple • Khajuraho | India #architecture #temple #design #khajuraho #tantra #tantratemple #madhyapradhesh #india (à Khajuraho - खजुराहो, Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, India)
0 notes
Text
Things You Should Know About Khajuraho Dance Festival
Tumblr media
The famous temples of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh State are popular for its archaeological excellence. The temples were built during the Chandela Dynasty between 250 and 1050AD. The Temples of Khajuraho strike a perfect balance between architecture and statue. In the year 1986, UNESCO designated this group of temples as a world heritage site. Khajuraho Temples are incredibly famous among tourist coming to khajuraho tour. Per year in the month of February - March, Khajuraho Dance Festival is organized by the Kala Parishad under the Madhya Pradesh government. Well-known Classical Dancers from all India performs during this Dance festival at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. The aim of organizing this event is to promote cultural heritage and traditional dances of India.
Dancers from abroad also perform in this week long celebration in Madhya Pardesh. In real time performances of classical dances like Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, and Bharatnatyam, Manipuri are the key attractions of these dance festival. The festival of Khajuraho Dance is internationally identified by international dancers and academies. A large number of international tourists come to India for classical dances like Khajuraho Festival of Dances.
Every year in the months of February and March, Dance Festival of Khajuraho travel in Madhya Pradesh celebrates the beauty of human emotions. The dance festival takes place in front of the Chitragupta & Vishwanatha Temple. The two temples are dedicated to the Sun Goa and Lord Shiva correspondingly. The temples are found in the Western Group of temples, which is the most significant & easily accessible of all group of temples in Khajuraho.
The major idea behind Khajuraho Madhya Pradesh Dance Celebration is to help make the cultural heritage of Khajuraho related to the present society and keeping it for the getting close to generation. On this occasion a number of renowned artists and craftsmen participates in the workshop and seminar and present their art to the many site visitors. And during this seven days festival, there is also a market within an open field where the visitors can get the complete local made articles of Khajuraho. This festival is known with our country but also to the outside of world in particular.
0 notes
competitiveguide · 7 years
Text
Khajuraho Dance Festival 2017 Begins in Madhya Pradesh
In Madhya Pradesh, the world famous Khajuraho Dance Festival begins. Eminent Indian classical dancers will perform during the seven day event. This Dance Festival presents colourful and brilliant Indian dances in the backdrop of the famous Khajuraho temples. The performances includes Documentaries, Short Films related to fine Arts and Classical dance forms that are performed in open-air auditorium usually in front of the Chitragupta Temple dedicated to Surya (Sun God) and Vishwanatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva It is a cultural festival that highlights the richness of the various Indian classical dance styles. Live performances of classical dances like Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Bharatnatyam, and Mohniattam will be major attraction this time. More about this : http://ift.tt/2lBhAgh
From Blogger http://ift.tt/2l2Hp5M via http://ift.tt/2aY4od2
0 notes
versedio · 5 years
Photo
Tumblr media
Chitragupta. #travel #adventure #nickylostinindia #nickydoesasia #India #khajuraho #khajurahotemples #temple #flower (at Khajuraho Temples) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvy2AAPnUHc/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=15wyzzbwbu2ts
0 notes