Pakistan is a paradigm example of a failed state that has undergone an extremely dangerous form of radical Islamisation.
Khajuraho Temples
Right through the Mughal invasion and the early British forays into India,
Khajuraho temples in India remained unknown. Rediscovered in this century, they
are fine reminders of India's glorious past.
To some, Khajuraho Temples are the most graphic, erotic and sensuous
sculptures of India, the world has ever known. But Khajuraho has not received
the attention it deserves for its significant contribution to the religious art
of India - there are literally hundreds of exquisite images on the interior and
exterior walls of the shrines.
Architecturally these temples are unique. While each temple in Khajuraho has
a distinct plan and design, several features are common to all. They are all
built on high platforms, several metres off the ground, either in granite or a
combination of light sandstone and granite. Each of these temples has an
entrance hall or mandapa, and a sanctum sanctorum or garbha griha. The roofs of
these various sections have a distinct form. The porch and hall have pyramidal
roofs made of several horizontal layers. The inner sanctum's roof is a conical
tower - a colossal pile of stone (often 30m high) made of an arrangement of
miniature towers called shikharas.
The famous Western group of temples are designated as the World Heritage Site
and is enclosed within a beautifully laid out park. The Lakshmana and Vishwanath
Temples to the front and The Kandriya Mahadev, Jagadami and Chitragupta Temples
displays the best craftmanship of Khajuraho
State :Madhya Pradesh
Location : The City of Khajuraho is situated in the forested plains of Madhya Pradesh in
the region known as Bundelkhand and at a reasonable distance from most cities
and town centers of the state
Major Groups of Khajuraho Temples
For the purpose of convenience, the village of Khajuraho has been divided
into three directional areas in which are located the major groups of temples .
Western Group Temples
These groups of Khajuraho temples are entirely Hindu, and constitute some of
the finest examples of Chandela art at its peak. The largest being the
Kandhariya Mahadev, followed by a granite temple - Chaunsath Yogini. The
Chitragupta Temple is dedicated to the Sun God, while the Vishwanath Temple
sports a three-headed image of Brahma - the Creator of the Universe. The
Lakshmana Temple is superbly decorated, while the Devi Jagdambi Temple is
dedicated to Goddess Kali. Other temples in the Western Group include the Varaha
Temple with a nine-feet high boar-incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the Matangeshwara
Temple with a eight-feet high lingam, and the Brahma Temple.
Eastern Group Temples
This group of Khajuraho tempels comprises of two historic Jain temples - the
Adinath Temple lavishly embellished with sculpted figures, and the Parsvanath
Temple, the largest Jain temple, sculpted with charming detail. There are other
shrines such as the Vamana Temple with apsaras in sensuous poses, and the Javari
Temple that has a richly-carved doorway. Click Here
Southern Group
This group has two impressive Khajuraho temples, mainly belonging to the 12th
century - the Chaturbhuja Temple, with a massive, carved image of Vishnu, and
the Duladeo Temple, one of the last temples of the Chandela era, dedicated to
Lord Shiva.
Symbolising a medieval legacy, the Khajuraho temples of India are a perfect
fusion of architectural and sculptural excellence, representing one of the
finest examples of Indian art.
