(Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh)
A masterpiece!
An ultimate expression of Vedic style, stands out for its balance and upward momentum
The perfection extends down to even the smallest decorative details, though another remote UNESCO World Heritage site: Khajuraho! 25 magnificent temples of Chandelas dynasty, 1200 years old & among the finest & most evolved examples of architecture & sculptures on the planet.
Khajurao, a brilliant burst of artistic flowering..for example those soaring temple spires (esp Lakshman & Kandariya Mahadev), meant to resemble the Himalayan peaks (esp mount Kailasha, abode of Lord Shiva), as in a range of mountains that seems to draw near the heavens…
This temple site are located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. A World heritage site recognised by UNESCO features Hindu and Jain temples. They are famous for their Nagara style architecture. Most of Khajuraho temples were built by Chandellas between 950 & 1050 AD. This temple site had 85 temples (20 Sq Km) once upon a time. But we have left with just 25 temples (6 Sq KM) after lot of invasions, natural disasters,etc & attract tourists from all parts of the world.
The temples have several 1000 statues & artworks. Majority of arts depict various kinds of everyday life, mythical stories as well as secular and spiritual values. Hybrid mythical artwork include Vrik Vyala (hybrid of wolf & lion) and Gaja Vyala (hybrid of elephant & lion).
A Lady Writing Letter, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
The temples at Khajuraho were built during the Chandella Rajput dynasty. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple,one of the best examples of temples preserved from the medieval period in India. The superb craftsmanship of about 900 sculptures, reflected in the impressive and refined architecture of the temple, gives an insight into the city's royal past.
The temples of Khajuraho are known for the harmonious integration of sculptures with their architecture. All surfaces are profusely carved with anthropomorphic and non-anthropomorphic motifs depicting sacred and secular themes. Sculptures depicting acts of worship, clan and minor deities, and couples in union, all reflect the sacred belief system. Other themes mirror social life through depictions of domestic scenes, teachers and disciples, dancers and musicians, and amorous couples. The composition and finesse achieved by the master craftsmen give the stone surfaces of the Khajuraho temples a rare vibrancy and sensitivity to the warmth of human emotions.
Mathematical advancement in India under Chandela Rajput rule. This inscription on the entrance of one of the Khajuraho temples is anything but ordinary, it is world's first 4x4 magic squares called Chautisa.
The extraordinary thing about this 4x4 magic square inscribed in mid 10th century is that, all 1 to 16 numbers are arranged in such way that every number comes only once and the sum of all the horizontal lines is 34 and so is sum of all the vertical lines. Above that both the diagonal also sums equal to 34. All 4 mini squares on the corner equals to 34 and also the square in the middle. Now the similar magic square was created in the Europe more than 5 centuries later by a German named Albrecht Dürer, which by the way was still inferior to Khajuraho's magic square as Khajuraho's magic square has one more property which Dürer's square lacked that is even the broken diagonal in Khajuraho's Chautisa equal to 34 which was not the case with german one even though, it was created more than 5 centuries later. See for example 12+8+5+(next number from the last line i.e. 9) = 34. Same for all half squares on either side, eg 12+1+6+15=34.
This inscription also give definite proof of the one of the first use of the modern numeral system the so called Hindu-Arabic numerals which should have been called Hindu numerals, arabs had no part in inventing it, they just spread it to the west from India.
Incredible living legacy of our ancestors History, art & sculpture beautifully comes together in Khajuraho Temple(MP), This temple represent one expression of many forms of arts that flourished in Rajput kingdoms of India.
Yet had a mixed emotion of pride, pain and anger.
Almost every idol is deformed. The info board has absolutely no mention about who destroyed these.
We could see both, how our ancestors creating divinity on rocks and those peaceful vultures biting on it.
Devi Chamunda, Kandariya Mahadev, Khajuraho, MP (10th c. CE) by Chandela Rajputs
One of the thousands of sublime Murtis broken by Sikandar Lodi in 1495 CE and We have Lodi Gardens in Delhi named after him. India celebrates all her oppressors.
The disfiguring of temple carvings of devis and even ordinary ladies depicting life several 1000 yrs ago. Imagine the depravity of the Islamic invaders who disfigured faces, breasts, amongst other things. What a loss to our civilisation in the hands of barbarians. They have not changed with time. Bamiyan Budha in Afghanistan is a recent example.
Originally there were 85 temples in Khajuraho across 20 sq km, only 22 remain. Only 10% of carvings are on erotic themes. It is so disturbing to see - each one of these was a masterpiece unmatched in the world & thousands of them were desecrated. One’s soul screams on seeing such rampant inexplicable destruction.
The beginning of the Chandel Rajput dynasty is believed to have originated from Lord Chandradeva. In ancient times, his son established the Jejakbhukti or Bundelkhand with his inspiration.
The display of Kaam art at the temple of Khajuraho is world famous. Kama is one of the four Purusharthas, Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.
Out of four Purusharth, the so-called ,in fact the much celebrated one through inapt calibration of inputs, "KAAM" stands for KAAMNA(i.e., ICHCHHAA and thus related to one's ICHCHHAA-SHAKTI which resides into HEART-CHAKRA and that of whose ruling Goddess is MATA SARASWATI). Now due to the disinterest of most of the people at large, there remained incapabilities to inculcate DIVINE KNOWLEDGE(for what Maa Saraswati always stands for) which could have paved one's path to ultimate bliss in lieu of nervous yet temporal love!
For explanations of the very same, please check the scriptures. In fact, this aspect of PURUSHARTH is of utmost importance due to involvement of one's(esp., the one of human in specific) FREE WILL where real creativity is being aspected by none other than his/her own SANCHIT-KARMA(i.e., PRALABDH) which in turn creates destiny of the native. The more constructive his/her thoughts[only for SAKARM type to be involved thereto] would be, higher would be the compliance to Divine Constitution.
This Mother and Child sculpture from 12th cen (Khajuraho, Chandela dynasty) is absolutely stunning n strengthens our ancient cultural heritage.
AKARM(of NISHKAM BHAV) is for highest order of TAPASWI who devotes everything to his/her Almighty.
While VIKARM is of devilish.
अकर्म :–
कर्मण्यकर्म यः पश्येदकर्मणि च कर्म यः।
स बुद्धिमान् मनुष्येषु स युक्तः कृत्स्नकर्मकृत्।।
(गीता, अध्याय 4, श्लोक संख्या 18)
अर्थात्
जो मनुष्य कर्म में अकर्म देखता है और जो अकर्म में कर्म देखता है वह मनुष्योें में बुद्धिमान् है, योगी है और सम्पूर्ण कर्मों को करनेवाला है।
Prabodhcandrodaya by Kṛṣṇa Miśra, written around the end of 11th cent. is a celebration of the Chandelas recovery under Kīrtivarman after a sixty-year period of debilitation due to the influence of their rival Kalachuris and invasions of Mahmūd of Ghazni. It talks of one Prabodhaśiva, a Kaula Tantric sent by Yuvarāja II of the Kalachuris, tasked with bringing down the dynasty from within, which he did by debauching & thus weakening the Chandelas—Dhaṅgadeva & Gaṇḍadeva—through the sexual excesses of his tantric practices. A notable by-product of this psyop disguised as some sādhanā was the Kandāriya temple of Khajuraho, replete with Kaula motifs and sculptures.
Kandariya Mahadeva seems far too arresting, intricate and exquisite to be the byproduct of a superficial Shakti-less psyop.. could it be that this text just reflects the victor of a power struggle badmouthing the previously dominant Parampara?Though the author is indeed quite negative about the older tradition of the dynasty, and given Kīrtivarman was a Vaishnava, sectarian biases does seem to be at play.
In the temples, the bottom row is for kids, middle row is for young prince to learn about sex, top row is to become sanyas after you become old. If you observed the carvings. They have lot of carvings based on Kamasutra. One thing we’ve realized is that the eroticism is meant to indicate the attachments of material world. They’re mainly carved in the base, while deities reside above.
The Kaam in the temples was first depicted on the temple of Ellora which was later expanded to the temple of Khajuraho.
Kaam is the basis of Maithuni creation. The person whose Kaam is disturbed is not a healthy member for the society. It is not just for entertainment but for creation of this Shrishti, whatever be your approach with Kaam, the child will be born with the similar behaviour.
The person whose Kaam is disturbed is not a healthy member for the society. It is not just for entertainment but for creation of this Shrishti, whatever be your approach with Kaam, the child will be born with the similar behaviour.
When the temple of Khajuraho was built, King Dhangadeva had surplus production. He told his Pradhan Shilpi that the wonderful and unique creation of a world, Shilpi designed the temple.
When Chandel Naresh Dhangadeva saw the kaam in art painting on the temple, he ordered Pradhan Shilpi to be Arrested and ordered death penalty for him. The ancient tradition of India has been that the offender is given a few days to repent, after which the last wish of the time of execution is asked, if possible, it is fulfilled. When Shilpi was asked any last wish, then he said that I have to meet Chandel Maharaj, can you fulfill it? This message was passed on to Chandel king. He agreed to meet.
The craftsman said, "O King, you have only seen the temple from outside. Once you see it from inside, then you can execute me." Chandel Naresh came to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple this time. He told Shilpi that it was a peaceful experience, what a secret behind it?
Shilpi said that the outer wall of the temple is not only a display of kaam, but the whole lust of human has been displayed. horses, elephants, women, men, Varaha, Dev etc. You just saw the kaam outside of temple.
Sculpture of Harihara From Khajuraho, MP, 10th century AD. Built under the rule of Chandel Rajputs of Jejabukti. Harihara: The composite form of Shiva and Vishnu. The left part (viewer's pt. of view) is of Lord Shiva and Right part is of Lord Vishnu with a Chakra in hand. By the sixth century AD the sects of both Shiva and Vishnu were well developed, icons such as this synthesised the two deities. The sculpture is one of the treasures looted from India and currently resides in British Museum, UK.
Rajan, who will cross the river of desires or desires, which displays the external level, he will take the form of God. As soon as you entered the sanctum sanctorum, the Shiva lingam was shown. But in future men like you, in the external view of the temple, that is soaked in lust, will not be able to meet God sitting in the sanctum sanctorum.
Chandel Naresh understood the philosophy of Pradhan Shilpi and immediately appointed him his mahamantri.
But even today, from the Khajuraho temple, the world's foolish people wrapped up in the scene of lust, seeking entertainment far away from the original message it wants to propagate......if it withstood the sands of time without being offensive it says something about 'aesthetics'...got to know the difference.
Those are artistic masterpiece through sculptures imagination. They do not depicts our Gods (unlike MF H), nor do they are representation of vulger skin show by live models (unlike recent trends).
The Khajuraho temple was built between 950 and 1050 AD, during the time of Dhangadeva, Gandadeva, Vidyadhar. Chandela Naresh of the famous Kandariya Mahadev was built by Vidyadhar to commemorate the defeat of Mahmud Ghaznavi, though history describes this war as disputed. It is called the city of temples, there were a series of 85 temples, which built temples of Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi, Surya, Lakshmana as well as Parshvanath, Chausath Yogini and others mentioned below:-
Kandarya Mahadev Temple
Kandarya Mahadev temple will leave you in wonder. Built by Dhangadeva from Chandellas & dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main tower called Shikara of height 117 feet looks like Mount Kailash contains 84 mini shikara of height 1m.
The temple is visible due to its ornamentation and special rhythm. The main pavilion, along with the pavilion and mahamandapa, its base-plan, form, height, lift, ornamentation and shape represent a fine example of the governing system.
Layout
The temple floorplan sits on an elevated granite platform. The East enterence, passing ardha-mandapa, entranceway, mandapa & maha mandapa to the sanctuary. There are 5 projected balconies & a ambulatory, In order to support its greater height of 30m.
Entrance Arch
The best examples of an entrance arch is multi-lobed arch springs from the mouths of mythical hybrid creatures, Makaras, to reach the face of the self-devouring monster Kirtimukha at its apex. This omnipresent gatekeeper, Kirtimukha, is symbolic of the need to recognize the monstrous nature of one’s existence prior to reaching enlightenment; a confrontation with this figure upon entering the temple is of high spiritual consequence.
The temple’s domed ceilings
-consisting chiefly of patterning reminiscent of vegetation.
-are of exceptional detail and three-dimensional, multi-layered complexity. The dome that rises over the ardha-mandapa represents the apex of the style.
The presiding deity housed in the sanctuary, Shiva, is represented in the form of a linga. The entrance to the sanctuary holds high quality relief decoration. There are atleast 870 sculptures in the temple. One of the beautiful surviving temples, the Kandariya Mahadeva temple is decorated with a profusion of sculptures with intricate details, symbolism and expressiveness of ancient Indian art.
Sculpture Of Goddess Kumari At Kandariya Mahadeva Temple In Khajuraho
-One of the Seven Mothers, Kaumari is associated with Skanda. She rides on Skanda's peacock, most of which can be seen (minus head) in this photo. All seven of the Mothers are displayed in niches.
Lakshmana Temple
Laxmana Temple from Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. Precursor to the Kandariya Mahadeva mandir, it is one of the most aesthetically appealing structures there. The reliefs carved on its base, provide a veritable peek into the society of those times (10th Century).
Lakshmana temple built by yashovarman dedicated to Lord Vishnu with highly elaborated carvings. The temple has sculptures of battle scenes, hunting, elephants, horses, ceremonies, dancers & scenes from daily life. A fine example of Nagara style architecture.
Vishvanatha Temple
Vishvanatha temple dedicated to Shiva as Vishvanatha meaning "Lord of the Universe". Its architectural style is similar to the Lakshmana Temple & Kandariya Mahadeva Temple features several sculptures of deities, surasundaris (celestial maidens), Love and mythical creatures.
Photograph of the Vishwanatha Temple at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, taken by Deen Dayal in the 1880s.
Detail of a wonderful sculpture of SHRI GANESHA adorning one of the niches of VISHVANATHA TEMPLE at Khajuraho.
Khajuraho Stone Inscription in the Viśvanātha Temple:
It records that under the patronage of Chandella Rajput Dhaṅgadeva, this "magnificent temple of Śambhu Marakateśvara" was constructed by Sūtradhāra named Chicchā (छिच्छा), who was "proficient in Śāstra of Viśvakarmā".
Beautifully Carved Outer wall of Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) as seen from Pradakshina Patha in Vishvanatha Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
Dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva, this temple is built by Chandela King Dhangadeva in 10th century CE. This Khajuraho inscription states that Śrī Dhaṅgadeva (श्री धङ्गदेव) installed in the temple "a lofty Liṅgam of emerald". [मरकतमयं तुङ्गं लिंङ्गम्].
Parsvanath Temple
Incredible living legacy of our ancestors...!
History, art & sculpture beautifully comes together in Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh.
Parsvanath temple, the largest Jain temple built by Dhangadeva in 10th CE. Previously devoted to Adinath, the first Tirthankara. In 1860, the image of Parsvanath was installed in the temple which gave its name. The temple has sculptures of sea nymphs, war elephants & lions.
Adinath Temple
Adinath temple dedicated to Lord adinath, the first tirthankara of 24 teachers in the present half cycle of time in Jain cosmology.
Mahavira, Parshvanatha, Neminatha & Adinath attracts most of the Jain worshippers.Jain legends depict him as having lived millions of years ago.
Shantinath Temple
The Shantinath Temple is a modern & renovated structure having several shrines.
The main section has a 15 feet (4.6 m) idol of Lord Shantinath with an inscription in the year 1028. Shree Shantinatha was the sixteenth Jain tirthankar of the present age.
Duladeo Temple
Duladeo temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Duladeo means "Holy Bridegroom".
This was the last temple built around 12th Century. This temple is also known as Kunwar math.
Chitragupta Temple
Chitragupta temple dedicated to Lord Surya has a partially broken 2.1 metres tall statue of Surya riding a chariot of seven horses.
He is standing, dressed in an armoured coat and boots, and holding Lotus flowers. The external surface contain various gods & 11 headed vishnu.
Devi Jagdamba Temple
Devi Jagdamba temple is finely decorated in Khajuraho.
The temple is divided in three bands: the first one exhibits the gorgeous sculptures of Brahma, the second band has wonderful stone-carvings of Lord Shiva, and the third one is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Vamana Temple
Vamana temple in Khajuraho is another piece of brilliant temple architecture.
The temple is dedicated to Vamana, who was the avatar of Lord Vishnu. It has an entrance-porch, mandapa, and a hall.
Chaturbhuj Temple
Chaturbhuj temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu was built in 1100 AD.
This impressive temple in Khajuraho has a marvellous entrance porch, a sanctum, and a mandapa. It has a 9-feet tall idol of Lord Vishnu’s Chaturbhuj or four arms.
Matangeswara Temple
Matangeswara temple is a larger-scale version of the Brahma temple in terms of plan and design and houses a 2.5 m high lingam, which is 1.1 m in diameter.
The base platform of the lingam is 1.2 m high and 7.6 m in diameter. The lingam has Nagari and Persian inscriptions.
A Lady Writing Letter, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. 
This Mother and Child sculpture from 12th cen (Khajuraho, Chandela dynasty) is absolutely stunning n strengthens our ancient cultural heritage.
Sculpture of Harihara From Khajuraho, MP, 10th century AD. Built under the rule of Chandel Rajputs of Jejabukti. Harihara: The composite form of Shiva and Vishnu. The left part (viewer's pt. of view) is of Lord Shiva and Right part is of Lord Vishnu with a Chakra in hand. By the sixth century AD the sects of both Shiva and Vishnu were well developed, icons such as this synthesised the two deities. The sculpture is one of the treasures looted from India and currently resides in British Museum, UK.
Entrance Arch
The temple’s domed ceilings
Sculpture Of Goddess Kumari At Kandariya Mahadeva Temple In Khajuraho
