Khajuraho, once the great Chandela capital, is today a village of
about a few thousand people in the interiors of central India, in
Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. Tradition records the existence of
eighty five temples, of which only twenty five, strewn amidst lakes and
fields, have survived. The temples at Khajuraho, brilliant examples of
medieval Indian architecture, were built under later Chandela kings between
AD 950 and AD 1050. Each ancient structure in India has a fascinating story
to tell. But few match the temples of Khajuraho.
History of Khajuraho
The
name Khajuraho derives from the khajur or date palm trees that once
surrounded the huge Khajurvahaka Tal. Legend has it that one sultry
summer night, Hemvati, the widowed daughter of a minister of the King of
Benaras, was bathing in the lake when the Moon God Chandrama saw here and
was entranced by her beauty. The son born out of their union was
Chandravarman who grew up to found the Chandela dynasty. In order to atone
for his mother's lapse, he raised temples that celebrated the union of
Purush and Prakriti, man and nature, as the source of all life and creation.
Chandela Rajputs rose to power during the early 10th century AD in the land
known as Jajhauti, now Bundelkhand. From being local feudatories of the
Partiharas of Kannauj, they rose to become a major power in northern India.
They were great patrons of the arts and equally great builders. From 12th
century onward, the other rival power of central India and Muslim invaders
like Mahmud Ghazni whom the Chandelas had kept at bay, began reasserting
themselves. Al-Biruni, the chronicler of Mahmud Ghazni, mentions Jajhauti
with 'Kajuraha' as its capital.
| » Major Attractions - Temples of Khajuraho
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In the temple architecture of India, the Khajuraho complex remains unique.
The architectural beauty of the the exquisite sculptures at
Khajuraho temples are unlike any other in India. Among the vast
number of temple, Khajuraho temple holds a special place for its intricately
thematic carvings on the stones. Build by Chandela Rajputs, a tribal dynasty
ruler who ruled this part of India from the tenth to the twelfth centuries.
The
construction of this imposing temple that took hundred years to complete
from 950-1050 AD in a truly inspired burst of creativity. During the time of
construction, the entire site was enclosed by a wall with eight gates, each
flanked by two golden palm trees.
There were originally over 80
temples, of which only 22 temples now stand there which scattered
over an area of about eight square miles.
| » Fairs & Festivals of Khajuraho |
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Every spring the stones of Khajuraho come to life during the prestigious 7
day Khajuraho Dance Festival when the glory of the temples is celebrated
with true fervour and joy. It is a cultural festival for the celebration of
the Indian classical dance and music, believed to have basically originated
in the Hindu temples. The festival is typical of a new breed of event, sited
at ornate ancient temples to attract visitors by combining tourism with
culture.
| » How to Get there |
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Air : The nearest airport is at Gaggal (Kangra), 140-km
from Dalhousie.
Rail : The nearest railhead is Pathankot, which is well
connected to Amritsar, Jammu, Delhi and Jalandhar.
Road : Onward journey from Pathankot to Chamba and
Dalhausie is by road. Punjab and Himachal Roadways run services, as do
private operators.
Khajuraho
Tour Packages | Hotels
in Khajuraho
