Khajuraho
- In the temple architecture of India, the Khajuraho complex remains
unique. One thousand years ago, under the generous and artistic patronage
of the Chandela Rajput kings of Central India, 85 temples, magnificent
in form and richly carved, came up on one site, near the village of
Khajuraho. The amazingly short span of 100 years, from 950 AD - 1050
AD, saw the completion of all the temples, in an inspired burst of creativity.
Today, of the original 85, only 22 have survived the ravages of time;
these remain as a collective paean to life, to joy and to creativity;
to the ultimate fusion of man with his creator.
Why did
the Chandelas choose Khajuraho or Khajirvahila - garden of dates, as
it was known then - as the site for their stupendous creations? Even
in those days it was no more than a small village. It is possible given
the eclectic patronage of the Chandelas and the wide variety of beliefs
represented in the temples, that they had the concept of forming a seat
of religion and learning at Khajuraho. It is possible that the Chandelas
were also believers in the powers of Tantrism; the cult which believes
that the gratification of earthly desires is a step closer to the attainment
of the infinite. It is certain however, that the temples represent the
expression of a highly matured civilization.
Yet another
theory is that the erotica of Khajuraho, and indeed of other temples,
had a specific purpose. In those days when boys lived in hermitages,
following the Hindu law of being "brahmacharis" until they
attained manhood, the only way they could prepare themselves for the
worldly role of 'householder' was through the study of these sculptures
and the earthly passions they depicted.
How
to Reach Khajuraho
By Air
Khajuraho Air service is driect link with Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and
Kathmandu.
By Rail
The nearest railheads are Mahoba and Harpalpur. Jhansi is a convenient
railhead for those travelling from Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai and Varanasi
the railhead is Satna, on the Mumbai-Allahabad section of the Central
Railway is ideal. Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Agra by train to
the railheads.
By Road
Khajuraho is connected by regular and direct bus services with Chhatarpur,
Mahoba, Harpalpur, Satna, panna, Jhansi, Gwalior, Agra, Sagar, Jabalpur,
Indore, Bhopal, Varanasi and Allahabad.
Where
to Eat:
Restaurants
There are restaurants serving Indian and Continential cuisine in Hotel
Chandela, Hotel Jass Oberoi, Hotel Khajuraho Ashok and Hotel Jhankar.
In addition, Indian cuisine is available at : Madras Cofee House, Raja
Cafe and Punjab Restaurant all of which are opposite the Westyern Group
of Temples.
Cinema
There is no cinema hall in Khajuraho but small video parlours show films
on request. Information on cultural programmes organised in the city
can be had from the central and state tourist office. There are daily
folk dance shows at two venues
