Khajuraho Packages - Discovering The Enchanting Sculptures

By Author: Rashmiranjan Patil
Total Articles: 261
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Khajuraho is an ancient city situated in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh in central India. The name Khajuraho is a derivative of the Sanskrit word 'Khajur' meaning 'dates'. Khajuraho is better-known everywhere in the world for its magnificent temples of the Medieval Hindu and Jain epoch, which showcase intircately carved lifelike sculptures.

The Khajuraho group of temples was built by the Chandela rulers who were earlier the Bargujar Rajputs belonging to Rajasthan. These Rajputs moved to Khajuraho when their native was intruded on by foreigners. Khajuraho was the cultural capital of the Chandelas who governed over the Bundelkhand region of central India for about two centuries starting from 10th to 12th century AD.

After the decline of Chandela dynasty, the Khajuraho temples were left behind in a state of desolation and declension until a British army engineer, Captain T.S. Burt, chanced upon them in1838. The temples were enshrouded in a thick growth of date palms, and Khajuraho got its name - Khajuraho: Pathway (Raah) lined with dates (Khajur). Before that, Khajuraho was called Vatsa.

It is said ...
... that the Khajuraho group of temples numbered around 80 at the start; but scarcely 25 stay in good shape at present. The Khajuraho temples are classified into three according to their geographic location as western, eastern and southern. The principal temples of Khajuraho are Chausath Yogini, Brahma, Kandariya Mahadev, Varaha, Lakshman, Vaman, Lalgun Mahadev, Matangeshwar, ChaturBhuja, Ghantai, Vishwanath, Devi Jagdambi, Chitragupta, Adinath and Duladev. Khajuraho temples are modeled after the five-part architectural pattern consisting of Ardhamandapa, Garbha Griha, Mahamandapa with Pillars and Pradakshina.

The sandstone temples of Khajuraho are far-famed for their erotic sculptures. Interestingly, these erotic sculptures are found exclusively on the side-lines of the temple and never on the interior or near the deities. The evident message from the placement of the sculptures in that fashion is that for attaining god, one must leave one’s desires behind. Also noteworthy is the fact that, although the temples are known for their erotic sculptures, they comprise only a very small percentage (less than 10%) of the entire sculptures of Khajuraho.

Khajuraho is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Excavations done by the ASI have unveiled the existence of more underground temples in the area. Khajuraho is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of India.

There are many Khajuraho Packages to choose from. Many travel agencies, tour operators and hotels have come up with interesting Khajuraho Packages to attract the tourists. The Khajuraho Packages might include not only accommodation and travel arrangements, but also excursions to nearby attractions. A detailed guided tour of the temple is an integral part of Khajuraho Packages.