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The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India's
unique gift of love to the world, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, were built
between 950 and 1050 A.D. Khajuraho derives its name from the Khajur tree
(the date palm tree) which can be found in abundance in the area.The divine
sculptures in these temples, are a tribute to Life itself, embodying everything
that is sublime and spontaneous about it. The murals depict the life and times
of the Chandelas, and celebrate the erotic state of being. They not only testify
to the mastery of the craftsman, but also to the extraordinary breadth of vision
of the Chandela Rajputs under whose reign, these temples were constructed.
With the wane of the Chandela empire, these magnificent temples lay
neglected, and vulnerable to the ravages of Nature. It was only in this century,
that they were rediscovered, restored and granted the recognition that they
justly deserve. Originally there were 85 temples, of which only 22 still exist.
Their style of architecture was also rather peculiar to their times. Each
structure stands on a high masonry platform with a distinct upward direction to
their build, further enhanced by several vertical projections to simulate the
effect of an overall lightness. The three main compartments are the entrance
(ardhamandapa), assembly hall (mandapa), and the actual sanctum
(garbha griha). The temples are grouped into three
geographical divisions : western, eastern and southern.
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