Religion & Spirituality

The most unique temples in the world: The Khajuraho group of Monuments

The most unique temples in the world: The Khajuraho group of Monuments

The temple complex of Khajuraho are the arguably the most unique in the world.

It holds multiple Hindu and Jain temples

History

The group of monuments was built during the rule of the Rajput Chandel dynasty. The building activity started almost immediately after the rise of their power, throughout their kingdom to be later known as Bundelkhand. Most temples were built during the reigns of the Hindu kings Yashovarman and Dhanga.

Khajuraho temples were in active use through the end of 12th century. This changed in the 13th century, after the army of Delhi Sultanate, under the command of the Muslim Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak, attacked and seized the Chandela kingdom.

According to the Moroccan and scholar traveller Ibn Battuta.

......khajuraho contain idols that have been mutilated by the Moslems, live a number of yogis whose matted locks have grown as long as their bodies. And on account of extreme asceticism they are all yellow in colour. Many Moslems attend these men in order to take lessons from them.

That's it for history.

Site and Structures

The most unique temples in the world: The Khajuraho group of Monuments

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments are located in Madhya Pradesh, India, about 175 kilometre southeast of Jhansi. They are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The most unique temples in the world: The Khajuraho group of Monuments

The Khajuraho temples are made of sandstone, with a granite base. Mortar was not used in construction, the stones were put together with mortise and tenon joints and they were held in place by gravity. This form of construction requires very precise joints. The columns and architraves were built with megaliths that weighed up to 20 tons. Some repair work in the 19th Century was done with brick and mortar.

Here's one of the structures.

The most unique temples in the world: The Khajuraho group of Monuments

Scriptures

The most unique temples in the world: The Khajuraho group of Monuments

The Khajuraho temples feature a variety of art work, of which 10% is sexual or erotic art outside and inside the temples. Some of the temples that have two layers of walls have small erotic carvings on the outside of the inner wall.

Rest 90% is about daily life and Hinduism.

You might be wondering, 'it just 10%, not a lot'. Well, when it comes to ancient Hindu/Buddhist/Jain architecture, everything is XXL. Check out Angkor what, it's the largest religious structure in the world.

Erotic scriptures like these are very common.

The most unique temples in the world: The Khajuraho group of Monuments

This would explain the ever so large population of India.

How to reach

Here is a common procedure for air travelled.

Somewhere in the world----> New Delhi, IGI Airport-------> Khajuraho Airport

OR

If you are travelling to multiple spots, this is a good route

The most unique temples in the world: The Khajuraho group of Monuments

After reaching, you can grab a tour bus, rent an SUV or hire a driver/guide.

Or if you are fit enough, grab a bicycle.

That's all I can tell you. Pack your bags and grab your luggage and book the next flight, IF you have the cash.

The most unique temples in the world: The Khajuraho group of Monuments
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