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With construction spanning nearly two centuries, Khajuraho was originally a complex of 85 small temples built of sandstone and boasting magnificent architecture. Today, due to the ravages of time, only 22 temples remain.
Spanning an area of approximately 20 km2The Khajuraho temple is located in central India. It was once a thriving, vibrant city, the capital of the powerful Chandela empire. Over time, the temple fell into oblivion and was overgrown by the jungle before being rediscovered by the British colonial authorities in 1893.
Sandstone was the primary material used to construct the temples. Architects from over 1000 years ago did not use mortar; the stone slabs were joined together using mortise and tenon joints, securely bound by gravity.
Besides their unique architecture, the statues and drawings carved within the Khajuraho temples are also invaluable works of art. Their content primarily depicts scenes of daily life during the Chandela Empire, from the luxurious lives of the kings and queens to images of goddesses.
Perhaps the most striking are the clusters of statues depicting scenes of men and women engaging in sexual intercourse in various positions, some even showing figures standing nearby and peeking. However, all are expressive and artistically portrayed, not at all vulgar. Furthermore, some of the temples here have double walls and are carved with small figures depicting sexual life.
There are many explanations for the depiction of these sensitive images on the temple grounds. Some believe that a Hindu sect once worshipped symbols of the physical body and worldly pleasures. Others suggest it was a way for people to cultivate their character and avoid worldly temptations.
With its unique architecture and long history, the Khajuraho temple complex has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its "unique artistic and creative values".
