Khajuraho Temples are a group of ancient Hindu and Jain temples located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, India. These temples were built during the Chandela Dynasty between the 10th and 12th centuries and are renowned for their intricate carvings and architectural design. Today, the Khajuraho Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attract thousands of visitors from around the world each year. In this article, we will explore seven interesting and lesser-known facts about these remarkable temples.
- The Khajuraho Temples were not discovered until the 19th century.
Despite being built over 1000 years ago, the Khajuraho Temples were not discovered by the outside world until the 19th century. The temples were hidden away in dense forests and were only rediscovered in the mid-1800s by a British army officer named T.S. Burt. Burt stumbled upon the temples while on a hunting expedition and was amazed by their beauty and intricate carvings.
- The temples were built using the Nagara architectural style.
The Khajuraho Temples were built using the Nagara architectural style, which is characterized by its tall and curvilinear spires. This style was popular in northern India during the medieval period and is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures. The Khajuraho Temples are some of the best examples of this style and are renowned for their ornate carvings and detailed sculptures.
- The temples were built using sandstone.
The Khajuraho Temples were built using sandstone, a sedimentary rock that is composed of sand-sized grains of mineral, rock, or organic material. The sandstone used to build the temples was quarried from nearby hills and was transported to the temple site using elephants and bullock carts. The use of sandstone gave the temples a warm, golden glow that is particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
- The temples depict a wide range of subjects.
The Khajuraho Temples are famous for their erotic sculptures, but they also depict a wide range of other subjects, including gods, goddesses, musicians, dancers, animals, and nature. These sculptures were created by skilled artisans and are incredibly detailed and lifelike. The sculptures tell stories from Hindu mythology and provide a glimpse into the social and cultural life of medieval India.
- The temples were built by a dynasty of warrior kings.
The Khajuraho Temples were built by the Chandela Dynasty, a dynasty of warrior kings who ruled over central India from the 9th to the 13th centuries. The Chandela Dynasty was known for its military prowess and for its patronage of the arts. The construction of the Khajuraho Temples was a testament to the Chandela Dynasty’s wealth and power, and to their dedication to the arts and religion.
- The temples were abandoned in the 14th century.
The Khajuraho Temples were abandoned in the 14th century, likely due to a combination of factors, including political instability, economic decline, and changes in religious beliefs. For centuries, the temples were hidden away in the forests and were largely forgotten by the outside world. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the temples were rediscovered and began to attract visitors from around the world.
- The temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Khajuraho Temples were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. This designation recognizes the temples’ outstanding universal value and their importance to humanity. The UNESCO World Heritage Site status has helped to preserve the temples and has attracted thousands of visitors to the site each year. Today, the Khajuraho Temples are one of India
