Prelims: Current events of national & international importance | Art and Culture
Why in News?
Recently, the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), under the Ministry of Ayush organized Yoga Mahotsav at Khajuraho’s Western Group of Temples for the 12th International Day of Yoga 2026.
About Khajuraho Group of Monuments.
- Location – Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh.
- Temple Construction – Between 950 CE to 1050 CE by Chandela rulers.
- Status - UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
- Architecture – Nagara-style.
- Structural Status – Local tradition records 85 temples, but only 20 survive in varying states of preservation.
- Religious Harmony – Surviving monuments uniquely represent both the Hindu and Jain faiths, reflecting historic religious coexistence.
Khajuraho temples exemplify Chandella culture that thrived in central India before the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century CE.
Major Temples of Khajuraho
Western Group – Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Chausath Yogini Temple, Matangeshvara Temple and Varaha Temple.
Eastern Group – Parshvanath Temple.
Southern Group – Chaturbhuj Temple.
Structural Elements of the Temples
- Panchayatana Style – Major temples have four minor shrines at the corners around the main shrine, forming the panchayatana type.
- Jagati & Layout – Temples stand on lofty terraces (jagati) with functional plans comprising –
- Ardhamandapa – Entrance porch with makara torana,
- Mandapa – Assembly Hall
- Antarala – Vestibule
- Garbhagriha – Sanctum
- Mahamandapa – Larger temples add for discourses and dances.
- Significance – Khajuraho temples are famed for artistic reliefs blending divine and secular themes, with outer walls featuring erotic sculptures alongside depictions of daily life, music, dance, mythology, and Chandella culture.
Quick Facts
- Lakshmana Temple (AD 954) – Built by Yasovarman, dedicated to Vishnu, showcasing Chandella prestige.
- Temples of King Dhanga – Visvanatha, Parsvanatha and Vaidyanatha.
- Kandariya Mahadeva (AD 1017–29) – Largest and grandest temple, attributed to King Ganda, dedicated to Shiva.
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