Khajuraho Temples, Khajuraho Temple India, Temple of Khajuraho india

The Temples of Khajuraho

The architectural style of the Khajuraho temples is very different from the temple prototype of that period. Built in the Central Indian temple architectural style (Nagara), the Khajuraho temples are known for their paramount architectural balance and exquisiteness. The temple plans range from the simple ones to the most inspired ones. The larger temples premises have ardhamandapa (porch), then a mandapa (hall) leading to a mahamandapa (main hall) from where an antarala (vestibule) leads to the garbha griha (sanctum) containing the devta (god) or devi (goddess). There are three groups of temples at Khajuraho namely, the Eastern group, the Southern group and the Western group. The Western group has temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. The northern group has Vaishnava temples for the most part while the southern group of temples consists of Jain temples.

Western Group of Temples

There are three groups of temples at Khajuraho, which are aligned east, and west. The temples are followed by a three or five part floor plan. The larger temples premises have ardhamandapa (porch), then a mandapa (hall) leading to a mahamandapa (main hall) from where an aunterale (vestibule) leads to the Garbha Griha (sanctum) containing the devta (god) or devi (goddess).The three groups of temples are:
The Western group has temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. The northern group has Vaishnava temples for the most part while the southern group of temples consists of Jain temples.

Eastern Group of Temples

Hindu and Jain temples make up the Eastern Group, which lies close to the Khajuraho village. The larger group located within an enclosure is entirely dedicated to the Jain pantheon . The three Jain temples in the eastern group of Khajuraho temples are Parasvnath temple , the Adinath temple and the Ghantai temple. The three main Hindu temples of the group are the Brahma, containing a four faced lingam, the Vamana, which is adorned on its outer walls with carving of apsaras in a variety of sensuous attitudes; and the Javari , with a richly-carved gateway and exterior sculptures.

Southern Group of Temples

The southern group of Khajuraho temples consists of only - the Dhuladeo temple, and the Chaturbhuj temple. The former is dedicated to lord Shiva while the latter is dedicated to lord Vishnu. The southern groups of temples lies 5 km from the Khajuraho village. Compared to the other two groups, the western and the eastern groups of temples, this group lacks the sculptural refinement and polish of the earlier shrines. It is because of this reason that it is considered as the least important part of the Khajuraho complex.

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