History of Khajuraho

Built during the reign of Chandella dynasty between 950 – 1050; today only 20 temples are in intact position. However, as per mythology Khajuraho temples was built by the son of MON God who saw a beautiful maiden taking bath in a stream.

Today out of 85 temples which were originally built, on;y 20 remain. Iit is out of these 20 the Kandariya Mahadeva is the most famous one.

The temples here were originally built 35 kms from the medieval city of Mahoba, in Kalinjar region. This beautiful city founds mention in Abu Rihan – al-Biruni – the Persain historian’s writings. It is said that these were in use till 12th century.

However, after the attack of Muslim Sultan Qutb-ud-din-aibak and thereafter fall of Chandela reign, they were slowly abandoned.

One can also find mention of these beautiful idols in memoirs of Ibn Battuta, the Moroccan traveler who describes them as “contains idols that have been mutilated by the Moslems, live a number of yogis whose matted locks have grown as long as their bodies.

Most of the structures of Khajuraho are made out of sandstone. However, the uniqueness is in the fact that no mortar has been used to join the stones. Stones were put together using mortise and tenon joints and held in place by gravity.

Over 90% of the sculptures depict daily life as well as symbolic values as per ancient Indian culture. What can be seen here is hybrid imaginary animals with lions body, hybrid of wolf and lion and hybrid of elephant and lion are called Vyalas.

Today these are maintained by Archeological Survey of India and monitored by World Heritage Convention under the pact of UNESCO World heritage Sites treaty.

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