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Erotic detal from the base of Lakshana Temple in
Khajuraho (Photo credit: Aotearoa/
Wikimedia) |
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Located in the fertile Gangetic plains of Madhya
Pradesh, the sprawling Khajuraho temple complex is a fascinating
monument to the sanctity of human sexuality. The central theme of
the temples is the celebration of womankind, her form, for her
beauty and her temperament. |
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The complex, built by the Chandela rulers between
950 and 1050, is a one of the finest example of Indo-Aryan
architecture. It was built during a period of peace and prosperity,
where creativity flourished under royal patronage. The Chandelas
commissioned 85 temples, but only 22 are remaining
today. |
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Zooerastia depicted on the base of Lakshana
Temple (Photo Credit: Aotearoa/
Wikimedia) |
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The finely engraved figures show gods, goddesses,
nymphs (apsara), men, women and beasts engaged in many and
varied sexual activities. |
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Engraving on the base of Lakshana
Temple |
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The temples are clustered into three groups,
spread over 20 square km of land. The Chausath-Yogini, Brahma and
Mahadeva temples are made of granite while all the other temples
are built with fine grained sandstone. |
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The gentle flow of the women’s cloth during
this intercourse captures the ethereal moment (Photo
Credit: |
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Khajuraho, or Khajur-vahika, derives its name from
the golden date palms (khajur) that ones adorned the gate of the
great city. The engravings were not built merely for aesthetic
value, as they also served to teach young virgins all they needed
to know about sexuality. |
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Sculptures from Vishvanath Temple(Phot
Credit |
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The temples are today listed as a UNESCO world
heritage site, and the The Archeological Survey of India is
entrusted with preserving these temples for future
generations. |