Raneh Waterfalls, Khajuraho

At a distance of 24 kms from Khajuraho is Ken Gharial Sanctuary. Here the Ken river passes through the granite rocks of different shades of colors, pink, red, misty white, green and gray.

The When Ken river running over the rocky terrain forms beautiful waterfalls, the Raneh Falls. Though the fall is only 30m high, it looks gorgeous when the gushing waters falls on vibrant rocks. The falls are set in the back drop of lusting greenery of pristine forests.

The entry to this park is closed during the rainy season. During the rainy season in 2008, there was so much rain that, there was no sign of waterfalls, the water was up till the top covering the falls.

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Varaha Temple, Khajuraho

The Varaha Temple is located in front of the Lakshmana Temple is one of the oldest temple in Khajuraho (State: Madhya Pradesh). Belonging to Western Group of Temples it is one of the smallest and beautifully carved temple at Khajuraho. It is built some time by the rulers of Chandela dynasty between 930 and 950 A.D.

The stands elevated above the ground with 14 short pillars that support the high pyramidal roof capped with an kalash. It has a huge monolithic image of the standing Varaha (the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu). The image is made out of sandstone and measures 2.6 meters long and 1.7 meters high. It is unique from other images of Khajuraho as the stone shines like burnished metal.

The entire body of the divine creature is carved in low relief along with the figures of more than 600 gods and goddesses of the Hindu religion.main shrine of the temple has four subsidiary shrines at the corners of the temple platform. The temple has columned halls with balconies, an entrance porch, and the inner sanctum.

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Parsvanath Temple, Khajuraho

The Parsvanth Temple built in 950 - 1150 A.D belongs to the Eastern Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh). This is one of the three Jain temples built by rulers of Chandel Dynasty inside the walled enclosure. (Click on the image for bigger view)

Measuring 20m x 11m, it is the largest among the Jain temples in Khajuraho. It is also one of the magnificently carved Jain temples in India. The walls of the temple have three bands of graceful sculptures depicting Hindu Gods.

The sculptures on the walls of this temple have been carved with great precision. More figures can be found on the outer face of the sanctum, depicting 'apsaras' (heavenly nymphs) in a variety of poses.

In the sanctum there is idol of Parshvanatha, a Jain Tirthankara.

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Nandi Shrine, Khajuraho

The Nandi Temple in Khajuraho (State: Madhya Pradesh) is a small temple opposite to Vishwanath Temple. Both the temple built in 1000 A.D belong to Western Group of Temples with their entrance facing each other. It has a large stone image of Nandi. (Click on the image for bigger view)

It is an open square pavilion resting on twelve pillars. It has a pyramidal roof of receding tiers of steps with minimal carvings at the top. The noteworthy decoration on its facades is a bold elephant frieze on the basement.

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Ken Gharial Sanctuary

At a distance of 24 kms from Khajuraho is Ken Gharial Sanctuary situated at the confluence of the Ken and the Khudar rivers. The river passes through areas which is rich in 3 varieties of stones like Bauxite, Granite and Lime. (Click on images for bigger view)

The Sanctuary gets its name from the Gharial, the very rare species of crocodiles. They are characterized by their exceedingly elongated and unbelievably slender snouts. Unfortunately we missed the Gharials as we were late in spite of reaching the place before 9:30 a.m. In the sanctuary they come out of the river and stay on the rocky river bed during early mornings usually.

One can also see here beautiful Raneh Water Falls.

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Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho

The Lakshmana Temple is one of the oldest temple in Khajuraho (State: Madhya Pradesh). Belonging to Western Group of Temples it is the largest and beautifully carved temple at Khajuraho. It is built by King Yaovarman of Chandela dynasty between 930 and 950 A.D. (Click on the image for bigger view)

The main shrine of the temple has four subsidiary shrines at the corners of the temple platform. The temple has columned halls with balconies, an entrance porch, and the inner sanctum.

In the inner sanctum is the sacred image of Vaikuntha-Vishnu brought from Tibet.

Decorating the sides of the temple are numerous statues. It is exquisitely decorated, almost completely with images of over 600 gods in the Hindu Pantheon. Most of the sculptures have economy of drapery but are effusively patterned with ornaments and flower motifs.

The various carvings and sculptures at this temple.

On the base of the platform are beautifully carved carvings. One such band of carving is King sitting on the throne in the Royal Hall with his ministers. In front of the King dance and music is played.

For more visit Mosaic Monday

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Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho

The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in Khajuraho (State: Madhya Pradesh) is the finest example of architecture of the medieval period in India. Belonging to Western Group of Temples it is the largest and most ornate Hindu temple at Khajuraho. It is built by King Vidyadhara of Chandela dynasty in 1050 A.D. (Click on the image for bigger view)

The main spire rises to a height of 31 m and is surrounded by 84 miniature spires. Other features of the temple are columned halls with balconies, an entrance porch, and the inner sanctum. Inside the sanctum is a marble linga representing Shiva.

Decorating the sides of the temple are numerous statues and the inner sanctum also has large number of ornate statues. Many of the side panels depict Shiva in the presence of apsaras, consorts, and other divinities. Most of the sculptures have economy of drapery but are effusively patterned with ornaments and flower motifs.

Its ornate gateway is very attractive with carvings on it.

Above is the front view of the temple when Sun rays fall on it. The people around it give us the sheer size of the temple.

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Javeri Temple, Khajuraho

The Javeri Temple built between 950 - 1150 A.D belongs to the Eastern Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh). This is one of the three Hindu Temples built by rulers of Chandel Dynasty in this group. (Click on the image for bigger view)

This temple is a architectural gem. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Its ornate gateway, the makara torana, and slender shikhara are especially noteworthy.

Like every other temple in Khajuraho, even this temple is also famous for the band of sculptures around the temple.

This is rear view of the temple.

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Vishwanatha Temple, Khajuraho

After visiting the other group of temples in the morning session, we visited the Western Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh) after lunch. Most of the temples of this group are enclosed by a compound wall known as Western Group Khajurho temple complex. (Click on the image for bigger view)

One such temple is Vishwanatha Temple built in 1000 A.D located towards the northeastern corner of the complex. This magnificent temple is built by the rulers of Chandel Dynasty, is one of the largest temple in Khajuraho.

The external wall of temple has more than 3000 exquisite sculptures. The band of sculptures on the walls represent musicians, dancers and deities. Inside the garbha graha there is marble Shiv linga.

There are images of deities set into the outside walls. On one of the walls there is a four-armed dancing Lord Ganesh, holding an axe and broken tusk in his proper right hands, and with his proper left hands holding a laddu (sweet) and extended in a boon-granting gesture.

The above image is rear view of the temple.

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Vamana Temple, Khajuraho

The Vamana Temple built between 950 - 1150 A.D belongs to the Eastern Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh). This is one of the three Hindu Temples built by rulers of Chandel Dynasty in this group. (Click on the image for bigger view)

It measures 19.1 meters in length and 13.9 meters in breath. This is a medium size temple. It consists of a mandap and garbha graha.

Around the temple are two band of sculptures with almost 3000 sculptures. This is less than half when compared to larger temples in Western Group of temples. The sculptures layout is a blend of gods, their consorts, female figures and mythical creatures.

In the garbha graha there is a dwarf image of Vamana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

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Western Group of Temples, Khajuraho

The Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho (State: Madhya Pradesh) are one of the most magnificent and architecturally marvelous temples of India. This is the largest of the three groups of temples in Khajuraho. Out of the 22 surviving temples 12 of them belong to this group. (Click on the image for bigger view)

Built in the 11th century by Chandela rulers, each of these temple stands on a raised platform, above which rises the main structure.

Some of the important temples are:

• Lakhmana Temple
• Kandariya Mahadeo Temple
• Devi Jagdamba Temple
• Chitragupta Temple
• Matanageswara Temple
• Vishwanath Temple
• Varaha Temple
• Nandi Temple

The tour of these temples can be done either by hiring an audio headset from the ticket counter or with the help of a guide. We shall attempt to cover these temples in some detail in the subsequent posts.

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Adinath Temple, Khajuraho

The Adinath Temple built in 950 - 1150 A.D belongs to the Eastern Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh). This is one of the three Jain temples built by rulers of Chandel Dynasty inside the compound wall. (Click on the image for bigger view)

As the name suggests, it is dedicated to to the Jain Tirthankara Adinath. The temple is constructed in the form of 'sapta-ratha' with a single towered 'shikhara'.

The exterior walls of the temple is decorated with the lavishly carved figures of court musicians, gods and goddess.

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Eastern Group of Temples, Khajuraho

The Eastern Group of temples lies on the outskirts of Khajuraho (State: Madhya Pradesh) at a short distance. This group of temples are known for the sculptural refinement and architecture of these temples is marvelous. These were constructed by the rulers of Chandela dynasty between 950 - 1150 A.D. (Click on the image for bigger view)

In this group the temples can be sub-divided into two groups.
The temples belonging to Jainism are:

• Adinath Temple
• Parsvantah Temple
• Gahanti Temple
  

The other group of temples belonging to Hinduism are:

• Brahma Temple
• Vamana Temple
• Javeri Temple

We shall attempt to cover these temples in some detail in the subsequent posts.

For more visit Mosaic Monday

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Dulhadeo Temple, Khajuraho

The Dulhadeo Temple built in 1100 - 1150 A.D belongs to the Southern Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh). This temple is the most recent among all the temples of Khajuraho built by rulers of Chandel Dynasty. This temple stands on a platform, which is approached by a flight of ten steps. (Click on the image for bigger view)

There are several subsidiary towers clustering around the central tower. In this temple all the sections like a shikhara (tower), sanctum, the mahamandapa and an ardhmandapa are in fully developed stage and measures 21 m by 12 m.

The outer walls of the temple are decorated with three bands of sculptures. The highest band has images, which are shown either flying singly, and flying in pairs. They are seen carrying either weapons or garlands or musical instruments. The iconography of this temple also shows some distinctive traits. The facades of this temple carry the images of standing Shiva and Shiva-Parvati.

The ceiling of the maha mandap is made of a series of diminishing circles of overlapping stones like a flower. There is an image of Shiva on the lintel of the ornately carved entrance of garbh griha. The sanctum today enshrines a Shivlingam.

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Chaturbhuj Temple, Khajuraho

The Chaturbhuj Temple built in 1100 A.D belongs to the Southern Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh). This temple is west faceing and stands on a platform, which is approached by a flight of ten steps. (Click on the image for bigger view)

In this temple all the sections like a shikhara (tower), sanctum, the mahamandapa and an ardhmandapa are in fully developed stage and are interconnected, located on the same axis.

The tower of this temple is plain when compared to other temples in the region. Below the tower there are three bands of sculptures with the images of dikhpalas, ashtavasus, nymphs and the recesses of mythical lions.

Over the lintel of the doorway are carved exquisite figures of Brahama, Vishnu and Mahesh. Inside the sanctum there is a idol of massive 9ft high, carved image of four armed Lord Vishnu.

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Southern Group of Temples, Khajuraho

The southern groups of temples lies on the outskirts of Khajuraho (State: Madhya Pradesh) at a distance of 4 kms. Compared to the other two groups, the western and the eastern groups of temples, this group lacks the sculptural refinement. These were constructed on the later part of Chandela dynasty between 1110 - 1150 A.D. (Click on the image for bigger view)

In this group only two temples are still reasonably intact. They are

• Dhuladeo Temple
• Chaturbhuj Temple

We shall attempt to cover these temples in some detail in the subsequent posts.

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Khajuraho Temples

From Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) we moved to our next destination Khajuraho (State: Madhya Pradesh) which is at a distance of 180 kms. Here one requires 2 full days to cover the monuments and other places around.

Khajuraho derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree), which can be found in plenty in the area. The World famous temples of Khajuraho were constructed between 950 and 1050 A.D. during the reign of Chandel Empire. During those days there were 85 temples, of which only 22 still exist. (Click on the image for bigger view)

Most of the temples are built of sandstone in varying shades of buff, pink or pale yellow. Erotic scenes represent a relatively small part of the carvings but sensuous eroticism prevails throughout all of the sculptures. The divine sculptures in these temples, are a tribute to Life itself, embodying everything that is sublime and spontaneous about it.The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions:

• Western Group of Temples
• Eastern Group of Temples
• Southern Group of Temples

We shall attempt to cover these temples in some detail in the subsequent posts.

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