About
Khajuraho
Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh,
Khajuraho is famous for it's
enchanting temples and it's legendary Khajuraho
dance festival. Sculptured erotically
the temples of this place are known all over the
world. The sculpture reflects mainly the life,
moods and religious faith of that time. The temples
are dedicated to Gods and Goddesses like Shiva,
Jagadamba and Vishnu.
The place is a small town located in the Bundelkhand
region of Madhya Pradesh in India famed for a
complex of exquisite Hindu and Jain temples. Built
during the reigns of the mighty Chnadela rulers
in the 9th and 10th century, carvings on these
temples are highly erotic and sensual depicting
in graceful forms intimate scenes of the whole
range of human emotions and relationships. These
sculptures congeal in stone a lyrical paean to
love and passion and reflect the Chandela dynasty's
immense appreciation for art.
In all 85 temples were built in Khajuraho, but
only 22 are left to speak of the grandeur of conception
of the rulers and architects of the day. The basic
ground plan of the temples of Khajuraho is almost
a textbook example of Hindu temple architecture
consisting of four compartments: an entrance porch
(ardhamandap), the vestibule (antarala) and the
sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha). In some of the
large temples an extra mandap with lateral transepts
is added for size and splendour, converting it
into a large assembly hall. The temples rest on
a risen open platform, a distinctive feature of
the Khajuraho temples, with subsidiary shrines
at the four corners of the platform in the bigger
temples.
The Dance Festival
Khajuraho Dance Festival is held
every spring in the town of Khajuraho in order
to celebrate the glory of the temples. It is believed
that classical dance basically comes from the
Hindu temples and attained it's maturity. This
Festival is a cultural festival for the celebration
of the Indian arts- dance and music handling down
from generation to generation. The Khajuraho Festival
of Dances shows the best classical dancers and
dances in the country. It is held during the month
of March from 6th to 12th. Different classical
dances are presented during this festival, like
the -Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi,
Manipuri etc. The main idea behind Khajuraho Dance
Festival is to make the cultural heritage of Khajuraho
relevant to the present society and preserving
it for the coming generation. On this occasion
a number of renowned artists and craftsmen participates
in the workshop and seminar and present their
art to the numerous visitors and tourist. And
during this seven days festival, there is also
a market in an open field where the visitors can
get the entire local made articles of Khajuraho.
This festival is known not only in our country
but also to the outside world at large.
KHAJURAHO - How
to Reach
By Air
Khajuraho is connected by Air with Delhi, Agra,
and Varanasi.
By Rail
The nearest railheads are Harpalpur (94 km) and
Mahoba (63 km). Country buses and tongas take
you to Khajuraho. The Shatabdi Express from Delhi
to Bhopal stops at Jhansi (172 km from Khajuraho).
Satna, 117 km away, is convenient for travelers
from Mumbai (Bombay), Kolkata, and Varanasi. Taxis
and buses are available from here. Delhi –
Jhansi journey by Shatabdi Exp. And then drive
to Khajuraho by surface is most accepted by the
travelers.
By Road
Direct bus services connect Khajuraho with Panna,
Satna, Chattarpur, Jabalpur, Mahoba, Bhopal, Gwalior,
and Indore. For local transport, cycle rickshaws,
tongas, and taxis are available.
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