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Khajuraho temples are popular for their stunning architecture and sensual sculptures. Located in Madhya Pradesh, these temples are UNESCO sites worth exploring. Apart from their exquisite architecture, there are some interesting facts about these temples that you would like to know.
Let's find out some interesting facts about Khajuraho temples.
1. Origin of the Name
The city derives its name from the Hindi word 'khaujur' which means 'date' as the city walls were adorned with date palms. During ancient times, Khajuraho was known as Khajjurpura.
Kandariya Mahadev Temple
Photo Courtesy: dalbera
2. Temples Built in Sandstone
most of the temple structures are built in sandstone, along with varying shades of pink, buff and yellow.
3. The Degenerated Temples
During the medieval period, there were 85 temples in Khajuraho, out of which only 22 Hindu temples remain, the rest being ruined due to natural calamities.
4. The Erotic Sculptures
Though the common perception is that the Khajuraho temples are rich in erotic and sensual sculptures, only around 10% of these sculptures depict sensuality, the rest of them displaying various aspects of daily life like potters and farmers at work, musicians composing, women dressing up, etc.
Lakshmana Temple in Khajuraho
Photo Courtesy: Aakash.gautam
5. Best Preserved Monuments of Antiquity
The Archaeological Survey of India has ranked Khajuraho monuments as the best preserved monuments of antiquity.
6. The Interiors of the Temples
The rooms inside the temples are inter-connected on the East-West line. Each of the rooms has an entrance, a hall, a sanctum and a vestibule.
7. Images of Gods and Goddesses
The images of Gods and Goddesses at the Khajuraho temples represent the various manisfestations of Shakti and Shiva, or the Yin and Yang, the female and male principles.
Vamana Temple in Khajuraho
Photo Courtesy: Sfu
8. Division of Temples
The Khajuraho cluster of temples are divided into three groups - Western, Eastern and Southern.
9. Rediscovery of Temples
The temples that were built during the medieval period were later rediscovered only in the 20th century, after which they have been preserved.
10. High Point of Architectural Genius
The temples of Khajuraho are believed to be the high point of Indian architectural genius during the medieval times.
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