Khajuraho Temples do not need any
introduction. They enjoy being popular for the eroticism engraved on its walls
in the form of classical sculptures. The temples depict a rich blend of
architecture and science. These temples belong to the 10th-11th century and the legend behind them is fascinating one. It
articulates the origin of Chandela dynasty. These temples are erected mostly
with sand-stone of various colors including yellow, brown, pale buff and pink.
In some temples granite is also used. Possibly, Khajuraho temples are biggest
temple group of medieval India. Khajuraho temple Sculptures not just depict
eroticism but also illustrate other courtly activities like dance and music.
Sculptures of Khajuraho Temples
The origin of Khajuraho Temples has a
legend. It states that the Moon God seduced a beautiful Brahmin girl- Hemavati
in a fit of lustful obsession. Consequently, Chandravarman, the founder of the
Chandela dynasty was born. In his dream Hemavati asked him to build a temple
revealing all facets of collection of passion and erotic fancy to the humankind.
Therefore, he built Khajuraho temples in his capital city.
These temples have beautiful carvings on
Granite and Sand stone but carving on granite is relatively difficult. As sand
stone is softer than granite, this might be the reason for having sand stone in
most of temples because it would have made carving works easier. Finishing of
carving on sand stone is much defined and clear-cut than carving on granite.
Sculptures at Khajuraho can be divided
into five wide categories. In the following lines, you will find these
categories along with their respective explication.
Cult Images
These images consist of formal
cult-images. They are sculptured approximately entirely in the round and in
canonical formulae with firm conformity. Such types of cult-images are found in
maximum Western and Eastern group of Temples. These images mainly belong to
Hinduism and some of them belong to Jainism.
Family, Helper and Enclosing Deities
Family, helpers and religious sculptures
are comprised in this category. Sculpted against the walls of Khajuraho
Temples, these sculptures are either executed in circle or in relief varying
from high to medium. Figures of these sculptures hold iconographic character of
cult-images. Rest of the images of deities include dikpalas or eight guardians
of the quarters are less formal than the images having iconographic character
of cult-images. Their unusual mounts, head-dresses and other unique attributes
normally held in more than two hands made them distinguishable.
Celestial Nymphs
Celestial nymphs were popular as
sura-sundaris or apsaras. They were the most commonly used sculpture and best
piece of art in Khajuraho. They are depicted either in the round, medium or
high relief of inner or outer walls, ceilings and pillars of temples. These
nymphs are shown with delicately designed ornaments around waists, neck, arms,
wrist and legs. A careful observation will show an emaciated lining in designed
pattern, around their waists and legs. These thin linings are traditional
Indian sarees. Majority of these apsaras are executed in various dancing
postures. A reading of their expressions tells us about their feelings and
moods. The apsaras are illustrated scratching, disrobing, playing with pets
like parrot, fondling babies, yawning, looking mirror to do make-up, removing
thorn from feet, writing letters, touching their breasts, playing flute and
vina and the like.
Animals and Other Species
This category shows sculptures of
animals consisting of the legendary sardula, the tremendous beast signified
often as raging horned lion having an armed human seated on its back. Sculpture
of creature with body of lion and head of some other creature is also found
here. Sculptures of creatures like lions, parrots, dragons and elephants are
also found here. Every creature of such sort is displayed for a specific cause
and significance; for instance elephant executed in a row in Lakshmana Temple
is showed to greet guests, lion depicts might and authority. In the same way,
wild boar shows presence of lord Vishnu- the Hindu god whose one appearance is
of human body with wild boar’s head. Nandi Bull has been engraved who is
devoted to lord Shiva as he rides a bull known as Nandi.
Temples with Changeable Art-Level
The temples like Vesvanatha Temple hold
the classical aroma of the sculptures of Parsvanatha and Lakshmana temples.
Vesvanatha Temple houses figures in proportion that display commendable dignity
and poise. Amongst the most artistic sculptures in Khajuraho are that of
Chitragupta and Jagadambi.
Maturity of the sculptures of Khajuraho
temples is clearly visible in Kandariya Mahadev Temple. It depicts human
figures with characteristic countenance. Here the sculptures are noticeably
slim and taller and demonstrate the best range of apsara figures. These
sculptures are the ultimate watermark of the typical art projection of
Khajuraho. The Adinatha and Vamana temples execute the sculptural tradition. In
these temples the apsaras are shown in several intricate, nearly circuitous
poses.
Chatrubhuja and Javari temples show
mainly conventionalized figures lacking much verve or expression. The very last
flicket of the dying lamp is represented by Duladeo. It involves greatly
energetic and passionate sculptures like dancing nymphs and flying vidyadharas,
with typecast and generously bejeweled figures. According to historian Krishna
Deva, Duladeo iconographically marks the exhaustion of the notable vivacity for
which the Khajuraho sculptures are illustrious. Art forms of these temples are
believed to be the illustrations of Kamasutra by many. Khajuraho temples went
under obscurity and were discovered only by chance. Quickly, they turned second
most favored tourist destination of India after Taj Mahal. From the original 85 temples, only 22 temples have survived.
Khajuraho temple sculptures display the most exclusive stone-carving work. In 1986 the temple was declared as the World Heritage Site. As per
the art historian Krishna Deva, the sculptural art of Khajuraho temples exceeds
the medieval school of Orissa in enlightening the opulent charms of human body.
Khajuraho presents the admiration of human body and show it from the most
mesmerizing angles.
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