On Khajuraho Temples (India).

khajuraho temples are located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India.  Khajuraho is a village where these temples were discovered in the midst of jungle, about 250 years ago.  It is stated that at the time of their discovery, the temples were known to few, mostly people of nearby villages.  Vines, cree

pers were found growing inside and over the temple walls.  The Chandela kings built them in 9th and 10th century C.E.  One unusual feature about these beautiful temples is the erotic art that decorates it.  As per ancient hindu belief system, gods and goddesses have similar day to day concerns in their lives as ordinary human beings i.e., family life, wars, enemies, prayers etc.  Through numerous temple sculptures such ordinary activities that sustain life can be seen.  It was common practice (dating as far back as 2nd century B.C.E) to show gods and goddesses as intimate couples (i.e., shiva and Parvati, Lakshmi and Narayan etc).  The intimacy was a reflection of the acts of ordinary human beings of the society.  At Khajuraho, the extent of sexual intimacy is somewhat further than previously shown in the hindu temples, but nevertheless, it still resonates as true reflection of societal practices, which are depicted quite openly in a public space i.e., a temple wall.  The Chandela kings were true pioneers, for they unhesitantly have shown sexual intimacy, some of it perhaps taboo and unconventional, on temple walls in a way that had not been done before.  However, the idea of showing hindu gods and goddesses in intimate positions is an older concept, on which which the Chandela kings built the Khajuraho temples.  These temples are very beautiful even today.

As kings, it was their future to provide means of wealth to their society.  Through their unique way  of decorating Khajuraho temples, the Chandela kings even today, continue to attract wealth for Khajuraho residents through tourists who come here not only from India but far away countries as well.