The history textbooks of my middle school spoke eloquently about the awe-inspiring art and architecture of Khajuraho Temples. Since then it has been one of the destinations I wished to visit (like many more, of course). Finally I got an opportunity to visit it bang in the middle of the Khajuraho Dance Festival when a dear friend asked us to join their road trip to Khajuraho and Orchaa. Do I even have to think!
A journey of over 600 kms through the Agra, Yamuna and newly opened Bundelkhand Expressway was accomplished by us in less than 10 hours with 3 pit stops.
After a quick refreshment, we were ready for our first evening at the Khajuraho Dance Festival. A mesmerizing evening of rivetting dance performances, Kathak and Odissi
After a restful night, we were ready for Orchaa. A small town on the banks of Betwa river, Orchaa was established as the captital of Bundelkhand Empire in 1501 AD. The magnificent Orchaa Fort-Palace is a testament of Indo-Islamic architecture. The exterior looks simple but the halls and the rooms built for the royal family has elaborate paintings inspired from the epics. The engineering facet of the fort is breathtaking. Windows have been designed to welcome sunlight during winters and fall on the royal bed . The bathrooms till has the ruins of an iron cauldron used to heat water for bathing. The complex comprises Raja Mahal, Jehangir Mahal (where the eponymous emperor stayed only for one night), Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-aam, gardens, open courtyards, balconies, and an echo of bygone era seeped in pride and nostalgia.
Now with Orchaa declared as an UNESCO Heritage Site, it is hoped that the conservation will speed up for the future to admire this gem.
The third and the final day was dedicated to the Kahjuraho group of temples. Spread across 20 kms, it originally had 85 temples. But today after 1100 years of existence only 22 structures remain within an area of 6 kms. Khajuraho is named after the dense forest of Khajur (dates) found in the region. The town has many wter bodies that make the region green. The temples were built by the rulers of Chandela dynasty during their heydays. The structures are designed with intricate sculptures showcasing different aspects of life. Let me tell you that the erotic art which is almost synoymous with Khajuraho is hardly 5% of the entire art work on display. So don't bother to visit if that is your only reason.
Whatever I write will not be sufficient to describe the art and poetry displayed by the sculptures. The monuments are built with sandstone withouing any mortar or cement. The pillars and stone blocks are connect or joint with each other using a superb interlocking system. The biggest temple of the complex is Kandariya Mahadev Temple deciated to Lord Shiva with the deity made in white marble to denote the shivlinga of Amarnath Temple.
After spening four hours under the scorching sun, it was tiem to bid adieu to the glorius edifice standing tall through time. Our heart was not satisfied but we were short on time.
Hunger took us to Raja Cafe just outside the exit gate of the western group of temples.
Back to Hotel we went to freshen up for our last evening in Khajuraho
Sorry for the bad quality dance photos. We were way back to capture it with phones. Honestly it needs to be captured with an open heart, eyes and mind.
Do let me know, how did you guys like this piece and do connect if you want to know anything for your trip to Khajuraho.
