Monday, August 9, 2010

Dulhadeo Temple, Khajuraho

The Dulhadeo Temple built in 1100 - 1150 A.D belongs to the Southern Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh). This temple is the most recent among all the temples of Khajuraho built by rulers of Chandel Dynasty. This temple stands on a platform, which is approached by a flight of ten steps. 

There are several subsidiary towers clustering around the central tower. In this temple all the sections like a shikhara (tower), sanctum, the mahamandapa and an ardhmandapa are in fully developed stage and measures 21 m by 12 m.

The outer walls of the temple are decorated with three bands of sculptures. The highest band has images, which are shown either flying singly, and flying in pairs. They are seen carrying either weapons or garlands or musical instruments. The iconography of this temple also shows some distinctive traits. The facades of this temple carry the images of standing Shiva and Shiva-Parvati.

The ceiling of the maha mandap is made of a series of diminishing circles of overlapping stones like a flower. There is an image of Shiva on the lintel of the ornately carved entrance of garbh griha. The sanctum today enshrines a Shivlingam.

55 comments:

Nalini Hebbar said...

Love the sculpture!

Rakesh Vanamali said...

One wonders of how remarkably these carvings have been made! Perhaps, architecture is the most surprising of all, maybe intriguing is the word!

Zuzana said...

Oh, the details are out of this world. Those sculptures on the outer walls are amazing...
xoxo

joo said...

The details on the columns are fabulous!

George said...

The stonework on this temple is simply amazing. I think it's wonderful temples like this have been preserved and are available for people to visit.

Shey said...

These sculptures never cease to amaze me. I esp like the ceiling of the maha mandap. As I've said before, would love to visit your world.

Old Thyme Inn

Sylvia K said...

The carvings on the walls are fantastic! So much beauty and history! And as always, your photos are superb, Rajesh! Hope you have a great week!

Sylvia

Carver said...

Amazing all the carving that must go into these temples. The ceiling you showed looks so beautiful and also the details on the walls and columns.

EG CameraGirl said...

The sculptures are wonderfully detailed!

Photo Cache said...

these structures are fascinating. you are lucky out there to have all these to see and explore.

www.ewok1993.wordpress.com

Tes said...

Amazing architecture. Beautiful details! :)

LifeRamblings said...

that looks like an interesting temple. wonderful architecture and history.

Samson said...

lovely photo's... like the details and the artwork

My Entry is Here

Siromade said...

Wow that's an interesting stoned building design, the carved sculpture were beautiful, what a great history and informative words of the sculpture.

Swarna said...

Never been there yet! Now visiting - thanks!

Carol said...

Beautiful structures. I love the details.

Indrani said...

Very beautiful. So much more to see.

sharmila said...

those are beautiful ... love those work on the pillar and wall !! n nice info as usual.

roughterrain crane said...

Amazing sculptures !! I wonder how long it took.

magiceye said...

exquisite carvings

LadyFi said...

Those sculptured columns are amazing!

Sudhir R said...

Loosk like its carved out of soap Is'nt? Looking forward!

Bob Bushell said...

The Indian culture is so unique, and you learnt how to use it by camera, brilliant.

Trotter said...

Hi Rajesh! I'm truly impressed!! This one is stunning!!

Blogtrotter Two is back to the sea... ;). Make the most of it and have a spectacular week ahead!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Rajesh: The carvings are just amazing.

penny said...

Magnificent as always, Rajesh.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! The ceiling is incredible. It would be fascinating to watch that be created, stone by stone.

alicesg said...

The carvings are all so beautifully done. Thanks for sharing.

Jenn said...

I marvel at the architecture of your world. Never ceases to amaze me.

Vinay Leo R. said...

amazing architecture this! :) loved it.. esp the carvings!

Bettey said...

Such a gorgeous place! The detail in the carvings is remarkable!

Have a great week!

Hood Photo Blog

joshi daniel said...

the way it stands is amazing!

photowannabe said...

Quite amazing architectural detail and for it being so old. Thank you for the glimpse into the culture.

Roger Owen Green said...

I am awed by the DETAIL!

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

jabblog said...

I am always astounded by the intricate carving on these temples. Is it possible that the stonemasonry skill have been passed on?

soulbrush said...

how absolutely lovely.

Unknown said...

another magnificent post.

Verna Luga said...

your place Rajesh has so much to tell with regards to structures.. this temple is fantastic...

My ABC Wed here

Julie said...

Wow, that second photograph showing all the flying/floating sculptures is incredibily detailed and beautiful. I would love to see it for myself and run my hands over the carvings, if allowed. Very beautiful post for the letter D.

Gayle said...

The detail work is mind boggling! I'm amazed.

☺lani☺ said...

Amazing how they presented the building with details. Great sculpture!

mrsnesbitt said...

Amazing detail in the pillars! Fascinating!

Denise
ABC Team

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

The first photo, the building looks like an elephant God.

I am saying this every time I see your photos and I hope you are not tired to reading it. The buildings are just INCREDIBLE ,the craving fantastic.

Ezhilan said...

The Dulhadeo Temple's intricate sculptures look beautiful!

Unknown said...

Beautiful captures, the sculptures are amazing especially the ones on the outer walls are incredible...Thomas

Mark Kreider said...

You never run out of interesting things to share!

Liz said...

It's beautiful! The details in the pillars are amazing.

Happy MYM!

Liz @ MLC

Kim, USA said...

Another awesome and beautiful temple. Thanks for sharing!
Sunflower
Blue Monday

Carolyn Ford said...

The detail is out of this world!

Reader Wil said...

Very beautiful buildings! Imagine the work people must have done to accomplish these masterpieces.
Congratulations with the award.

Jeevan said...

It sense awesome and amazing!

Rajesh said...

Thanks to one and all for appreciating beautiful architecture and carvings of this temple.

POOJA... said...

thank you for refreshing memories

Arpana said...

The intricacies binds every time to watch in more detail.

Rajesh said...

Thanks to all the appreciation of the architecture of the temple.