Thursday, September 23, 2010

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho

The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in Khajuraho (State: Madhya Pradesh) is the finest example of architecture of the medieval period in India. Belonging to Western Group of Temples it is the largest and most ornate Hindu temple at Khajuraho. It is built by King Vidyadhara of Chandela dynasty in 1050 A.D. 


The main spire rises to a height of 31 m and is surrounded by 84 miniature spires. Other features of the temple are columned halls with balconies, an entrance porch, and the inner sanctum. Inside the sanctum is a marble linga representing Shiva.

Decorating the sides of the temple are numerous statues and the inner sanctum also has large number of ornate statues. Many of the side panels depict Shiva in the presence of apsaras, consorts, and other divinities. Most of the sculptures have economy of drapery but are effusively patterned with ornaments and flower motifs.

Its ornate gateway is very attractive with carvings on it.

Above is the front view of the temple when Sun rays fall on it. The people around it give us the sheer size of the temple.


58 comments:

  1. Great Architecture...loved the facade!

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  2. You have so many beautiful buildings there and these are no exception....Christine

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  3. Wow :)
    che dire ?
    Magnifico.
    L'ultima foto è stupefacente... sembra costruito in oro.
    Buona giornata.

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  4. I am always amazed by those incredible decorations n your temples. This must have been an incredibly painstaking job.
    xo

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  5. I can't believe that there are so many places like this in your country! Sheer beauty!

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  6. Magnificent. Can't imagine what it would be like to walk out my door and see something that imposingly grand every day.

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  7. Terrific captures. :)

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  8. Ornate, indeed. 84 miniature spires--it's mind-boggling! Thank you for the tour.

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  9. Fantastic captures as always, Rajesh! Such beautiful temples against those lovely blue skies and the colors in the last shot are stunning! Have a great weekend!

    Sylvia

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  10. amazing construction full of details, having people in the photo does help to grasp the size, thanks for adding to the sky watch friday party

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  11. You had beautiful skies for photographing the exquisite temples.

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  12. It´s always really interesting to read your blog post and see your beautiful photos.Thank you for sharing!

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  13. What a delicate temple, Rajesh! Those detailed sculptures are awesome. Another place to put on my "to go" list.

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  14. such intricate architecture Rajeesh...I love how you so often share the magnificent treasures of your homeland with those of us who have not had the opportunity to visit India... thank you.

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  15. Exciting architecture and very nice pictures!

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  16. Anonymous02:06

    just splendid.

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  17. Wow, impressive! Great shots and my favourite is the last one.

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  18. majestic photos!

    Sky Shots this week.

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  19. Beautiful buildings as always..you even got some sky in a few..good job

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  20. Oh my gosh Rajesh you have outdone yourself here. That golden temple (in the sunshine) is absolutely incredible!! Your pictures are always amazing (as is the subject matter) but this one is just incredible. Unbelievable!!!

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  21. what a beautiful display of history!

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  22. Absolutely stunning!

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  23. WoW! Beautiful and amazing! So much work went into them.

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  24. I have no words to express how fantastic this building is!
    Have a great weekend
    http://foto.rudenius.se/post/2010/09/24/Sky-Watch-Friday.aspx

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  25. Impressive structure and artwork and beautiful skies too. Thank you for the tour. :)

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  26. Impressive architecture! So many details and patterning are amazing!

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  27. Very beautiful, great and impressive architecture. Lovely pictures of Mahadeva temple at Khajuraho.

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  28. Great,great p0st and structures!

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  29. Lovely. Have not been there till date.

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  30. Very nice :)
    U travel a lot, don't u!!

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  31. The temples teem with characters and soar heavenwards. Amazing architecture!

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  32. Anonymous18:47

    The sheer enormity and complexity is astounding!

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  33. You always share some of the most spectacular shots of the great buildings. I enjoy seeing some of the interesting sights from your world.

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  34. Amazing esp the last pic when it's lit!

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  35. The glow on the stone is really beautiful.

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  36. What a splendid temple, Rajesh! Amazing architecture, so beautiful and detailed. The last picture is really fascinating!

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  37. The ancient architects of India, who don't have any modern tools like today, really have great talent in building these wonderful temples. The golden rays of sun makes the temple shinier.

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  38. Unbelievable! The golden light is gorgeous.

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  39. Thanks for appreciating this beautiful temple. It is a must see place.

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  40. Hey!

    I see u've put pics of lots of places. Do u travel soooo much? I mean your job involves travelling?

    In fact I came here looking for chennai pics... for my son... but cudn't find any... how come?!

    But very nice shots!

    RESTLESS

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  41. beautiful shots of quite a brilliant temple, Rajesh.. the architecture is very fascinating!

    Mine Is Here

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  42. I find the architecture so amazing and detailed for buildings so old. Thank you for sharing these lovely places with us.

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  43. Very amazing sight! I have a lot to learn about Your India. By the way... good luck with the Commonwealth Games.

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  44. Wow, magnificent place and fantastic set of pictures today, very well done!
    Léia :)

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  45. Incredible architecture! Thanks for sharing it with us all. :D

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  46. another set of tremendous shots

    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  47. What an amazing place. The detail is beyond belief. People had to have really believed in what they were doing to create such beauty.

    My ABC Wednesday Post

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  48. As always great post Rajesh.. amazing architecture..

    ABC Wednesday here

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  49. that is one great architecture! reminds me as well of the Duomo in Milan =)

    ABC entry is here http://kcelebration.blogspot.com/2010/09/kayaking-in-venice.html

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  50. Thanks for appreciating this beautiful temple. It is a must see place.

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  51. They are beautiful. Indian architecture is quite intriguing.

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