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:

Nalini Hebbar said...

Great Architecture...loved the facade!

xinex said...

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

giorno26 ¸¸.•*¨*•. said...

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

Zuzana said...

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

joo said...

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

माधव( Madhav) said...

nice post

nothingprofound said...

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

Indrani said...

Terrific captures. :)

clairz said...

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

Sylvia K said...

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

Pearl Maple said...

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

Carver said...

You had beautiful skies for photographing the exquisite temples.

Steffi said...

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

Francisca said...

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

Laura said...

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.

Kcalpesh said...

Marvelous Architecture!!


Pixellicious Photos

Rune said...

Exciting architecture and very nice pictures!

Anonymous said...

just splendid.

eden said...

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

Chubskulit Rose said...

majestic photos!

Sky Shots this week.

Eaglesbrother said...

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

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

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!!!

Gizelle said...

what a beautiful display of history!

Maude Lynn said...

Absolutely stunning!

Lorac said...

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

B i r g i t t a said...

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

Diane AZ said...

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

Carol said...

Impressive architecture! So many details and patterning are amazing!

magiceye said...

fantastic!

Urmi said...

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

Coffeeveggie addict. said...

Great,great p0st and structures!

Mridula said...

Lovely. Have not been there till date.

Girish said...

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

jabblog said...

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

Anonymous said...

The sheer enormity and complexity is astounding!

LV said...

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

Unknown said...

Amazing esp the last pic when it's lit!

Linda said...

The glow on the stone is really beautiful.

Pietro Brosio said...

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

Ezhilan said...

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.

SandyCarlson said...

Unbelievable! The golden light is gorgeous.

RAJI MUTHUKRISHNAN said...

Marvellous pictures

Rajesh said...

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

A Restless Mind With A Sensitive Heart! said...

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

Vinay Leo R. said...

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

Mine Is Here

photowannabe said...

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

Andy said...

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

Cezar and Léia said...

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

Leslie: said...

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

Roger Owen Green said...

another set of tremendous shots

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Unknown said...

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

Lost in thoughts said...

Great architecture!

Verna Luga said...

As always great post Rajesh.. amazing architecture..

ABC Wednesday here

Kero said...

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

Jeevan said...

stunning!

Rajesh said...

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

Dr. Pratibha Singh said...

loved the intricacy.

Nethra said...

They are beautiful. Indian architecture is quite intriguing.