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.
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.
Great Architecture...loved the facade!
ReplyDeleteYou have so many beautiful buildings there and these are no exception....Christine
ReplyDeleteWow :)
ReplyDeleteche dire ?
Magnifico.
L'ultima foto è stupefacente... sembra costruito in oro.
Buona giornata.
I am always amazed by those incredible decorations n your temples. This must have been an incredibly painstaking job.
ReplyDeletexo
I can't believe that there are so many places like this in your country! Sheer beauty!
ReplyDeletenice post
ReplyDeleteMagnificent. Can't imagine what it would be like to walk out my door and see something that imposingly grand every day.
ReplyDeleteTerrific captures. :)
ReplyDeleteOrnate, indeed. 84 miniature spires--it's mind-boggling! Thank you for the tour.
ReplyDeleteFantastic 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!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
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
ReplyDeleteYou had beautiful skies for photographing the exquisite temples.
ReplyDeleteIt´s always really interesting to read your blog post and see your beautiful photos.Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a delicate temple, Rajesh! Those detailed sculptures are awesome. Another place to put on my "to go" list.
ReplyDeletesuch 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.
ReplyDeleteMarvelous Architecture!!
ReplyDeletePixellicious Photos
Exciting architecture and very nice pictures!
ReplyDeletejust splendid.
ReplyDeleteWow, impressive! Great shots and my favourite is the last one.
ReplyDeletemajestic photos!
ReplyDeleteSky Shots this week.
Beautiful buildings as always..you even got some sky in a few..good job
ReplyDeleteOh 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!!!
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful display of history!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning!
ReplyDeleteWoW! Beautiful and amazing! So much work went into them.
ReplyDeleteI have no words to express how fantastic this building is!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend
http://foto.rudenius.se/post/2010/09/24/Sky-Watch-Friday.aspx
Impressive structure and artwork and beautiful skies too. Thank you for the tour. :)
ReplyDeleteImpressive architecture! So many details and patterning are amazing!
ReplyDeletefantastic!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful, great and impressive architecture. Lovely pictures of Mahadeva temple at Khajuraho.
ReplyDeleteGreat,great p0st and structures!
ReplyDeleteLovely. Have not been there till date.
ReplyDeleteVery nice :)
ReplyDeleteU travel a lot, don't u!!
The temples teem with characters and soar heavenwards. Amazing architecture!
ReplyDeleteThe sheer enormity and complexity is astounding!
ReplyDeleteYou always share some of the most spectacular shots of the great buildings. I enjoy seeing some of the interesting sights from your world.
ReplyDeleteAmazing esp the last pic when it's lit!
ReplyDeleteThe glow on the stone is really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a splendid temple, Rajesh! Amazing architecture, so beautiful and detailed. The last picture is really fascinating!
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable! The golden light is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteMarvellous pictures
ReplyDeleteThanks for appreciating this beautiful temple. It is a must see place.
ReplyDeleteHey!
ReplyDeleteI 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
beautiful shots of quite a brilliant temple, Rajesh.. the architecture is very fascinating!
ReplyDeleteMine Is Here
I find the architecture so amazing and detailed for buildings so old. Thank you for sharing these lovely places with us.
ReplyDeleteVery amazing sight! I have a lot to learn about Your India. By the way... good luck with the Commonwealth Games.
ReplyDeleteWow, magnificent place and fantastic set of pictures today, very well done!
ReplyDeleteLéia :)
Incredible architecture! Thanks for sharing it with us all. :D
ReplyDeleteanother set of tremendous shots
ReplyDeleteROG, ABC Wednesday team
What an amazing place. The detail is beyond belief. People had to have really believed in what they were doing to create such beauty.
ReplyDeleteMy ABC Wednesday Post
Great architecture!
ReplyDeleteAs always great post Rajesh.. amazing architecture..
ReplyDeleteABC Wednesday here
that is one great architecture! reminds me as well of the Duomo in Milan =)
ReplyDeleteABC entry is here http://kcelebration.blogspot.com/2010/09/kayaking-in-venice.html
stunning!
ReplyDeleteThanks for appreciating this beautiful temple. It is a must see place.
ReplyDeleteloved the intricacy.
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful. Indian architecture is quite intriguing.
ReplyDelete