Kandariya Mahadeva Temple - Largest of all the temples in Khajuraho, it dates back to the 10th century CE. It is 109 feet high and 60 feet wide. The interior arrangement of the temple differs from the usual construction of a Hindu temple as it has an open passage around the sanctum, thus forming a high altar at the inner portion of the temple.
The walls of the Kandariya temple carry nearly nine hundred images. The height of the figures varies from 2.5 feet to 3 feet. The entrance of the temple is in the shape of an arch and is decorated with figures of deities and musicians. Also, the entrance of the sanctum has elaborate floral carvings interspersed with figures of ascetics engaged in penance. The female figures at the base of the jambs are identified to be Goddess Ganga (River Ganga) and Goddess Jumna (River Yamuna).
The Goddesses are accompanied by their respective vehicles, the crocodile and the tortoise. Inside the sanctum stands a marble linga, the symbol of Lord Shiva. There are also numerous figures of apsaras or nymphs sorts of delicate postures.
No comments:
Post a Comment