Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Erotic Sculptures of Khajuraho -3

Khajuraho, previously known as Kharjuravahaka, is an ancient city in Madhya Pradesh. It was built during the medieval times by the Chandela Dynasty. The city’s intricate sculptures and majestic temples make it one of the most significant historical sites in the country. The grandiose of the statues and temples makes Khajuraho one of the most popular tourist places in Madhya Pradesh. Most of the monuments of Khajuraho were built between 950 and 1050 AD by the Chandela dynasty and represent a beautiful demonstration of relationships, spiritual teachings and meditation via stunning art. The temples are divided into three different clusters - the Eastern, Western and Southern Khajuraho group of monuments. These remaining clusters of temples represent the quality and originality of the Nagara-style architecture. The specific king who initiated the construction of the Khajuraho temples was King Chandravarman. Under his rule, the temples began to be built around the 10th century. However, it was during the reign of his successors, especially King Dhanga and King Yasovarman, that the majority of the temples were constructed. These kings, along with subsequent rulers, continued to build and expand the temple complex over several generations. Khajuraho do leave a lasting impression of the erotic art on everybody’s mind, however, it is very suprising to know that the erotic sculptures occupy only 10% of the entire artwork represented on the walls of the temples. ​Sexual pleasure has been considered an art and the erotic sculptures elaborate various sexual themes and different human expressions by showing men and women in intimate lovemaking and sexual positions. What impressed me the most about the erotic art on Khajuraho Temples is the acceptance of sexual desire as an essential part of human life by Hindu tradition.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Khajuraho, India
Camera: NIKON Z 8
Copyright: © Pinaki Sarkar