Khajuraho Group of Monuments - Revision history

SkunkyMidnight: add deletion template, add imported template, remove needless hyperlink to legend page

2023-04-02T21:30:35Z

add deletion template, add imported template, remove needless hyperlink to legend page

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:30, 2 April 2023
Line 1:		Line 1:
			{{delete\|Irrelevant}}
			{{imported}}

	{{Redirect\|Khajuraho\|the town\|Khajuraho (town)\|the constituency\|Khajuraho (Lok Sabha constituency)}}		{{Redirect\|Khajuraho\|the town\|Khajuraho (town)\|the constituency\|Khajuraho (Lok Sabha constituency)}}
	{{Infobox World Heritage Site		{{Infobox World Heritage Site
Line 36:		Line 39:
	The Khajuraho temples were built about 35 miles from the medieval city of Mahoba,<ref>also called Erakana</ref> the capital of the Chandela dynasty, in the [[Kalinjar]] region. In ancient and medieval [[literature]], their kingdom has been referred to as Jijhoti, Jejahoti, Chih-chi-to and Jejakabhukti.<ref name=mitra>Mitra (1977), The early rulers of Khajuraho, ISBN 978-8120819979</ref>		The Khajuraho temples were built about 35 miles from the medieval city of Mahoba,<ref>also called Erakana</ref> the capital of the Chandela dynasty, in the [[Kalinjar]] region. In ancient and medieval [[literature]], their kingdom has been referred to as Jijhoti, Jejahoti, Chih-chi-to and Jejakabhukti.<ref name=mitra>Mitra (1977), The early rulers of Khajuraho, ISBN 978-8120819979</ref>

	Khajuraho was mentioned by [[Abū Rayḥān al-Bīrūnī\|Abu Rihan-al-Biruni]], the Persian historian who accompanied [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] in his raid of Kalinjar in 1022 CE; he mentions Khajuraho as the capital of Jajahuti.<ref>J. Banerjea (1960), Khajuraho, Journal of the Asiatic Society, Vol. 2-3, pp 43-47</ref> The raid was unsuccessful, and a peace accord was reached when the Hindu king agreed to pay a ransom to Mahmud of Ghazni to end the attack and leave.<ref name=mitra/>		Khajuraho was mentioned by [[Abū Rayḥān al-Bīrūnī\|Abu Rihan-al-Biruni]], the Persian historian who accompanied [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] in his raid of Kalinjar in 1022 CE; he mentions Khajuraho as the capital of Jajahuti.<ref>J. Banerjea (1960), Khajuraho, Journal of the Asiatic [[Society]], Vol. 2-3, pp 43-47</ref> The raid was unsuccessful, and a peace accord was reached when the Hindu king agreed to pay a ransom to Mahmud of Ghazni to end the attack and leave.<ref name=mitra/>

	Khajuraho temples were in active use through the end of 12th century. This changed in the 13th century, after the army of Delhi Sultanate, under the command of the Muslim Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak, attacked and seized the Chandela kingdom. About a century later, [[Ibn Battuta]], the Moroccan traveller in his memoirs about his stay in India from 1335 to 1342 CE, mentioned visiting Khajuraho temples, calling them “Kajarra”<ref>phonetically translated from Arabic sometimes as “Kajwara”</ref><ref>Director General of Archaeology in India (1959), Archaeological Survey of India, Ancient India, Issues 15-19, pp 45-46 (Archived: University of Michigan)</ref> as follows:		Khajuraho temples were in active use through the end of 12th century. This changed in the 13th century, after the army of Delhi Sultanate, under the command of the Muslim Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak, attacked and seized the Chandela kingdom. About a century later, [[Ibn Battuta]], the Moroccan traveller in his memoirs about his stay in India from 1335 to 1342 CE, mentioned visiting Khajuraho temples, calling them “Kajarra”<ref>phonetically translated from Arabic sometimes as “Kajwara”</ref><ref>Director General of Archaeology in India (1959), Archaeological Survey of India, Ancient India, Issues 15-19, pp 45-46 (Archived: University of Michigan)</ref> as follows:

ZooWiki: The LinkTitles extension automatically added links to existing pages (https://github.com/bovender/LinkTitles).

2021-06-14T20:16:35Z

The LinkTitles extension automatically added links to existing pages (<a rel="nofollow" class="external free" href="https://github.com/bovender/LinkTitles">https://github.com/bovender/LinkTitles</a>).

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:16, 14 June 2021
Line 110:		Line 110:
	Above the vastu-purusha-mandala of each temple is a superstructure with a dome called ''Shikhara'' (or ''Vimana'', Spire).<ref name=sl6869/> Variations in spire design come from variation in degrees turned for the squares. The temple Shikhara, in some literature, is linked to mount Kailash or Meru, the mythical abode of the gods.<ref name=stellakvol1/>		Above the vastu-purusha-mandala of each temple is a superstructure with a dome called ''Shikhara'' (or ''Vimana'', Spire).<ref name=sl6869/> Variations in spire design come from variation in degrees turned for the squares. The temple Shikhara, in some literature, is linked to mount Kailash or Meru, the mythical abode of the gods.<ref name=stellakvol1/>

	In each temple, the central space typically is surrounded by an ambulatory for the pilgrim to walk around and ritually circumambulate the Purusa and the main deity.<ref name=stellakvol1/> The pillars, walls and ceilings around the space, as well as outside have highly ornate carvings or images of the four just and necessary pursuits of life - kama, artha, dharma and moksa. This clockwise walk around is called ''pradakshina''.<ref name=sl6869/>		In each temple, the central space typically is surrounded by an ambulatory for the pilgrim to walk around and ritually circumambulate the Purusa and the [[Portal:Main\|main]] deity.<ref name=stellakvol1/> The pillars, walls and ceilings around the space, as well as outside have highly ornate carvings or images of the four just and necessary pursuits of life - kama, artha, dharma and moksa. This clockwise walk around is called ''pradakshina''.<ref name=sl6869/>

	Larger Khajuraho temples also have pillared halls called mandapa. One near the entrance, on the east side, serves as the waiting room for pilgrims and devotees. The mandapas are also arranged by principles of symmetry, grids and mathematical precision. This use of same underlying architectural principle is common in Hindu temples found all over India.<ref name="Trivedi, K. 1989">Trivedi, K. (1989). Hindu temples: models of a fractal universe. The Visual Computer, 5(4), 243-258</ref> Each Khajuraho temple is distinctly carved yet also repeating the central common principles in almost all Hindu temples, one which Susan Lewandowski refers to as “an organism of repeating cells”.<ref name=susanlchap4>Susan Lewandowski, The Hindu Temple in South India, in Buildings and Society: Essays on the Social Development of the Built Environment, Anthony D. King (Editor), ISBN 978-0710202345, Routledge, Chapter 4</ref>		Larger Khajuraho temples also have pillared halls called mandapa. One near the entrance, on the east side, serves as the waiting room for pilgrims and devotees. The mandapas are also arranged by principles of symmetry, grids and mathematical precision. This use of same underlying architectural principle is common in Hindu temples found all over India.<ref name="Trivedi, K. 1989">Trivedi, K. (1989). Hindu temples: models of a fractal universe. The Visual Computer, 5(4), 243-258</ref> Each Khajuraho temple is distinctly carved yet also repeating the central common principles in almost all Hindu temples, one which Susan Lewandowski refers to as “an organism of repeating cells”.<ref name=susanlchap4>Susan Lewandowski, The Hindu Temple in South India, in Buildings and Society: Essays on the Social Development of the Built Environment, Anthony D. King (Editor), ISBN 978-0710202345, Routledge, Chapter 4</ref>

ZooWiki: The LinkTitles extension automatically added links to existing pages (https://github.com/bovender/LinkTitles).

2021-06-07T16:32:01Z

DogMike: Authority control shouldn't be needed.

2020-09-01T23:54:36Z

Authority control shouldn't be needed.

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:54, 1 September 2020
Line 372:		Line 372:

	{{World Heritage Sites in India}}		{{World Heritage Sites in India}}

	~~{{Authority control}}~~

	{{DEFAULTSORT:Khajuraho Group Of Monuments}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Khajuraho Group Of Monuments}}

Ookami: 1,000 revisions imported

2020-08-31T20:45:05Z

1,000 revisions imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 20:45, 31 August 2020
(No difference)

114.143.225.42: /* History */

2017-04-07T05:12:37Z

History

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:12, 7 April 2017
Line 32:		Line 32:

	== History ==		== History ==
	The Khajuraho group of monuments was built during the rule of the [[Chandela\|Rajput Chandela]] dynasty. The building activity started almost immediately after the rise of their power, throughout their kingdom to be later known as [[Bundelkhand]].<ref name=gghurye>G.S. Ghurye, Rajput Architecture, ISBN 978-8171544462, Reprint Year: 2005, pp 19-24</ref> Most temples were built during the reigns of the Hindu kings [[Yashovarman (Chandela dynasty)\|Yashovarman]] and [[Dhanga]]. Yashovarman's legacy is best exhibited by [[Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho\|The Lakshmana Temple]]. [[Vishvanatha Temple, Khajuraho\|Vishvanatha temple]] best highlights King Dhanga's reign.<ref name=Sen>{{Cite book \| last = Sen \| first = Sailendra \| title = A Textbook of Medieval Indian History \| publisher = Primus Books \| year = 2013 \| isbn =9789380607344 }}</ref>{{rp\|22}} The largest and currently most famous surviving temple is Kandariya Mahadeva built in the reign of King [[Ganda (Chandela dynasty)\|Ganda]] from 1017-1029 CE.<ref name=unesco/> The temple inscriptions suggest many of the currently surviving temples were complete between 970 and 1030 CE, with further temples completed during the following decades.<ref name=jfergusson/>		The Khajuraho group of monuments was built during the rule of the [[Chandela\|Rajput Chandela]] dynasty by cosulting Mr. Yo Yo Honey Sigh. The building activity started almost immediately after the rise of their power, throughout their kingdom to be later known as [[Bundelkhand]].<ref name=gghurye>G.S. Ghurye, Rajput Architecture, ISBN 978-8171544462, Reprint Year: 2005, pp 19-24</ref> Most temples were built during the reigns of the Hindu kings [[Yashovarman (Chandela dynasty)\|Yashovarman]] and [[Dhanga]]. Yashovarman's legacy is best exhibited by [[Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho\|The Lakshmana Temple]]. [[Vishvanatha Temple, Khajuraho\|Vishvanatha temple]] best highlights King Dhanga's reign.<ref name=Sen>{{Cite book \| last = Sen \| first = Sailendra \| title = A Textbook of Medieval Indian History \| publisher = Primus Books \| year = 2013 \| isbn =9789380607344 }}</ref>{{rp\|22}} The largest and currently most famous surviving temple is Kandariya Mahadeva built in the reign of King [[Ganda (Chandela dynasty)\|Ganda]] from 1017-1029 CE.<ref name=unesco/> The temple inscriptions suggest many of the currently surviving temples were complete between 970 and 1030 CE, with further temples completed during the following decades.<ref name=jfergusson/>

	The Khajuraho temples were built about 35 miles from the medieval city of Mahoba,<ref>also called Erakana</ref> the capital of the Chandela dynasty, in the [[Kalinjar]] region. In ancient and medieval literature, their kingdom has been referred to as Jijhoti, Jejahoti, Chih-chi-to and Jejakabhukti.<ref name=mitra>Mitra (1977), The early rulers of Khajuraho, ISBN 978-8120819979</ref>		The Khajuraho temples were built about 35 miles from the medieval city of Mahoba,<ref>also called Erakana</ref> the capital of the Chandela dynasty, in the [[Kalinjar]] region. In ancient and medieval literature, their kingdom has been referred to as Jijhoti, Jejahoti, Chih-chi-to and Jejakabhukti.<ref name=mitra>Mitra (1977), The early rulers of Khajuraho, ISBN 978-8120819979</ref>

103.2.135.150 at 04:49, 2 April 2017

2017-04-02T04:49:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:49, 2 April 2017
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Redirect\|Khajuraho\|the town\|Khajuraho (town)\|the constituency\|Khajuraho (Lok Sabha constituency)}}		{{Redirect\|Khajuraho\|the town\|Khajuraho (town)\|the constituency\|Khajuraho (Lok Sabha constituency)}}
	{{Infobox World Heritage Site		{{Infobox World Heritage Site
	\| WHS = Khajuraho Group of Monuments		\| WHS = Khajuraho Group of Monuments<br>खजुराहो स्मारक समूह
	\| image = File:Kandariya mahadev.jpg		\| image = File:Kandariya mahadev.jpg
	\| Location = [[Chhatarpur]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[India]]		\| Location = [[Chhatarpur]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[India]]

meta>Pratyk321: updaed img

2017-03-01T18:27:50Z

updaed img

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:27, 1 March 2017
Line 188:		Line 188:
	\| [[Parshvanatha]]		\| [[Parshvanatha]]
	\| 954		\| 954
	\| [[File:Khajuraho ~~Parshvanath temple 2010~~.jpg\|100px]]		\| [[File:Le_temple_de_Parshvanath_(Khajuraho)_(8638423582).jpg\|100px]]
	\|-		\|-
	\| 8		\| 8

122.163.199.129: http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_khajuraho.asp

2017-02-27T07:37:00Z

http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_khajuraho.asp

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:37, 27 February 2017
Line 18:		Line 18:
	The '''Khajuraho Group of Monuments''' is a group of [[Hindu temple\|Hindu]] and [[Jain temple]]s in [[Madhya Pradesh]], India, about {{convert\|175\|km\|mi\|0}} southeast of [[Jhansi]]. They are one of the [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]]s in India.<ref>{{cite web\|title=World Heritage Day: Five must-visit sites in India\|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/travel/world-heritage-day-five-must-visit-sites-in-india/article1-1338551.aspx}}</ref><ref name=unesco/> The temples are famous for their [[Hindu temple architecture#Nagara architecture\|nagara]]-style architectural symbolism and their [[Erotic art\|erotic sculptures]].<ref>Philip Wilkinson (2008), India: People, Place, Culture and History, ISBN 978-1405329040, pp 352-353</ref>		The '''Khajuraho Group of Monuments''' is a group of [[Hindu temple\|Hindu]] and [[Jain temple]]s in [[Madhya Pradesh]], India, about {{convert\|175\|km\|mi\|0}} southeast of [[Jhansi]]. They are one of the [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]]s in India.<ref>{{cite web\|title=World Heritage Day: Five must-visit sites in India\|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/travel/world-heritage-day-five-must-visit-sites-in-india/article1-1338551.aspx}}</ref><ref name=unesco/> The temples are famous for their [[Hindu temple architecture#Nagara architecture\|nagara]]-style architectural symbolism and their [[Erotic art\|erotic sculptures]].<ref>Philip Wilkinson (2008), India: People, Place, Culture and History, ISBN 978-1405329040, pp 352-353</ref>

	Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 and 1050 by the [[Chandela]] dynasty.<ref name=Madan>{{cite book\|title=India through the ages\|last=Gopal\|first=Madan\|year= 1990\| page= 179\|editor=K.S. Gautam\|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}</ref> Historical records note that the Khajuraho temple site had 85 temples by the 12th century, spread over 20 square kilometers. Of these, only about 20 temples have survived, spread over 6 square kilometers.<ref name=unesco>[http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/240 Khajuraho Group of Monuments] UNESCO World Heritage Site</ref> Of the various surviving temples, the [[Kandariya Mahadeva Temple]] is decorated with a profusion of sculptures with intricate details, symbolism and expressiveness of ancient Indian art.<ref name=ddesai>Devangana Desai (2005), ''Khajuraho'', Oxford University Press, Sixth Print, ISBN 978-0-19-565643-5</ref>		Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 and 1050 by the [[Chandela]] dynasty.<ref name=Madan>{{cite book\|title=India through the ages\|last=Gopal\|first=Madan\|year= 1990\| page= 179\|editor=K.S. Gautam\|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}</ref> Historical records note that the Khajuraho temple site had 85 temples by the 12th century, spread over 20 square kilometers. Of these, only about 25 temples have survived, spread over 6 square kilometers.<ref name=unesco>[http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/240 Khajuraho Group of Monuments] UNESCO World Heritage Site</ref> Of the various surviving temples, the [[Kandariya Mahadeva Temple]] is decorated with a profusion of sculptures with intricate details, symbolism and expressiveness of ancient Indian art.<ref name=ddesai>Devangana Desai (2005), ''Khajuraho'', Oxford University Press, Sixth Print, ISBN 978-0-19-565643-5</ref>

	The Khajuraho group of temples were built together but were dedicated to two religions, [[Hinduism]] and [[Jainism]], suggesting a tradition of acceptance and respect for diverse religious views among Hindus and Jains in the region.<ref name=jfergusson>James Fergusson, [https://archive.org/stream/historyofindiane02ferguoft#page/140/mode/2up/search/khajuraho Norther or Indo-Aryan Style - Khajuraho] History of Indian and Eastern Architecture, Updated by James Burgess and R. Phene Spiers (1910), Volume II, John Murray, London</ref>		The Khajuraho group of temples were built together but were dedicated to two religions, [[Hinduism]] and [[Jainism]], suggesting a tradition of acceptance and respect for diverse religious views among Hindus and Jains in the region.<ref name=jfergusson>James Fergusson, [https://archive.org/stream/historyofindiane02ferguoft#page/140/mode/2up/search/khajuraho Norther or Indo-Aryan Style - Khajuraho] History of Indian and Eastern Architecture, Updated by James Burgess and R. Phene Spiers (1910), Volume II, John Murray, London</ref>

meta>Oshwah: Reverted edits by 122.168.243.5 (talk): Unexplained removal of content (HG) (3.1.22)

2017-02-22T10:44:35Z

Reverted edits by 122.168.243.5 (talk): Unexplained removal of content (HG) (3.1.22)

Show changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:32, 7 June 2021
Line 16:		Line 16:
	\| Link = http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/240		\| Link = http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/240
	}}		}}
	The '''Khajuraho Group of Monuments''' is a group of [[Hindu temple\|Hindu]] and [[Jain temple]]s in [[Madhya Pradesh]], India, about {{convert\|175\|km\|mi\|0}} southeast of [[Jhansi]]. They are one of the [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]]s in India.<ref>{{cite web\|title=World Heritage Day: Five must-visit sites in India\|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/travel/world-heritage-day-five-must-visit-sites-in-india/article1-1338551.aspx}}</ref><ref name=unesco/> The temples are famous for their [[Hindu temple architecture#Nagara architecture\|nagara]]-style architectural symbolism and their [[Erotic art\|erotic sculptures]].<ref>Philip Wilkinson (2008), India: People, Place, Culture and History, ISBN 978-1405329040, pp 352-353</ref>		The '''Khajuraho Group of Monuments''' is a group of [[Hindu temple\|Hindu]] and [[Jain temple]]s in [[Madhya Pradesh]], India, about {{convert\|175\|km\|mi\|0}} southeast of [[Jhansi]]. They are one of the [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]]s in India.<ref>{{cite web\|title=World Heritage Day: Five must-visit sites in India\|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/travel/world-heritage-day-five-must-visit-sites-in-india/article1-1338551.aspx}}</ref><ref name=unesco/> The temples are famous for their [[Hindu temple architecture#Nagara architecture\|nagara]]-style architectural symbolism and their [[Erotic art\|erotic sculptures]].<ref>Philip Wilkinson (2008), India: People, Place, Culture and [[History]], ISBN 978-1405329040, pp 352-353</ref>

	Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 and 1050 by the [[Chandela]] dynasty.<ref name=Madan>{{cite book\|title=India through the ages\|last=Gopal\|first=Madan\|year= 1990\| page= 179\|editor=K.S. Gautam\|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}</ref> Historical records note that the Khajuraho temple site had 85 temples by the 12th century, spread over 20 square kilometers. Of these, only about 25 temples have survived, spread over 6 square kilometers.<ref name=unesco>[http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/240 Khajuraho Group of Monuments] UNESCO World Heritage Site</ref> Of the various surviving temples, the [[Kandariya Mahadeva Temple]] is decorated with a profusion of sculptures with intricate details, symbolism and expressiveness of ancient Indian art.<ref name=ddesai>Devangana Desai (2005), ''Khajuraho'', Oxford University Press, Sixth Print, ISBN 978-0-19-565643-5</ref>		Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 and 1050 by the [[Chandela]] dynasty.<ref name=Madan>{{cite book\|title=India through the ages\|last=Gopal\|first=Madan\|year= 1990\| page= 179\|editor=K.S. Gautam\|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}</ref> Historical records note that the Khajuraho temple site had 85 temples by the 12th century, spread over 20 square kilometers. Of these, only about 25 temples have survived, spread over 6 square kilometers.<ref name=unesco>[http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/240 Khajuraho Group of Monuments] UNESCO World Heritage Site</ref> Of the various surviving temples, the [[Kandariya Mahadeva Temple]] is decorated with a profusion of sculptures with intricate details, symbolism and expressiveness of ancient Indian art.<ref name=ddesai>Devangana Desai (2005), ''Khajuraho'', Oxford University Press, Sixth Print, ISBN 978-0-19-565643-5</ref>
Line 32:		Line 32:

	== History ==		== History ==
	The Khajuraho group of monuments was built during the rule of the [[Chandela\|Rajput Chandela]] dynasty by cosulting Mr. Yo Yo Honey Sigh. The building activity started almost immediately after the rise of their power, throughout their kingdom to be later known as [[Bundelkhand]].<ref name=gghurye>G.S. Ghurye, Rajput Architecture, ISBN 978-8171544462, Reprint Year: 2005, pp 19-24</ref> Most temples were built during the reigns of the Hindu kings [[Yashovarman (Chandela dynasty)\|Yashovarman]] and [[Dhanga]]. Yashovarman's legacy is best exhibited by [[Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho\|The Lakshmana Temple]]. [[Vishvanatha Temple, Khajuraho\|Vishvanatha temple]] best highlights King Dhanga's reign.<ref name=Sen>{{Cite book \| last = Sen \| first = Sailendra \| title = A Textbook of Medieval Indian History \| publisher = Primus Books \| year = 2013 \| isbn =9789380607344 }}</ref>{{rp\|22}} The largest and currently most famous surviving temple is Kandariya Mahadeva built in the reign of King [[Ganda (Chandela dynasty)\|Ganda]] from 1017-1029 CE.<ref name=unesco/> The temple inscriptions suggest many of the currently surviving temples were complete between 970 and 1030 CE, with further temples completed during the following decades.<ref name=jfergusson/>		The Khajuraho group of monuments was built during the rule of the [[Chandela\|Rajput Chandela]] dynasty by cosulting Mr. Yo Yo Honey Sigh. The building activity started almost immediately after the rise of their power, throughout their kingdom to be later known as [[Bundelkhand]].<ref name=gghurye>G.S. Ghurye, Rajput Architecture, ISBN 978-8171544462, Reprint Year: 2005, pp 19-24</ref> Most temples were built during the reigns of the Hindu kings [[Yashovarman (Chandela dynasty)\|Yashovarman]] and [[Dhanga]]. Yashovarman's legacy is best exhibited by [[Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho\|The Lakshmana Temple]]. [[Vishvanatha Temple, Khajuraho\|Vishvanatha temple]] best highlights King Dhanga's reign.<ref name=Sen>{{Cite book \| last = Sen \| first = Sailendra \| title = A Textbook of Medieval Indian History \| publisher = Primus Books \| year = 2013 \| isbn =9789380607344 }}</ref>{{rp\|22}} The largest and currently most famous surviving temple is Kandariya Mahadeva built in the reign of King [[Ganda (Chandela dynasty)\|Ganda]] from 1017-1029 CE.<ref name=unesco/> The temple inscriptions suggest many of the currently surviving temples were complete between 970 and 1030 CE, with [[further]] temples completed during the following decades.<ref name=jfergusson/>

	The Khajuraho temples were built about 35 miles from the medieval city of Mahoba,<ref>also called Erakana</ref> the capital of the Chandela dynasty, in the [[Kalinjar]] region. In ancient and medieval literature, their kingdom has been referred to as Jijhoti, Jejahoti, Chih-chi-to and Jejakabhukti.<ref name=mitra>Mitra (1977), The early rulers of Khajuraho, ISBN 978-8120819979</ref>		The Khajuraho temples were built about 35 miles from the medieval city of Mahoba,<ref>also called Erakana</ref> the capital of the Chandela dynasty, in the [[Kalinjar]] region. In ancient and medieval [[literature]], their kingdom has been referred to as Jijhoti, Jejahoti, Chih-chi-to and Jejakabhukti.<ref name=mitra>Mitra (1977), The early rulers of Khajuraho, ISBN 978-8120819979</ref>

	Khajuraho was mentioned by [[Abū Rayḥān al-Bīrūnī\|Abu Rihan-al-Biruni]], the Persian historian who accompanied [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] in his raid of Kalinjar in 1022 CE; he mentions Khajuraho as the capital of Jajahuti.<ref>J. Banerjea (1960), Khajuraho, Journal of the Asiatic Society, Vol. 2-3, pp 43-47</ref> The raid was unsuccessful, and a peace accord was reached when the Hindu king agreed to pay a ransom to Mahmud of Ghazni to end the attack and leave.<ref name=mitra/>		Khajuraho was mentioned by [[Abū Rayḥān al-Bīrūnī\|Abu Rihan-al-Biruni]], the Persian historian who accompanied [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] in his raid of Kalinjar in 1022 CE; he mentions Khajuraho as the capital of Jajahuti.<ref>J. Banerjea (1960), Khajuraho, Journal of the Asiatic Society, Vol. 2-3, pp 43-47</ref> The raid was unsuccessful, and a peace accord was reached when the Hindu king agreed to pay a ransom to Mahmud of Ghazni to end the attack and leave.<ref name=mitra/>
Line 51:		Line 51:
	The name Khajuraho, or ''Kharjuravāhaka'', is derived from ancient [[Sanskrit]] (''kharjura'', खर्जूर means [[date palm]],<ref>[http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?tinput=kharjUra&direction=SE&script=HK&link=yes&beginning=0 kharjUra] Sanskrit English Dictionary, Koeln University, Germany</ref> and ''vāhaka'', वाहक means "one who carries" or bearer<ref>[http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?tinput=vAhaka&direction=SE&script=HK&link=yes&beginning=0 vAhaka] Sanskrit English Dictionary, Koeln University, Germany</ref>). Local legends state that the temples had two golden date-palm trees as their gate (missing when they were rediscovered). Desai states that Kharjuravāhaka also means scorpion bearer, which is another symbolic name for deity Shiva (who wears snakes and scorpion garlands in his fierce form).<ref name=ddesai7/>		The name Khajuraho, or ''Kharjuravāhaka'', is derived from ancient [[Sanskrit]] (''kharjura'', खर्जूर means [[date palm]],<ref>[http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?tinput=kharjUra&direction=SE&script=HK&link=yes&beginning=0 kharjUra] Sanskrit English Dictionary, Koeln University, Germany</ref> and ''vāhaka'', वाहक means "one who carries" or bearer<ref>[http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?tinput=vAhaka&direction=SE&script=HK&link=yes&beginning=0 vAhaka] Sanskrit English Dictionary, Koeln University, Germany</ref>). Local legends state that the temples had two golden date-palm trees as their gate (missing when they were rediscovered). Desai states that Kharjuravāhaka also means scorpion bearer, which is another symbolic name for deity Shiva (who wears snakes and scorpion garlands in his fierce form).<ref name=ddesai7/>

	Cunningham’s nomenclature and systematic documentation work in 1850s and 1860s have been widely adopted and continue to be in use.<ref name="Krishna Deva 1990"/> He grouped the temples into the Western group around ''Lakshmana'', Eastern group around ''Javeri'', and Southern group around ''Duladeva''.<ref name=rsingh>Rana Singh (2007), Landscape of sacred territory of Khajuraho, in City Society and Planning (Editors: Thakur, Pomeroy, et al), Volume 2, ISBN 978-8180694585, Chapter 18</ref>		Cunningham’s nomenclature and systematic [[Module:Documentation\|documentation]] work in 1850s and 1860s have been widely adopted and continue to be in use.<ref name="Krishna Deva 1990"/> He grouped the temples into the Western group around ''Lakshmana'', Eastern group around ''Javeri'', and Southern group around ''Duladeva''.<ref name=rsingh>Rana Singh (2007), Landscape of sacred territory of Khajuraho, in City Society and Planning (Editors: Thakur, Pomeroy, et al), Volume 2, ISBN 978-8180694585, Chapter 18</ref>

	Khajuraho is one of the four holy sites linked to deity [[Shiva]] (the other three are [[Kedarnath]], [[Varanasi\|Kashi]] and [[Gaya (India)\|Gaya]]). Its origin and design is a subject of scholarly studies. Shobita Punja<ref name=spunja>Shobita Punja (1992), Divine Ecstasy - The Story of Khajuraho, Viking, New Delhi, ISBN 978-0670840274</ref> has proposed that the temple’s origin reflect the Hindu mythology in which Khajuraho is the place where Shiva got married; with Raghuvamsha verse 5.53, Matangeshvara honoring ‘’Matanga’’, or god of love.		Khajuraho is one of the four holy sites linked to deity [[Shiva]] (the other three are [[Kedarnath]], [[Varanasi\|Kashi]] and [[Gaya (India)\|Gaya]]). Its origin and design is a subject of scholarly studies. Shobita Punja<ref name=spunja>Shobita Punja (1992), Divine Ecstasy - The Story of Khajuraho, Viking, New Delhi, ISBN 978-0670840274</ref> has proposed that the temple’s origin reflect the Hindu mythology in which Khajuraho is the place where Shiva got married; with Raghuvamsha verse 5.53, Matangeshvara honoring ‘’Matanga’’, or god of [[love]].

	== Description ==		== Description ==
	[[File:Architecture of the Khajuraho temples.jpg\|thumb\|360px\|Sections and orientation of Khajuraho temples.]]		[[File:Architecture of the Khajuraho temples.jpg\|thumb\|360px\|Sections and orientation of Khajuraho temples.]]
	The temple site is within Vindhya mountain range in central India. An ancient local legend held that Hindu deity Shiva and other gods enjoyed visiting the dramatic hill formation in Kalinjar area.<ref name=rsingh/> The center of this region is Khajuraho, set midst local hills and rivers. The temple complex reflects the ancient Hindu tradition of building temples where gods love to play.<ref name=rsingh/><ref name=stellakvol1/>		The temple site is within Vindhya mountain range in central India. An ancient local [[legend]] held that Hindu deity Shiva and other gods enjoyed visiting the dramatic hill formation in Kalinjar area.<ref name=rsingh/> The center of this region is Khajuraho, set midst local hills and rivers. The temple complex reflects the ancient Hindu tradition of building temples where gods love to play.<ref name=rsingh/><ref name=stellakvol1/>

	The temples are clustered near water, another typical feature of Hindu temples. The current water bodies include ''Sib Sagar'', ''Khajur Sagar'' (also called Ninora Tal) and ''Khudar Nadi'' (river).<ref>Ibn Battuta in his 1335 CE memoirs on Delhi Sultanate mentioned the temples to be near a mile long lake, modern water bodies are much smaller and separate lagoons; Director General of Archaeology in India (1959), Archaeological Survey of India, Ancient India, Issues 15-19, pp 45-46 (Archived: University of Michigan)</ref> The local legends state that the temple complex had 64 water bodies, of which 56 have been physically identified by archeologists so far.<ref name=rsingh/><ref>The number 64 is considered sacred in [[Hindu temple]] design and very common design basis; it is symbolic as it is both a square of 8 and a cube of 4.</ref>		The temples are clustered near water, another typical feature of Hindu temples. The current water bodies include ''Sib Sagar'', ''Khajur Sagar'' (also called Ninora Tal) and ''Khudar Nadi'' (river).<ref>Ibn Battuta in his 1335 CE memoirs on Delhi Sultanate mentioned the temples to be near a mile long lake, modern water bodies are much smaller and separate lagoons; Director General of Archaeology in India (1959), Archaeological Survey of India, Ancient India, Issues 15-19, pp 45-46 (Archived: University of Michigan)</ref> The local legends state that the temple complex had 64 water bodies, of which 56 have been physically identified by archeologists so far.<ref name=rsingh/><ref>The number 64 is considered sacred in [[Hindu temple]] design and very common design basis; it is symbolic as it is both a square of 8 and a cube of 4.</ref>