Khajuraho a place once well-known for Khajoor (dates) trees. Later periods broom making cottage industries flattened all the trees to flourish this business. Now it is very hard to find date tree in Khajuraho. Nearly 150kms from Jhansi railway station and 650kms from New Delhi (India) is also renowned for 25 mystery structures. In fact these structures are no ordinary, rather, are temples of ancient Chandella rulers (AD 900 – 1130). It is now part of world heritage list and world tourists visit the spot to appreciate the architectural values of combination between sexual and ritual positions sculpted on the walls justify the real sense of life of human intelligence towards spiritual gain.

Khajuraho originally had 85 temples, but only 25 now stand in varying states of preservation. Most of sculptures in the temples are identical in shape and designs made of sandstone brought from Panna on the east bank of Ken River. The sculptures are divided into five broad categories. First cult-images, second family and associated with it, third categories apsaras (beautiful heavenly women), fourth of domestic scenes, teachers, disciples dancers and musicians and finally fifth animals and beasts.

Ancient Indian Art and ritual practices were based on the reality of life involving Karma (destiny) and Kama (carnal ecstasy) together. The belief was fulfillment of both functions, way to attain moksha (spiritual way to heaven). And Moksha was the ultimate objective of human being. Moksha means to them was success of birth on earth. Fulfillment of sexual and spiritual act was the path towards the objective of life on earth. Sex was as sacred as other holy rituals. Spiritual exercise was yoga and physical exercise as bhoga. Together, was the path to Moksha (deliverance and way to heaven)!!!

The sexual carvings we see in Khajuraho temple walls are mirror of ancient time. The people of that age took a strong view of life and gave sex its due place. Khajuraho temple walls have most sexual poses inscribed in ancient text of Kamasutra. Kamasutra was believed as science to attain the best carnal ecstasy. The objective of Kamasutra was to educate methods and purpose of attaining sexual satisfaction.

Each temple wall and the poses have specialty to mesmerize visitor with its perfection in engraving and figure. These sculptures look real while viewing in deep contemplation. Each depiction of these poses symbolizes the realism of present and past human sexual desires. And carnal ecstasy is believed, way to fulfillment of human emotional and physical necessity after food and water. According to ancient architectural texts, the depiction of the loving bird, animal and human couples was considered auspicious and believed to bring luck to who made and who see or worship. The carvings on Khajuraho temples are unique in the world.

Visiting Khajuraho is an experience of life towards understanding truth about sexuality and spirituality. These temples are guidance to recognize why sexual act is as significant as ritual practices. To view photos and books please click link below:

Khajuraho Mystery temples