Life is a Vacation

After a morning trip around the Western Group of Temples and a brief afternoon siesta it was time to explore the other areas. The Southern Group of Temples in Khajuraho now comprise of 2 temples only and can be covered in about 45 minutes time. These temples follow a similar structure but are not as intricate as the ones in the Western Group. The somewhat repetitive demeanor points to the fact that these were constructed towards the end of the Chandela rule when creativity, artistry and finances were on a decline.

Chaturbhuj Temple

As the name suggests this temple is dedicated to Vishnu with 4 hands. The 9 feet tall idol is very intricately carved and beautiful and faces the south.

The temple stands atop a raised platform and the outer walls are devoid of any erotic sculpture.

There are snapshots of mythologies and the Shiva statue atop the doorway is not to be over looked.

It left me wondering whether there was a change in the social fabric by the time this temple was constructed in terms of the way of life and other social norms.

Dulhadeo Temple

As the name suggest this temple is dedicated to Shiva as a Divine Bridegroom ie Dulha (Bridegroom) & Deo (Divine). The Shiva linga inside the temple has about 11,000 smaller lingas carved on it and blesses the eligible to find their soul mate. 

This is the last temple of the Chandela reign and the wall carvings are similar to the temples in the Western Group. The carvings from the sides and the shikhara are being slowly destroyed by weather erosion.

The multiple folded pillars executed with amazing precision with the same design repeating without any flaw. The 3 layers of sculptures in the inner folds as detailed as the ones on the outer side. The lower layers reflect lifestyle of those times and the higher layers include a few erotic ones.