March 1, 2016
March 1, 2016
After a short break at our hotel, we drove around the
corner to a park containing a cluster of Hindu temples. Because this area was off the beaten track,
the 1000 year old temples here survived destruction from the waves of
Muslim invaders and are now designated a World Heritage Site. The exterior of the temples are full of well-preserved
intricately carved figures covering many aspects of Indian life. They leave nothing to the imagination. These sacred temples are famous or rather
infamous for the erotic depictions. But we must remember that Hinduism, and its
various offshoots are not centered on idol or god worship like western religions. They are about the right way to live
life. Hindus have four goals in life,
and kama, pleasure in moderation, is one.
Our guide spends a couple hours with us showing us the highlights. The architectural style of all the temples is similar, a series of steep domes that resemble a mountain range. The figures that cover the lower periphery on some of the temples are very well preserved. They depict Hindus, gods, and court figures in all aspects of life including dancing, battle, and hunting. The level of detail is exquisite. Most of the female figures are very sensuous and humorously sometimes depicted in very ordinary human activity, like removing a thorn from the foot.
We also drive a few minutes to another cluster of temples that aren’t as well-preserved. These temples are from the Jain sect of Hinduism that arose about the same time as Buddhism. Jains believe in the sanctity of all life, including plant life. Thus they are strict vegetarians and practice non-violence. Some Jains even eschew wearing any clothes. Thus many of the male figures are nude.
We are on the road again.
Back to the airport for a very short flight to Khajuraho. As our flight approaches, I see the terrain looks different,
drier and less populated. Small mountains are scattered about. When we
land, we almost think we left India.
It is rural, clean, and almost devoid of people. What a pleasant respite from the gritty
cacophony of city life in India.
Our guide spends a couple hours with us showing us the highlights. The architectural style of all the temples is similar, a series of steep domes that resemble a mountain range. The figures that cover the lower periphery on some of the temples are very well preserved. They depict Hindus, gods, and court figures in all aspects of life including dancing, battle, and hunting. The level of detail is exquisite. Most of the female figures are very sensuous and humorously sometimes depicted in very ordinary human activity, like removing a thorn from the foot.
We also drive a few minutes to another cluster of temples that aren’t as well-preserved. These temples are from the Jain sect of Hinduism that arose about the same time as Buddhism. Jains believe in the sanctity of all life, including plant life. Thus they are strict vegetarians and practice non-violence. Some Jains even eschew wearing any clothes. Thus many of the male figures are nude.
posted by Mike and Aimee at 8:20 PM
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