Today our group took a day trip to the ancient temple complex of Khajuraho. Khajuraho was built in the 9th century AD by the Chandela Rajput kings. They are of the Nagara style of Hindu temple architecture. It was nicei to see a true Hindu temple after so many Mughal (Islamic) temples and mosques. That is because many of the Hindu temples were destroyed during the Mughal rule. Khajuraho survived because it was overgrown in the jungle for 300 years hidden away until "discovered" by an English explorer in the mid 1800's
Only 22 temples are left from the original 85. The temples are in remarkable condition because of them being relatively hidden from vandalism for so many years. They have incredibly detailed carvings of people and geometric objects all over the sides of the temples. Besides depicting people in daily life and in battle, Khajuraho temples are known for their carved characters illustrating erotic sexual poses. Kama Sutra and Tantra poses are prevalent here. It's interesting that displaying sexual art forms were acceptable then, yet today 1000 years later, it is a controversial issue!!
