Legend: The creators
of Khajuraho claimed descent from the moon. The legend that describes
the origin of this great dynasty is a fascinating one: Hemavati, the
beautiful young daughter of a Brahmin priest was seduced by the moon
god while bathing in the river one evening. The child born of this
union between a mortal and a god was a son, Chandravarman. Harassed
by society, the unwed mother sought refuge in the dense forest of
Central India where she was both mother and guru to her young son.
The boy grew up and founded the great Chandela dynasty.
Chandravarman began the construction of the first of the temples.
Successive rulers added to the fast growing complex.85 temples were
built within 100 years (950 A.D.-1050A.D) In the temple architecture
of India, the Khajuraho complex remains unique. The temples are magnificent
in form and richly carved. Today, of the original 85, only 22 have
survived the ravages of time. |
