SOCIAL HISTORY:

Group of temples in
Khajuraho does not influence
dynastically.

Few temples are of Shaivite,

Vaishnaite and some Jains

Temples were built more on

utilitarian and huge spaces.

* Main group of temples is on

N-W site with Vaishnavite
and Shaivite together and
Jain temples on S-E of site.
ENVIRONMENT:

* Built during supremacy of Chandela Dynasty.

* Dynasty noted for its structural production.

* Locally available sand stone is used extensively.

* Earlier temples were out of bricks.

* From Elevation point of view, the temples were divided

in to,
Temples with urushringas (angashikharas) and temples
without Urushringas.

* Urushringas: miniature shikharas of different sizes to

reduce the angularity in the transitional space of the
shikhara from square base to circular top.
ARCHITECTURE:

* The architecture during this

period was rich with supremacy
in carvings, proportions,
ornamentations.

* The temples were divided in to

Southern, Eastern, Western
region.
From point of view of plan, the
temples are divided in to
Temple without pradakshina
path, around garbhgriha known
as Nirandhara prasada.

* Temples with ambulatory

passage around garbhgriha
known as Sandhara parasda.
TEMPLES:

Important characteristics features of temples of khajuraho are.

# Double amalaka, one above the other (bigger at the bottom and smaller over it.)

# Smaller one has Kalasha over it.

# Rahapagas beyond the Gandi, where they terminate to triangular shape

reaching amalaka.

# Richly decorated exterior and interiors.

# Famous temples of Khajuraho group are Kandaria Mahadev temple, Devi

Jagdamba temple.
Devi Jagdamba Temple, Khajuraho
SPATIAL ARRANGEMNTS: Balcony

* Temple complex-

Temple has only one entrance from East side,

all the parts of temple are aligned like Latin
cross with a single flight of steps leading to
entrance.

The Maha mandapa has four pillars in a

square for stability and a corbelled dome
over it.

The plan of temple is sapta rathas.

The ardha mandapa has verandah on three

sides,surrounded by Kakasanas.

Famous projected balconies with two pillars

supporting eaves are interesting features.
ORNAMENTATION:
Sculptures were mostly human figures carved delicately with statues of different
poses.

Ceiling, entire surface is swirling pattern of circles and semicircles recalling stones
thrown in to pool, each stone in ceiling is carved separately.

Capitals of pillars, the architrave are ornamented with figures and sculptures.

STRUCTURAL SYSTEM:
Built out of sand accurately dressed and chiseled.

Mandapa has four pillars at each corner with four beams in the shape of square
frame work under ceiling.

Individual part of ceiling is carved separately, then hoisted up on to the roof, and
dropped in to position one by one so that they interlocked, each course supporting
that above it.
EXAMPLE: Kandaria Mahadev temple, khajuraho.
Tallest of central India, the plan has double Latin cross.

The plan is Sandhara parasada type with balconies do not cross passage around
Garbhgriha.

Balconies open in to Ardha mandapa, Mandapa and most beautiful feature of

interiors.

The pillars of Mandapa support dome with rich decoration.

The tall graceful Shikharas over G.G has curvilinear design; Rahapagas continue
beyond shikharas and terminate on to triangular form reaching Amalaka.

Around main Shikharas has Urushringas

Increased Jangha section (body of the temple) provided the background for rich
sculptural decorations which alternate with balconied windows.
KANDARIA MAHADEV TEMPLE