Sculptures from Khajuraho

The ancient Indian sculptures from Khajuraho are renowned for rare beauty and awe-inspiring artistry. In fact, the serene town of Khajuraho has the best sculpture and medieval temples in India. Located in the state of Maharashtra, Khajuraho is known all over the world for its erotic sculptures. These sculptures are also one of the greatest tourist attractions of the state.

The temples were built out of sandstone and adorned with the graceful curved of the stone sculptures of unparallel beauty. The temples were created by the Chandela rulers in the Indo-Aryan style. Originally there had been 85 temples, out of which only 22 survive today. The site was forgotten for centuries before it was rediscovered in 1838.

The remnants of the temples and their unique sculptures were restored and today they attract a large number of visitors and art aficionados from all over the globe. The sculptures of Khajuraho include statues of gods and goddesses, warriors, celestial dancers and animals, besides those of couples in erotic poses. The Hindu philosophy of Yoga (meditation) and Bhoga (physical pleasure), the two paths leading to final liberation, seem to be the underlying theme of these sculptures. All life was seen as an expression of divinity, including human love. The union between man and woman was viewed as the culmination of devotion, symbolic of the union of the devotee with god and divinity.