Ensemble monumental de Khajuraho

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NHK World Heritage 100 Series (en anglais)

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The Temple of Kama/The Khajuraho Group of Monuments

This is Khajuraho in India. During the Middle Ages this small village was once the thriving capital of the Chandella dynasty. The temples were built by rulers of the dynasty. This is the largest. It is nearly 40 meters high and has been built in the shape of the Himalayan Mountains. The Himalayas are sacred and believed to be the home of the Gods.

85 temples were built here between the 10th and 12th Centuries. More than 20 remain today. This is Matangeshwara temple.

A towering linga stands in the centre of the temple representing the unlimited energy of life. A monk is blessing a follower with holy water. God will reward those who pray wholeheartedly to him with new powers. Numerous carvings cover the entire wall. The whole temple and countless carvings merge together to create the impression of a universe. This is a figure of the Hindu God Shiva. Interestingly, the female statues surrounding him are the same size. They are celestial nymphs known as “Apsara”. In India, it has long been believed that the female possesses power to create life and is the source of the universe’s creation.

The apsara statues also provide a glimpse of life at the palace. This figure has a small mirror in her hand to adjust her hair. This one is dressing. This one is putting on eye make-up.

However, the most outstanding of all are these carvings are sensual ones. They are called “Mithuna”. “Mithuna” means “one pair”. It was believed that sexual acts were not something to be hidden but were natural. They should be seen as acts of harmony and joy. Some humorous mithuna carvings are also found here. These two female figures standing aside the embracing couple appear a little embarrassed but remain focused on what is happening. In Hindu doctrine, believers must dedicate their life to “Artha” which means to earn wealth, “Dharma” which means the law of right action, and Kama, which is a pursuit of love and pleasure. Spiritual freedom comes by mastering all three stages. Pursuing love and pleasure in life is therefore considered of great importance.

The union of man and woman has a significant religious value which goes beyond our understanding of virtue and vice.