Figure 1: Kandariya Mahadeva TempleKandariya Mahadeva temple is located in Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is one of the largest and the most elaborate medieval temple built during the ruling of Chandela dynasty in the 11th century. The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and is well known all over the world for its temple architecture and exquisite sculpture.
Figure 2: Shikhar of the Temple
Architectural Design:
The temple is architecturally very impressive, representing the peak of temple architecture in central India. The temple is built in North Indian nagara style. The temple rests on a risen open platform, a distinctive feature of the Khajuraho temples, with subsidiary shrines at the four corners of the platform. The main shrine, also called shikhar is 102 feet long, 67 feet wide with a tower rising 118 feet high. The main shrine is further surrounded by 84 miniature spires, and it holds the amalaka which is a circular ring motif common in Indian temple architecture. The temple has a linear series of access-steps facing the east-west directions. The temple also has columned halls with balconies, an entrance porch, and the inner chamber. The most elaborate feature of the temple is the 646 decorating statues around the side of the temple. The side panel statues are that of Shiva and his consorts and other divinities. Basically the temple consists of four compartments: an entrance porch which is called the ardhamandap, the vestibule called antarala, and the sanctum naming garbhagriha. Inside the main chamber is a marble linga which represents Shiva.
Figure 3: Ceiling of the Temple
Figure 4: Sculptures on the outer Panel
Harmony with Nature:
The sides of the risen platform are decorated with sculptures portraying scenes from everyday life, war, processions, and sensuality. The temple is ascending on steps, and each succeeding compartment is at a higher level, making the one with the ‘linga’ at the highest level. It has only one entrance facing the rising sun in the east. The form of the temple also embodies the human form. The platform represents the legs, the middle portion with the wall is the waist, the shikhar is the head and the circular motif is the crown. The soul of resides in the main compartment where the marble Shiva Linga is situated. Further the temple also seems to have layer upon layer rising skyward. This multiple spires depict the Himalayas where the Hindu gods are said to reside.
Figure 5: Kandariya Mahadeva Temple: side view with ascending stairs.
Symbolism and Sacred Objects:
The temple was built with an attempt to reconstruct the image of Shiva’s home. The name of the temple ‘Kandariya Mahadeva’ temple means ‘the cave of lord Shiva’. The main shrine represents the holy mountain Kailasha which is lord Shiva’s mythological residence. A marble linga (representation of Lord Shiva) is placed at the centre of the garbha griha which is the innermost chamber of the temple. One of the many theories behind the erotic sculptures surrounding the temple is that the temple was built as a celebration of Shiva’s marriage with Parvati, causing the creation of romantically charged atmosphere. These sculptors on the outer panel are made with such fine skill and a sense of imagination that they symbolize human emotion in the form of spiritual and physical love.
Figure 6: Shiva Linga in the inner chamber
How it is used by worshippers:
The temple is not used for worship anymore, and is a world heritage instead. Historically, worshipping tradition for lord Shiva was followed there. In this temple dedicated to the god Shiva, the most precious image of Shiva is the marble linga placed in the heart of the inner chamber. The linga is a symbolic image of the god. At the beginning of the worshipping (puja) and during prayers, they are rung by worshipers to request the god's attention. Above the linga there usually is a vessel filled with holy water that is allowed to drip onto the top of the linga during prayer, honoring the god. At the front of the shrine there are usually oil lamps that are lit during worship. Other objects that may be used during the prayer are a small pot to hold holy water, a spoon for ladling the water onto the linga, an incense burner, and a handbell that is rung by the priest during the prayer. The worshipping is done mostly by the priest, and the worshippers usually give all their offering to the priest who acts as an intermediate between the god and the worshipper.
Sources:
http://www.khajuraho-tour-packages.net/temples-khajuraho/western-group-temples.html
http://cheap-air-tickets-hotel-discounts.blogspot.com/2007/01/khajuraho-is-well-known-all-over-world.html
http://www.indiavacationpackages.com/erotic-sculptures/khajuraho-temples.html
http://www.hat.net/album/asia/india/10_temples_and_gods/34_khajuraho/03_kandariya_mahadev/
http://www.indianetzone.com/1/khajuraho_india.htm
http://www.sawf.org/newedit/edit04172000/history.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kandariya_Mahadeva_temple
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