The Chandela School: The Sensuous Splendor of Khajuraho
The Chandela School or Chandela sub-style of Nagara architecture represents one of the most brilliant and artistically expressive phases of Indian temple building. Developed under the patronage of the Chandela dynasty between the 10th and 12th centuries, this style is centered in the region of Bundelkhand in Central India. Its most famous and well-preserved examples are the magnificent temples of Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Architectural Marvels of Khajuraho
The temples built in the Chandela style, often referred to as the Khajuraho School, are renowned for their harmonious integration of sculpture and architecture. They are typically built of sandstone and are characterized by their soaring shikharas and richly decorated surfaces.
Key features of the Chandela School include:
- Elevated Platform: Like other Nagara temples, the Khajuraho temples are set on a high platform, elevating them from their surroundings.
- Intricate Carvings: The most defining feature is the profusion of intricate and detailed sculptures that adorn both the inner and outer walls. The entire temple surface is a canvas for the sculptor’s art.
- Erotic Sculptures: The temples are famous for their sensuous and explicit sculptures. These images, inspired by the ancient Hindu text on eroticism, the Kama Sutra by Vatsyayana, are integrated into the overall sculptural program. They are often interpreted as symbolic of the union of the individual soul with the divine, or as a celebration of the creative life force.
- Amorous Couples (Mithunas): Alongside the more explicit carvings, the temples are adorned with numerous images of amorous couples, known as mithunas. These figures are considered auspicious and are a common feature in Hindu temple art.
- Clustered Shikharas: The main shikhara is often surrounded by a cluster of smaller, subsidiary shikharas, creating the impression of a mountain range, a metaphor for Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva.
Notable Examples
Some of the most famous temples of the Chandela School at Khajuraho include:
- The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple: The largest and most ornate temple at Khajuraho, dedicated to Shiva.
- The Lakshmana Temple: A magnificent temple dedicated to Vishnu.
- The Vishvanatha Temple: Another important temple dedicated to Shiva.
- The Vamana Temple and The Chitragupta Temple are other fine examples of this style.
The Chandela School of temple architecture is a high point of artistic achievement in India. The temples of Khajuraho, with their graceful proportions, dynamic sculptures, and profound symbolism, continue to captivate and inspire visitors from all over the world.