#Thread on controversial #khajuraho temple.

A temple which is famous for its erotic and sexual sculpture and has been targeted by left liberals on its meaning and importance. However, it may shock you, if I say sexual themes cover only less than 10% of the temple sculpture.

Its like judging and creating a buzz about the whole movie over one bed scene. Still i’ll explain the reason behind the erotic theme of the temple. But first lets discuss about khajuraho being more than that-
The Khajuraho group of monuments was built during the rule of the Chandela dynasty. The building activity started almost immediately after the rise of their power, throughout their kingdom to be later known as Bundelkhand during 925-1050 AD
Most of the temples were built during the reigns of the Hindu kings Yashovarman and Dhanga.

There were 85 temples in khajuraho but now only 25 temples are there. Khajuraho temples were in active use through the end of the 12th century.
This changed in the 13th century; after the army of Delhi Sultanate, under the command of the Muslim Sultan Qutb–ud-din Aibak, attacked & seized the Chandela kingdom. After that temples were controlled by various Muslim dynasties from the 13th century through the 18th century.
In this period, some temples were desecrated, followed by a long period when they were left in neglect.

In the 1830s, a British surveyor, T.S. Burt, to the temples and they were thus rediscovered by the global audience.
These temples are dedicated to several Hindu Gods and Goddesses along with deities in Jain beliefs. Among the temples that are standing till now, 6 are dedicated to Lord Shiva, 8 to Lord Vishnu, 1 each to Lord Ganesha & the Sun God, while 3 are dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras.
Kandariya Mahadeo Temple is the largest among the temples and is dedicated to the lord Shiva.

The Chausat Yogini temple was the first of the temples to be built among the temples still standing; it was built around late 9th century.
The artwork of the temple, symbolically highlight the four goals of life considered necessary and proper in Hinduism – DHARMA, KAMA, ARTHA and MOKSHA. * Khajuraho is a centre of tantric traditions and spiritual practices too.
Matanga (whose daughter was a Divine Mother), chose Khajuraho as the place to pursue his spiritual practices. Matangeshwara temple named after him.

In the tantric tradition, the Sixty-Four Yoginis are the presiding deities that guide and govern the entire fabric of life.
Tantric texts, such as Rudra Yamala, explain that it is these yogini who use to breathe life into matter. Manifesting in the form of prana, they not only hold the body &mind together, but they also animate them. Awakening these forces is the essence of spiritual accomplishment.

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