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Around the world in 2000,
via Asia and Madagascar.
Khajuraho (India )
Bec2004-09-18 17:45:16
Displayed times (last time: )
practices explain in part why democracy has become a farce in India.
Khajuraho
I made a detour to come to Khajuraho to see the erotic sculptures that adorn the temples built between 959 and 1050 AD by the Chandela Kings who followed Tantric cults promoting the gratification of earthly desires. These ancient cults trace their origins to the feminine fertility cults that existed in the Indus valley in pre-aryan times. Later, elements of Tantrism found their way into Tibet's Lamaist Buddhism along with the primitive Tibetan Bon religion.
Memorial building next to bazaar, below, view through the gate. On the right, small temple near the bazaar.
Most temples here are dedicated either to Vishnu which is the premium god of the Vaishnavist sect or to Shiva, the premium god of the Shaivite sect. This small one is dedicated to Parvati, Shiva's wife.
Lakshmana Temple
General view of the Lakshmana Temple dedicated to Vishnu, the god with 10 incarnations, and of the two shrines in front, one dedicated to Vishnu's incarnation as the boar Varah on the left and the other dedicated to his wife Lakshmi, the provider of wealth, on the right.
Below on the left, the image of Vishnu in the main temple and on the right, another view of the Lakshmi shrine.
The Lakshmana Temple is decorated by a double row of bas relief sculptures on all sides. Below are some zoomed views of the more naughty scenes found on Lakshmana Temple.
Such lewd displays are not typical of modern Hindu society which tends to be rather conservative in spite of the reputation derived from the well known treatise on the matter, Kamasutra reportedly written by Vatsyayana sometime between the first and 6th centuries. The role of women vary according to caste with Brahmin women being the most severely limited to procreation and domestic chores and the Dalitbahujan women enjoying the greatest autonomy.
You may see 25 photos of four more Khajuraho Temples and their sculptures here,or use the link below the following scenes to visit Gwalior if you prefer.
Copyright Bernard Cloutier
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See photographs from:
India Gallery
