The Hidden Gems of Chandela Architecture: A Glorious Legacy
The Chandela dynasty, which ruled over central India from the 9th to the 13th centuries, is remembered for its remarkable contributions to art, culture, and architecture. A significant aspect of their legacy is the stunning temple architecture that continues to capture the imagination of visitors and historians alike. During the period from 650 CE to 1050 CE, Some of the most famous temples in India were constructed by the Chandelas, especially in the area surrounding Khajuraho, which is generally acknowledged as one of the greatest examples of Indian medieval architecture.
The Rise of Nagar Shaili
The architectural style that predominated during the Chandela period was known as Nagar Shaili, a term used to describe the northern style of temple architecture. A strong sense of verticality, elaborate carvings, and tall spires (shikharas) are characteristics of this architectural style. The temples built during this era followed the classic layout of a sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha), surrounded by a mandapa (hall), with the whole structure designed to evoke the celestial abode of the gods. The distinctive features of Nagar Shaili are evident in the temples at Khajuraho, where the style reached its zenith.
Khajuraho Temples: The Crown Jewel of Chandela Architecture
Among the many architectural achievements of the Chandelas, the temples at Khajuraho stand out as the most famous and awe-inspiring. Located in present-day Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho was the cultural and political heart of the Chandela dynasty. The temples here are not only religious centers but also masterpieces of art and craftsmanship, displaying a remarkable fusion of religious symbolism, erotic imagery, and architectural brilliance.
The Khajuraho temple complex originally contained around 85 temples, though only about 25 have survived to this day. These temples are divided into three main groups based on their location—western, eastern, and southern. The temples were dedicated to a variety of deities, reflecting the pluralistic nature of Indian society during the Chandela period. There are temples devoted to Shiva (Shaivism), Vishnu (Vaishnavism), and Jainism, showcasing the Chandela rulers’ tolerance for different religious traditions.
The Kandariya Mahadev Temple: A Masterpiece of Chandela Architecture
One of the most famous and architecturally significant temples at Khajuraho is the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, considered the pinnacle of Chandela temple architecture. Built by King Dhang Dev in around 1000 CE, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the largest and most ornate structure in the Western group of temples.
The Kandariya Mahadev Temple exemplifies the exquisite beauty of Nagar Shaili architectural design. Its towering spire rises to a height of about 30 meters, symbolizing Mount Meru, the mythical mountain at the center of the cosmos in Hindu cosmology. The temple is constructed of sandstone, with intricate carvings covering every surface. The central sanctum houses a lingam, the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva, which is worshipped by devotees even today.
The temple’s architecture is distinguished by its sheer grandeur and symmetry. The main spire is flanked by several smaller spires, each representing the myriad divine realms. The temple’s exterior is adorned with over 600 sculptures, many of which are highly detailed and depict a wide range of figures, from celestial beings and deities to the famous erotic sculptures that Khajuraho is renowned for. These carvings, while often seen as symbols of fertility or metaphors for spiritual union, also demonstrate the Chandela rulers’ celebration of life and human sensuality.
Religious Diversity: Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Jain Temples
The Chandela rulers, though ardent patrons of Shaivism (the worship of Lord Shiva), were also open to other religious traditions, and this is reflected in the variety of temples they built.
- Shaiva Temples: The majority of the temples at Khajuraho are dedicated to Lord Shiva, as the Chandelas were strong followers of Shaivism. Apart from the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, notable Shaiva temples include the Lakshmana Temple and the Chaturbhuja Temple, both of which feature exquisite stone carvings depicting the rich mythological narratives surrounding Lord Shiva.
- Vaishnava Temples: The Chandelas also constructed temples dedicated to Vishnu, one of the principal deities of Hinduism. The Vishnu Temple at Khajuraho is a fine example of Vaishnava architecture during the Chandela period. The carvings in these temples often depict Vishnu in his various avatars, such as his famous incarnation as Krishna.
- Jain Temples: Interestingly, Khajuraho also houses Jain temples, a testament to the Chandela rulers’ religious tolerance. The Adinatha Temple and the Parsvanatha Temple are dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras, with their minimalist yet graceful architectural style contrasting with the more ornate Hindu temples. These Jain temples are known for their serene beauty and detailed sculptures that reflect the Jain ethos of non-violence and spiritual liberation.
The Magnificent Temples of the Chandelas
1. Khajuraho Temples (Madhya Pradesh)
- Location: Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
- Notable Temples:
- Lakshmana Temple: Dedicated to Vishnu, this temple is known for its exquisite carvings and architecture.
- Kandariya Mahadev Temple:The biggest and most well-known temple in Khajuraho, dedicated to Shiva. Its towering spire (Shikhara) symbolizes Mount Meru.
- Chaturbhuja Temple: Dedicated to Vishnu, featuring four-armed sculptures of the deity.
- Vishwanatha Temple: Another significant temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, with stunning sculptures.
- Devi Jagdamba Temple: Dedicated to the goddess, showcasing sculptures of gods, goddesses, and celestial dancers.
- Significance: The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the temples here are famed for their detailed and sensual sculpture, depicting both divine and earthly themes.
2. Eran Temples (Madhya Pradesh)
- Location: Eran, near Sagar, Madhya Pradesh
- Notable Temples:
- Eran Temple Complex: Eran is known for its ruins and remains of Chandela-era temples, particularly those dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and other deities. The temples here are not as well-preserved as Khajuraho, but they provide valuable insights into Chandela architectural styles.
3. Bijamandal Temple (Madhya Pradesh)
- Location: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
- Significance: This is an important Chandela-era temple located in the Gwalior Fort. Though the temple is now in ruins, it is believed to have been dedicated to Lord Shiva. With its intricate features, the temple’s architecture is reminiscent of the Khajuraho temples.
4. Rajnagar Temples (Madhya Pradesh)
- Location: Rajnagar, Madhya Pradesh
- Significance: Rajnagar, the capital of the Chandelas for some time, has ruins of several temples. Among the important ones is the Rajnagar Temple Complex, which includes a mix of Jain and Hindu temples. While not as famous as Khajuraho, it still showcases the distinctive Chandela style.
5. Jalali Temple (Madhya Pradesh)
- Location: Jalali, Madhya Pradesh
- Significance: This is a smaller, lesser-known temple that dates back to the Chandela period. It has notable sculptural carvings, typical of the Chandela style.
6. Mata Temple (Madhya Pradesh)
- Location: Near Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh
- Significance: This temple complex, located near Khajuraho, features intricately designed temples and is dedicated to various deities, including Shiva and Vishnu. It is less well-known but holds historical and architectural significance.
7. Jatashankar Temple (Madhya Pradesh)
- Location: Near Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh
- Significance: This is another temple complex from the Chandela period, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has beautiful carvings and is set in a scenic location.
8. Parvati Temple (Madhya Pradesh)
- Location: Near Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh
- Significance: A lesser-known temple dedicated to Parvati, this site contains some excellent examples of Chandela architecture and sculpture.
Iconography and Symbolism
The architecture of the Chandela temples is deeply symbolic. The sculptural depictions on the temples are not merely artistic embellishments but have spiritual significance. The themes of the carvings range from mythology, daily life, royal grandeur, and celestial beings, to sensual and erotic art. The erotic sculptures, though often the most discussed, are seen by many scholars as symbolic of the cosmic union between the divine and the human, a concept that was essential to the intellectual and spiritual traditions of the era.
The sculptures are also known for their fine details—whether in the depiction of gods, goddesses, dancers, musicians, or animals, each figure seems to come alive, reflecting the Chandelas’ high regard for the perfection of nature and the divine.
The Decline and Legacy
The Chandela dynasty began to decline by the end of the 11th century, largely due to invasions by the Delhi Sultanate and internal strife. The temples of Khajuraho continue to serve as a reminder of the Chandelas’ architectural genius despite the dynasty’s demise.The Khajuraho temples have not only shaped the history of Indian temple architecture but have also influenced later temple constructions across the subcontinent.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site today, Khajuraho’s temples attract visitors, academics, and followers from all over the world. The intricate beauty, religious diversity, and cultural richness of these temples continue to inspire awe and admiration. The legacy of the Chandela rulers, especially in the realm of temple architecture, remains a defining chapter in the history of Indian art and architecture.
The Lasting Impact
The Chandela dynasty’s architectural contributions, particularly their temples at Khajuraho, stand as a testament to their artistic vision and religious tolerance. Built in the Nagar Shaili style, these temples showcase a blend of spiritual devotion, intricate craftsmanship, and cultural expression. The Kandariya Mahadev Temple, in particular, epitomizes the height of Chandela architecture, with its intricate sculptures and towering spires that seem to touch the heavens. Though the dynasty may have faded, the temples remain, immortalizing the brilliance of the Chandela rulers for generations to come.