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The
KANDARIYA MAHADEVA temple, at Khajurajo (c.1004-35) |
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*MAP*
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Section 7, top margin A, left
margin c,
just a bit north of Panna (the site itself isn't shown on this map) |
*KHAJU-
RAHO*
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See also the *Khajuraho
temples* in general, for more context |
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One of the visual glories of the
world:
the Kandariya Mahadeva temple ("Temple 7"), at Khajuraho |
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Other modern visitors' photos,
showing how
the fractal geometry of the spires seems to make them proliferate
forever
as they approach the summit, Mount Kailash |
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The lively scenes of human
activity are
in lower bands; higher up toward the shikhara, only geometrical forms
appear |
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The whole Khajuraho complex is
dedicated
to the wedding of Shiva and Parvati, and the Kandariya Mahadeva
celebrates
the occasion with erotic figures on its outer walls |
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The elaborate interior
ornamentation encloses
a surprisingly simple "womb-chamber" with its shiva-lingam |
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No artist or photographer ever
quite captures
the supremely perfect angle of vision that I want, though some come
close |
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This engraving of E. Therond comes
the closest of all |
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