Why does Konark temple have erotic sculptures?
There are various theories and explanations provided by the researchers and historians behind the erotic carvings on the temple walls. According to one of the popular theories, a person in order to enter the pure grounds of a temple must get rid of all his carnal desires and lust.
What were the reasons for the temples to be adorned with sculpture?
Answer: Another theory was that the temples were adorned with these sculptures to dissuade the invading mughal army from looting and destroying the temples. The rationale behind this was that the temples, which were largely hindu in origin, were in danger from the moghul army which was muslim for the greater part.
Why are Indian sculptures naked?
Artists of ancient India wanted to depict their subjects closer to nature. Thus, the temple figures are in their most natural form- semi or full nude forms.
Why are Hindu temples shaped mountains?
This is the main deity image, and this varies with each temple. Scholars such as Lewandowski state that this shape is inspired by cosmic mountain of Mount Meru or Himalayan Kailasa, the abode of gods according to its ancient mythology.
What is Vesara style temple architecture?
Vesara is a hybrid form of Indian temple architecture, with South Indian plan and a shape that features North Indian details. This fusion style likely originated in the historic architecture schools of the Dharwad region.
What are the architectural features of the temples at Khajuraho?
The Temples of Khajuraho are a magnificent example of the Nagara style of temples as the temples consist of a sanctum, a narrow ante-chamber (antarala), a transept (mahamandapa), additional halls (ardha mandapa), a mandapa or nave and an ambulatory passage (Pradakshina-path) which is lighted by large windows.
Who made Khajuraho sculptures?
the Chandela dynasty
Most Khajuraho temples were built between 885 AD and 1050 AD by the Chandela dynasty. Historical records note that the Khajuraho temple site had 85 temples by the 12th century, spread over 20 square kilometers.
What is the difference between Konark Sun Temple and Khajuraho Sun Temple?
Here, most of the erotic sculptures of Konark sun temple are smaller in size as compare to similar images of Khajuraho temples. But definitely temples of Khajuraho that belongs to 11th century, would had been the inspiration for sculpture artists at Konark .
What is the importance of Art in Khajuraho?
The Khajuraho temples feature a variety of art work, of which only 10\% is sexual or erotic art outside and inside the temples. The arts cover numerous aspect of human life from birth to death like education, marriage and many such activities and other values considered important in hinduism.
What inspired the sculpture artists at Konark?
But definitely temples of Khajuraho that belongs to 11th century, would had been the inspiration for sculpture artists at Konark . You can also find these kind of sculptures in various temples of Bhubaneshwa and Jagannath Temple in Puri. Most of the parts of Konark temple turned in to ruin, so you always find continuous restoration work on temple.
What caused the damage to the Konark Sun Temple?
Odisha have faced many storm that may be the main cause of damaging the Konark Sun temple. You can see some of fallen sculptures at the Konark Archaeological Museum located in right portion of temple complex which is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.