Khajuraho
A 10th Century legacy in sandstone
Set amidst a patchwork of forests and farms, the scattered temples of Khajuraho may have been lost to history after decades of vandalism and defacing by subsequent rulers, yet a legacy of stone is not so easily effaced. Of the 85 temples built in the 10th and 11th Century, only 20 survive – and the intricacy and detail of every sculpture is sharp and well-defined, making them some of the most well-preserved monuments from that era. While the temples are largely known for their erotic art, there is an arcane symbolism within every structure. The records of the Chandela dynasty that commissioned these temples indicates that the temples were laid out with a deep understanding of the Hindu scriptures, and represent the goals of an ideal life and the path to salvation.