What do the statues in the Khajuraho temples show?

The sculptures depict:

1. spiritual themes:

The temples are mainly dedicated to Hindu and Jain deities, such as Shiva, Vishnu, Lakshmi and Parvati. Many sculptures show scenes from Hindu mythology, such as stories from the Ramayana or Mahabharata.

2. erotic representations:

The Khajuraho temples are particularly famous for their erotic sculptures. These depict intimate scenes that are often associated with the spiritual concept of the Kama Sutra. They symbolise the unity of body, mind and soul, as well as the cosmic harmony of male and female energy.

3. Everyday life:

In addition to the sacred and erotic scenes, there are also numerous sculptures depicting scenes of everyday life, including dance, music, warfare, trade and agriculture. These illustrate the social and cultural life of the Chandela period.

4. Cosmic and metaphysical themes:

Many sculptures contain symbolic representations of the cosmos, yoga and meditation, expressing the pursuit of enlightenment and spiritual perfection.

The meaning of the erotic scenes

The erotic scenes are often misunderstood. They are not mere depictions of sexuality, but have deeper symbolic meanings:

They represent the fusion of Purusha (spirit) and Prakriti (matter).

They may have been used as a teaching tool to convey the ideal of marital bonding and harmony between the sexes.

Some interpretations see them as an expression of joie de vivre and as a celebration of physical and spiritual love.

The Khajuraho temples are located 45 km east of the city of Chhatarpur, a city with a population of approximately 180,000 in the historic region of Bundelkhand in the north of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Today, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attract visitors from all over the world who are fascinated by the beauty and complexity of the sculptures.