Treasures in India's heartland
The
heartland of India is a fascinating place for shutterbugs and I have
made the most number of trips among all Indian tourist destinations
till date to explore the exotic historical wonders, timeless heritage
sites and pilgrim points.
KHAJURAHO
 |
| Vamana Temple |
The
World Heritage Site of Khajuraho in the Chhattarpur district of
Madhya Pradesh represents one of the significant landmarks of Indian
architecture and there are exquisite, eternal and enduring group of
25 majestic temples of Central India dating back as early as 10th
Century.
Khajuraho was once the seat of Chandela rulers of
Bundelkhand and these highly developed temples have a distinct
entrance porch, sanctum and an assembly hall.
 |
| Kandariya Mahadeo Temple |
Kandariya
Mahadeo Temple, the most prominent creation in Western group of
temples is devoted to Lord Shiva and exhibits the highest development
of Indian architecture. We took a 117-km long, fascinating drive from
Satna in the wee hours of morning through the age-old town of Nagod
and the meandering ghats of Panna National Park on the banks
of river Ken that brought us to the temple resort.
 |
| A Khajuraho temple frieze |
It was at
Khajuraho that I could glance at the temple frieze highly adorned
with sculptural designs that has Apsaras, animal sculptures,
slender figures and scores of erotic figures embellished with
sculptural blend that come alive with emotions and sensitiveness.
UJJAIN
 |
| Mahakaleshwar Mandir |
A
pilgrim’s journey to the holy city of Ujjain begins and ends at
Mahakaleshwar shrine- one of the 12 jyotirlingams of India.
Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of the shrine that soars high in
the heart of the city and it is the south-facing deity of the shrine
as practised by tantrik traditions that sets it apart from
other jyotirlingams of India.
 |
| Mangalnath Shrine |
At
Ujjain, there is Mangalnath shrine regarded as the birthplace of Mars
that honours Lord Shiva.
ORCHHA
Orchha is best known as the hidden gem of Madhya Pradesh. The historic
destination is in Tikamgarh district on the banks of river Betwa. We
had set out for a day trip from Jhansi to this quaint Bundhelkhand
town that is only 16 km away.
 |
| Orchha Fort |
A great place for travellers to break
the routine; Orchha’s prime attractions include Orchha Fort that
has three palaces-Raja Mahal, Raja Praveen Mahal and Jehangir Mahal.
The Bundelkhand palaces differ from other palaces in having
fortress-like walls.
 |
| Cenotaph of Jaswant Singh |
The
Cenotaphs or Chattris on river Betwa are quite popular.
The Cenotaph
of Jaswant Singh comprises sanctum sanctorum, arched doorways and a
rectangular passage. The presence of arched domes, adorned shikars
and the inverted lotus at the top of domes are the highpoints of
Bundela art.
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