Tourists to Khajuraho will now have an audio compass

KHAJURAHO: Tourists visiting the world famous Khajuraho need no not be bothered about guides anymore as Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has introduced Audio Compass which provide authentic recorded information on the 1000 year old monument constructed by Chandela dynasty.

The 9th to 12th century temples of Khajuraho is the evidences of the architectural geniuses during the times of Chandela dynasty. Situated in Madhya Pradesh, India, Khajuraho oozes with passion, eroticism, dance and music and other finesses of creative arts depicted in sculpture and images of the temples. The 85 temples were built in North Indian 'Nagara' style of architecture, though only 20 of them have survived the rough weather conditions over long years of time. The two richer distinctive groups of temples are the Western and Eastern group of temples.

Temple town of Khajuraho is much different from any other temple city of India. It is not about religion and worshipping and deities. The temples of Khajuraho are instead famous for the eroticism etched on its walls in the form of sculptures. An amalgamation of science and art of architecture, these 10th-11th century temples have a very interesting legend behind them that connects them to the origin of Chandela dynasty. It is said that in a fit of passion and lust, the Moon God seduced and ravaged a beautiful Brahmin girls known as Hemvati, resulting in the birth of Chandravarman (the founder of the Chandela dynasty). Later, Chandravarman had a dream where his mother requested him to make a temple, which would reveal all aspects of the treasure of passion and erotic fantasy to the world.

Tourists visiting Khajurao are being offered a handset 'Audio Compass' with ear phones to brief them about the minutest information on the Chandela's monuments. Sutan Das, a tourist told TOI that it was for the first time that he has come across such a facility. "The device has an detailed information on the monuments and provides authentic information based on in depth study and research," said Sutan, adding that more often than not the guides are not reliable. "Now, that the device been introduced by the ASI, we are assured about the information and it helps in preparing notes for record," he added. Similar sentiments were shared by other tourists.