Page 243 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

M ADH Y A PR ADESH & CHHA T TISGARH  241

VISITORS’ CHECKLIST
Practical Information
Chhatarpur district 275 km
(171 miles) SE of Gwalior.
n Taj Chandela: (07686) 27
235564. Closed Aug–Sep. &
_ Dance Festival (Feb–Mar).
Son et Lumière: Mar–Aug: 7:30–
8:20pm (English), 8:40–9:30pm
(Hindi); Sep–Feb: 7–7:50pm
(English), 8–9pm (Hindi). &
Transport
~ 5 km (3 miles) S of temples. @

. Main Shikhara
The main spire soars to 30 m (98 ft),
while 84 smaller ones rise in a
crescendo towards it, to create the
impression of a mountain range –
more specifically, Mount Kailasa,
the abode of Shiva.

. Erotic Panels
The largest erotic panels are on the northern and southern
facades, between the balconies. The erotic sculptures are
variously believed to celebrate the marriage of Shiva and
Parvati, serve as a love manual, or simply express an
exuberant celebration of life and creation.

Garbhagriha
The dark and plain garbhagriha
(inner sanctum), symbolizing a
womb, houses a linga, the phallic
symbol and principal object of
worship in all Shiva temples. The
sanctum is entered through a
richly carved door frame.

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