Khajuraho and its Vyalas!
I can understand the surprise of Capt. T S Burt and the tough criticism by Sir Alexander Cunnigham, when they saw the erotic sculptures that adorn the walls of temples at Khajuraho temple complexes. Scandalized would be an understatement.
But i do not understand why most articles and blogs talk only about the sculptures which are much less than 10% of all the art work, placed away from ones casual glance unless pointed out or searched for. Why is that we do not talk about the most prominent sculpture with the most relevant message? What are you? Vyala or Yali or Shardul?
The Great Vyala
Probably the most recurring piece of work in the temples of Khajuraho.
Every alternate sculpture (pic below) is a Vyala.
The guard at Javari temple told me that he is Shardul, a mythological character with the body of lion & head of parrot, horse or elephant, representing strength. While the audio guide of Western temple group tells me that this is Vyala, the representation of our ambitions or wish.
Irrespective of what we call this beautiful yet fearsome creature, the story it says is much more relevant. There are two men seen fighting it in every sculpture, one at its foot an another near its head. Yet victory is its virtue. Both interpreters agree that the one who reach till the head is swallowed by the creature and thus asserting the fact that we are all slaves to our ambitions or dreams or wishes.
This beautiful piece of sculpture is a story by itself, the artist repeating it on every walls, scattered between the beautiful sculptures on day-to-day life (from war scenes to music to dance and even next to the depiction of lust or eroticism).
It’s like a constant reminder, lest we not forget the inner demon which we constantly fight and submit to.
The temples of Khajuraho are one of the must visit places in India. The detailed artwork and creativity is unique and out of the world. Thanks for sharing such an interesting detail which is otherwise gone unnoticed.
Thank you for reading it and showing interest.
This place looks really amazing. I would love to go there.
You must, its a beautiful place.
Amazing! Just look at all those details! Ancient people really have a penchant for artwork. This is so unlike the soul-less glass and steel buildings of today.
Totally agree with you.
This is a beautiful temple! Just look at those gorgeous details of art! Very intricate. And the message it represents is great!
There are so many hidden messages in architecture….isnt it?
I love metaphors and symbolism. Because of it, i like the message that Vyala or Shardul brings to us – the message of being slaves to the ambitions/dreams/wishes. So valuable message!
Thank you for your comment Milijana 🙂
The attention to detail needed to complete that many statues and have them stand the test of time is incredible. It would be very interesting to follow a guide around and learn about the history here.
Many a times, guides misguide you. It`s always better to take an audio guide.
Wow, I’m stunned by the architecture here! I’ve not been to India, but am mesmerised by your sculptures, and the stories behind them too! Amazing photos also.
You should come to India sometime, our country is full of architectural marvels.
This is a fascinating temple! The amount of dedication to detail is so stunning to me. And it sounds like there is much more to it than the more erotic elements.
Yes, we were amazed ourselves to hear the stories and logic behind the erotic sculptures.
I love when every peace of art has it’s own story and the Javari temple looks really stunning!
It was stunning. Thank you for your comment.