Madhya Pradesh
1.Khajuraho
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of Hindu and
Jain temples in Madhya Pradesh, India. About 175 kilometres (109 mi) southeast
of Jhansi, they are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. The
temples are famous for their Nagara-style architectural symbolism and their
erotic sculptures.
Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 and 1050 CE
by the Chandela dynasty. Historical records note that Khajuraho temple site had
85 temples by 12th century, spread over 20 square kilometers. Of these, only
about 20 temples have survived, spread over 6 square kilometers. Of the various
surviving temples, the Kandariya temple is decorated with a profusion of
sculptures with intricate details, symbolism and expressiveness of ancient
Indian art.
The Khajuraho group of temples were built together but
were dedicated to two schools of Hinduism and to Jainism - suggesting a
tradition of acceptance and respect for diverse religious views among Hindus
and Jains.
Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela
Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, who chose this stretch of land along the Betwa
river as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding rulers, the most
notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a
tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatris. From here the view of soaring
temple spires and cenotaphs is spectacular. Complementing the noble proportions
of their exteriors are interiors which represent the finest flowering of the
Bundela school of painting. In the Laxminarayan Temple and Raj Mahal, vibrant
murals encompassing a variety of religious and secular themes, bring the walls
and ceilings to rich life. Strewn around the area are the little shrines and
memorials, each with its own poignant history, each contributing to the
nostalgic beauty that is Orchha.
The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site of
the Paleolithic, exhibiting the earliest traces of human life on the Indian
subcontinent, and thus the beginning of the South Asian Stone Age. It is
located in the Raisen District in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, near
Abdullaganj town and inside the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary. At least some of
the shelters were inhabited by Homo erectus more than 100,000 years ago. Some of
the Stone Age rock paintings found among the Bhimbetka rock shelters are
approximately 30,000 years old. The caves also deliver early evidence of dance.
They were declared a World Heritage Site in 2003.The name Bhimbetka is associated with Bhima, a hero-deity of the
epic Mahabharata.The word Bhimbetka is said to derive from Bhimbaithka, meaning
"sitting place of Bhima".
Mandu or Mandavgad is a ruined city in the present-day
Mandav area of the Dhar district. It is located in the Malwa region of western
Madhya Pradesh, India, at 35 km from the Dhar city. In the 11th century, Mandu
was the sub division of the Tarangagadh or Taranga[disambiguation needed]
kingdom .This fortress town on a rocky outcrop about 100 km (62 mi) from Indore
is celebrated for its fine architecture.
5.Chitrakoot
town and a nagar panchayat in Satna district in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is a town of religious, cultural, historical and archaeological importance, situated in the Baghelkhand region. It borders the Chitrakoot district in Uttar Pradesh, whose headquarters Chitrakoot Dham (Karwi) is located nearby. The town lies in the historical Chiktrakoot region, which is divided between the present-day Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It is known for a number of temples and sites mentioned in Hindu scriptures.Many people gather here on each Amavasya. Somwati Amavasyas, Deepawali, Sharad-Poornima, Makar Sankranti and Ramanavami are special occasions for such gatherings and celebrations. It attracts crowds throughout the year including above occasions and for Free Eye Hospital Camps. Noted 'Ayurvedic' and 'Yoga' centres like 'Arogyadham' are located in Chitrakoot.