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By:

Archita Redkar

11 September 2025 at 2:30:25 pm

Khajuraho: The Eternal Poetry of Stone

The vast majority of Khajuraho's carvings celebrate devotion, music, dance, nature and everyday life, reflecting the richness of mediaeval Indian society. As a tour leader, one of my most rewarding experiences is introducing travellers to the timeless beauty of Khajuraho. Our Indology experts bring the temples alive through their insights, yet every visit still fills me with awe. Watching guests stand silently before these masterpieces, captivated by artistry carved more than a thousand years...

Khajuraho: The Eternal Poetry of Stone

The vast majority of Khajuraho's carvings celebrate devotion, music, dance, nature and everyday life, reflecting the richness of mediaeval Indian society. As a tour leader, one of my most rewarding experiences is introducing travellers to the timeless beauty of Khajuraho. Our Indology experts bring the temples alive through their insights, yet every visit still fills me with awe. Watching guests stand silently before these masterpieces, captivated by artistry carved more than a thousand years ago, reminds me why Khajuraho remains one of India's most extraordinary cultural treasures. Nestled in Madhya Pradesh's Bundelkhand region, Khajuraho is one of the world's most remarkable heritage destinations. Located in Chhatarpur district, about 620 kilometres southeast of Delhi, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its magnificent temples and exquisite sculptures. Surrounded by forests, rocky hills, rivers, and rural landscapes, Khajuraho offers a remarkable blend of history, spirituality, architecture, nature, and culture. The temples were built between 950 and 1050 CE by the powerful Chandela rulers, who transformed the region into a flourishing centre of religion, art, and learning. Historical records suggest that nearly 85 temples once stood here, spread across about 20 square kilometres. Today, around 25 survive, preserving the brilliance of mediaeval Indian craftsmanship and architectural vision. The Western Group of Temples includes the magnificent Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, considered the pinnacle of Chandela architecture. Dedicated to Shiva, it rises like a sacred mountain adorned with intricate sculptures. Nearby, the Lakshmana Temple honours Vishnu and features carvings of celestial beings, dancers, musicians and scenes of daily life. Other notable temples include Vishvanatha, Chitragupta and Devi Jagadambi. The Eastern Group highlights the region's Jain heritage, particularly the Parshvanatha Temple, admired for its delicate carvings. The Southern Group includes the Duladeo and Chaturbhuj Temples, demonstrating the continued evolution of Chandela artistry and temple design. Perhaps the most discussed aspect of Khajuraho is its sculptural art. Contrary to popular perception, the famous erotic sculptures represent only a small fraction of the carvings. Most depict gods, goddesses, dancers, musicians, animals, warriors, and scenes of daily life. These sculptures reflect the ancient Indian philosophy that embraced Dharma (duty), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation) as essential aspects of a balanced life. They illustrate a society that celebrated human existence while recognising spirituality as its ultimate goal. Architecturally, Khajuraho is among the finest examples of the Nagara style of temple construction. Built primarily from sandstone, the temples feature soaring shikharas, harmonious proportions, and richly carved walls. Remarkably, many were constructed without mortar, relying on precisely interlocked stones and exceptional engineering skill. More than a millennium later, these structures continue to astonish visitors and scholars alike. Khajuraho is not merely a collection of monuments but a living cultural landscape. The region continues to celebrate traditions of music, dance, storytelling, and craftsmanship. Every year, the internationally acclaimed Khajuraho Dance Festival brings together leading classical dancers who perform Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, and other dance forms against the backdrop of illuminated temples. The festival showcases the enduring connection between art, spirituality, and heritage. Beyond the temples, visitors can explore several fascinating attractions nearby. The spectacular Raneh Falls, formed as the Ken River cuts through colourful granite canyons, offer breathtaking scenery. The Ken Gharial Sanctuary protects unique river ecosystems, while Panna National Park is famous for its tigers, leopards, deer, and rich bird life. Historical treasures such as Ajaygarh Fort and Kalinjar Fort, along with Pandav Falls, add depth to the journey. One of my most memorable visits involved a group of European travellers who arrived knowing only about Khajuraho's famous sculptures. As they explored the temples, they discovered a richer story of philosophy, devotion and creativity. Several later told me the experience had transformed their understanding of Indian culture. Every traveller takes away something different from Khajuraho. Some are inspired by its artistic brilliance, others by its spiritual symbolism, and many by its celebration of life. For me, Khajuraho represents the soul of India—ancient yet timeless, deeply spiritual yet profoundly human. At Global Voyages, we believe travel should go beyond sightseeing and create meaningful connections with people, places, and stories. Khajuraho is one of those rare destinations that achieves exactly that. Long after the journey ends, travellers remember the temple silhouettes against the evening sky, the craftsmanship carved into stone, and the insights they gained into India's cultural heritage. To visit Khajuraho is to witness one of humanity's greatest artistic achievements. To truly experience it is to understand why generations of travellers, historians, artists, and spiritual seekers continue to be drawn to this remarkable corner of India. Khajuraho does not simply impress the eyes; it inspires reflection, sparks curiosity, and leaves an enduring place in the heart. (The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be contacted at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com. Views personal.)

Indecision Kills Personal Branding

Updated: Jan 20, 2025

Indecision Kills

In a world that celebrates clarity and confidence, hesitancy is a silent yet powerful force that can diminish your personal brand. When people dwell in the realms of “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” they unknowingly project uncertainty and unreliability—traits that can undermine the foundation of a strong personal brand. Your ability to make decisions and stand firm on them is not just a reflection of your leadership but also a testament to your personal brand’s strength.


Every interaction we have leaves an impression. Be it a professional email, a networking event, or a casual conversation, these moments contribute to how others perceive us. When you continuously oscillate between indecision and vague responses, it sends a message that you lack confidence or direction. In business, where trust and reliability are paramount, this can become a significant roadblock.


Imagine a scenario where a client approaches two service providers with the same inquiry. The first one confidently outlines a plan, clearly stating the next steps, while the second hesitates, replying with, “I’m not sure; let me think about it.” Even if both have the same expertise, the client is more likely to gravitate toward the first provider. Confidence fosters trust, and trust is the bedrock of all successful relationships—professional or personal.


Indecision can often stem from the fear of making mistakes or being judged. While this is natural, it’s important to remember that perfection is an illusion. The act of making a decision, even if it turns out to be less than ideal, demonstrates courage, responsibility, and accountability. These are the traits that elevate a personal brand, distinguishing you in a crowded and competitive world.


Being decisive doesn’t mean being impulsive or reckless. It means gathering information, weighing options, and then committing to a choice with confidence. In personal branding, this is particularly crucial because every decision you make—how you respond to challenges, present yourself, or communicate with others—forms part of the narrative others associate with you.


Hesitation and indecision don’t only affect how others perceive you; they also impact how you view yourself. Constantly second-guessing yourself leads to self-doubt, which becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more uncertain you are, the more others will mirror that uncertainty, creating a cycle that can be hard to break.


One way to counter this is by setting clear priorities and aligning your decisions with them. For instance, if your personal brand is centred around being a thought leader in your industry, your choices should reflect expertise and foresight. Even in moments of ambiguity, acknowledging the uncertainty while showing a proactive approach—such as saying, “I’ll find out and get back to you”—conveys both honesty and determination.


During my recent trip to Australia, I was reminded of how decisiveness shapes impressions. Whether interacting with global clients or navigating unfamiliar professional terrains, I realized that certainty in communication was key to building trust and rapport. This was particularly evident when representing my personal brand on international platforms. A clear, confident tone opened doors and strengthened relationships that would have otherwise remained distant.


The next time you find yourself leaning on phrases like “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” pause and ask yourself: Is this hesitation necessary? Sometimes, it’s about silencing the inner critic and choosing to act decisively. Even if the outcome isn’t perfect, the act of making a choice positions you as someone who is reliable, proactive, and worth trusting.


Your personal brand isn’t defined by the absence of mistakes but by how you handle them and move forward. Decisiveness isn’t just about making choices—it’s about owning them. And in a world that often feels uncertain, those who lead with clarity and conviction stand out.


Make your decisions a reflection of your confidence, and watch as your personal brand strengthens, opening doors you never imagined.

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(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+countries. Views personal.)

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