Wiley photos on Flickr

A lucky shot of a fox high up in the Swiss Alps - shy but not still hanging around looking for scraps. Very surprised to see such an animal at over 3000 metres high!

Wiley Foxy Lady by Straublund1

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Sometimes things just happen

This is straight out of the camera.

We were out early looking for the fox outside the den and she appeared, struck a pose with the name above her head.!

Wiley "Little Bro" by Dennis McIntire

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Going for a walk and playing at the Zoo.

Kehinde Wiley Exhibit by David Palmer

Wiley Coyote by Sam McMillan

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90 degrees, 11:00 am, and Wiley Coyote is hunting ground squirrels in a field on East Highway 46. Every ground squirrel knew he was approaching! Poor guy!!!!!!

Wileys Corner House by Nate Marvin

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In the attic of an abondoned house in Wileys Corner, St George, Maine

Wiley Coyote by Deano_305

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With both Pantographs raised,8606 scoots through Wiley Park on the Bankstown Line with a City Circle bound Rail collection train.

2019-10-01 SETS Pacific National 8606 WIley Park E700

Wiley Post by Lindell Dillon

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Pioneer Oklahoma aviator Wiley Post pushed aviation further than almost anyone in his era. From his record‑setting flights in the Winnie Mae to his groundbreaking work on high‑altitude flight, Post lived at the edge of what was possible. In 1931, he flew around the world with Harold Gatty in just over eight days—then did it again solo in 1933, the first person in history to do so.

His experiments with pressure suits and stratospheric flight laid the foundation for modern high‑altitude aviation and even early space research. Standing beside any aircraft today, it’s impossible not to feel the reach of his ambition. Post wasn’t just flying—he was opening the sky for everyone who would follow.

The markings on this plane indicate it was the one Wiley used to fly around the world solo in 1933. The markings on the hangar indicate it was taken at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, which was the starting point for his record-breaking solo flight. The photographer is unknown; most likely a newspaper photo, as this flight was widely publicized. I cleaned and colorized the original B/W photo I found on the web.

Check out Sooner Shutters, a new Oklahoma group.

www.flickr.com/groups/14930656@N21/.

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Kehinde Wiley sculpture by Dale Cruse - 11M views

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Wiley Red Fox by Kevin Poulton

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maya wiley by Diane Greene Lent

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February 24, 2021: Maya Wiley, Candidate for NYC Mayor. Photo: Black Lives Matter protest, Nov 14.

Wiley by Nicholas Lord

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Raffles Pitch by Caedance and Craig Abbot Creative Photography

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Masquerade Ball

“Raffles” Pitch

“Cheerio” A J Raffles at your service. Don’t know if any of you have ever heard of me, but I’ve been accused of being a man of many talents, but by no means was that always said as a compliment.

Also, I do love playing cricket.

Batting in a cricket match produces for me the same flow of adrenaline as that of my secret game: Jewel Thievery.

A J Raffles is a fictional character whom I admire for the introduction above. For I am, like him, a professional Jewel Thief.

And tonight was no exception as far as any adrenaline flow Raffles would have felt, for I was experiencing what I can imagine was the same exhilaration.

This evening I was attending a surprisingly posh masquerade ball being held at a large venue in Wales.

It was a very elegant affair, with the many ladies present putting on their most pretty attire and wearing out that evening, their most expensive vault kept baubles.

The venue seated about 500 guests with a raised dance floor at one end, next to a fully stocked bar and a large outside balcony overlooking some rose gardens lined by old woods.

I had decided to attire myself as said Raffles for a tongue-in-cheek tribute to what I hoped to gain this evening.

Mostly to gain some jewels by parting some of the ladies from the lovely ones they were wearing. Which, here tonight, presented a plethora of opportunities.

I would try and make it as pleasant as it possibly could be for my chosen female victims as my fingers worked over their exquisitely clad figures while removing their valuable jewels.

I find that a few kind words, some attention, and possibly dancing produced a little sugar that helps with the bitter pill I am giving them to swallow

This evening I was wearing all black attire of tails, vest, shirt, and tie. Since it was a masquerading affair, I wore a black phantom of the opera half mask. Since this was business as well as pleasure I was wearing no gentlemanly gloves, needing my nimbly flexible fingers to be free.

After I entered I made several slow rounds to learn the layout, doing some light mingling along the way.

The odd thing about this masquerading ball was that there were no fancy costumes. Everyone was dressed in their best evening out attire, with masks just added.

I made a catch right away as I impressed an older matronly lady enough that she called over her 30 something daughter to meet me.

It was now my turn to be impressed.

The daughter, Celcia, was dressed in a very elegant long-sleeved dress of silver satin. Her jewels were all set with diamonds. Her silver half mask is set in rhinestones.

We went off alone to look over the gardens from the balcony.

We guess what each other is “masked” as. I told her she must be “Lucy”

“Lucy?” she questioned

I laughed lifting her silky hair up and then running my fingers down the side of her long swaying diamond earrings, as I said. “lucy in the sky with diamonds. “

“Good guess, but I'm just Cecelia, not anyone else. And you sir, are you an undertaker?”

I chuckled. “ Not quite as dark as that, I'm shooting for a Raffles image tonight.”

“Well Mr. Raffles, not sure who you are, but it is my pleasure to meet you.”

We chatted for a bit more, then Celcia was called back inside by her mother who stood by the balcony entrance.

I took her hand, rings flashing. “ the pleasure is all mine dear ‘only Ceclia’l said grinning.

She rewarded me for my praise with a clingy hug.

I watched her leave with clenched fists, her gown swishing along down her figure quite provocatively. I opened one of my fists and admired the diamond bracelet that lay there. Her now naked wrist was covered up by the silver satin cuffed sleeve of the lovely Cecilia's dress, hiding her loss.

£23,000

I slipped it inside a hidden pocket of my vest, and patting it, went back inside.

The band had started playing and the dance floor was fast filling up.

I spied a group of ladies wearing feathery masks who were huddled at one end of the floor, blocking an aisleway, watching the assembling dancing couples. I approached and overheard that they were waiting for their partners to come back from the bar.

Since they were blocking my path, I went up and asked if I could cut through. They obligingly parted and as I went in between them one of the ladies tripped against another as I ‘accidentally’ stepped on her satin gowns’ long train as she moved to make way. I caught her and apologized as I held her, my fingers freely feeling along down her figure. I helped her back on her high heels, steadying her. Helping myself at the same time to the leaf-shaped diamond studded clip that was pinned to the side of her chocolate brown gown.

The diamond-studded clip soon joined the pocketed diamond bracelet.

£18,000

My third score that evening almost literally fell into my lap.

I had ordered a brandy at the bar figuring to take a brief respite. There were two ladies next to me chatting away. The one immediately next to me kept bumping against me as she laughed at almost everything the other lady was saying.

I didn't mine, for her thicke wine-colored silk blouse was a pleasure to feel rubbing up against me. Also, a pleasure to see where the magnificently large rings she was wearing on her fingers as well as the diamonds wrapped around her wrist.

Then it happened. The laughing lady’s friend knocked their drinks over. Some of which happily splashed on my arm.

As apologies were given and received, with much giggling, I came to the rescue with my silk handkerchief.

Lending it to them I allowed them to wipe themselves up. As we chatted, the lady next to me finished with it and handed it back. I took up her fingers as she did, and holding them down lifted and kissed the back of her hand. I also was running my damp handkerchief over her still wet fingers as I did, easily slipping of her largest flashy cocktail ring in the process.

£ 9500

Then the dancing began in earnest.

I was now sitting at a table on the outside balcony, watching the crowded dance floor and the amazing show of the ladies flowing attire, and their flickering jewels, that were being showcased there.

Also in my view was a table where a handsome bearded male was enviably sitting alone with not one, but two attractively attired and ornamented lades.

One lady was wearing a black satin blouse with a long thicke red velvet skirt. She was wearing rubies and diamonds around her throat and wrists that were just a treat to look at, and covet.

The other was fashionably wearing a slick satin high necked gown of deep red that spilled down along her figure in a most scintillating manner. Her jewellery was a winning collection of diamonds worn seemingly everywhere from her figure. Of those, I would award a purple ribbon to the dangling necklace that lay around and fell from her throat that dripped columns of diamonds down the front of her sheer red gown, as the best in the show.

I saw the man rise, and pull out the chair of the lady wearing the rubies. He then led her off to the upper dance floor, unknowingly leaving the lady in red vulnerably alone.

I saw the remaining lady stand up and with what I imagined to be a whimsical manner, walked to the edge of the balcony.

I started to rise.

But a gold mask-wearing bloke from another table approached her before I had half risen and began talking to her. I learned then that her name was Emma.

What was odd is that the man had been sitting at a table with a lady wearing a sky blue satin dress, black satin jacket, and pearls. She looked very sad watching her gold mask-wearing tablemate talking to Emma.

I had dejectedly sat back down, watching with curious interest.

The gold masked bloke took Emma by the hand and led her to the dance floor.

I saw the lady in sky blue satin, and the pricey pearl slowly rises and follow.

As then, did I.

The lady in blue was standing in the side of the dancefloor, her posture told me she was both sad and dejected.

I went up and stood next to her. Without looking at me the lady in sky blue sleek satin said...

“Why are men such idiots?” then she looked at me, and blushed apologetically “I am so sorry.”

I held up my hand. “Apology accepted, a dance though would help ease the pain.”

She eagerly went with me and taking her warm, soft figure in my arms we joined in.

She did not appear to want any conversation from me. I let her hold tightly against me. We danced in silence, both lost in our own respective thoughts.

I had decided that a dance would not be enough to ‘ease my pain’ and as she distractedly looked around for the gold masked bloke dancing with Emma, I allowed my hand the move up to her shoulder, then over to the single strand of glistening pearls that lay around her throat.

Easily locating, then slipping open, the hinged silver clasp, I gently pulled the slippery smooth necklace away from around her neck and quickly pocketed it.

£ 8700

I had no sooner done so than I felt her shake, and saw that we were now close to the gold masked male dancing with Emma. One would need a crowbar to separate him from her. I could tell Emma was not enjoying herself.

I was watching, with melancholy interest, Emma’s diamonds dripping down from the necklace that lay low along the high neckline of her luxurious red satin gown, just dangling below her breasts.

A desiring fire was starting to stir from deep within, my fingers felt like curling. So close and yet so far...

I turned my partner around so we were facing away. I started to say something when I felt an unexpected, firm tap on my shoulder.

Well, one could imagine where my mind went as I turned my head.

Relieved, I saw that it was not one of the rental security men.

It was the gold masked table partner of the lady in blue satin I was dancing with.

I saw his more recent partner, Emma, the one in red whose dazzling necklace was a stirring lure, standing there in the middle of the dance floor, alone and confused.

“Switch partners.” He told me, it was not a question.

I looked at mine and she nodded ok.

I left her to be grasped up in his arms and went to Emma, the lady in red, who willingly came into mine.

“What then, was that all about? I asked smiling.

Emma answered with a giggle. “ He was telling her he wanted to see other women. But she is not supposed to he dancing with other men, especially handsome ones like you!”

With a shy nod of my head I thanked her, telling her that I thought she looked extraordinarily beautiful this evening.

Sweetly smiling she turned her head down with blushing cheeks, thanking me.

My hand meanwhile, which had been resting motionless along her shoulder, moved to her throat, my fingers blindly seeking and locating the clasp of her necklace.

My partner felt none of that.

It was as she nodded after my words of praise that I flicked apart the jewelled chains’ clasp that my fingers had fiddled open.

As she looked back up I began to delicately slip the diamond chain up over her shoulder, watching as the diamonds hanging from its’ centre were gliding up effortlessly from along the front of her red satin gown, then up and around the gowns’ slick high neckline, before disappearing from my view.

She smiled most fetchingly into my eyes, oblivious to the fact her heavily jeweled diamond necklace had been disappearing over her shoulder.

£ 58000

The music was ending and I happened to look over by the double oak doors of the main entrance on the opposite side of the mammoth hall.

Who did I spy but the lady in the sleek sky blue satin dress and smooth black jacket being led out by the gold mask-wearing bloke who had cut in on us? I saw an opportunity to plant a seed.

I pointed it out to Emma. “Wonder where they are off too in such a hurry?”

“They do appear to be on a mission,” said Emma watching.

“I hope they weren't up to something?” I said suspiciously.

“Like what ?” Emma asked watching the couple scurrying out the door.

“Oh, nothing. I guess I read too many mystery novels. I answered stealing a look at the now bare neckline of Emma’s gown.

The music ended and I walked Emma back to the balcony. Her table was deserted so I took her over and seated her before taking my leave.

I began to make another round of the tables inside. On the lookout for fresh prey amongst the beautifully attired female guests.

I soon snagged a young damsel who had been deserted by her friends and looked bored. Not boring were the collection of rubies she was wearing with her elaborate maroon taffeta puffy ball gown that would have shamed a princess.

I asked and got permission to dance with her. She asked me who I was this evening. When I mentioned Raffle’s name she, unfortunately, caught on to who he was.

“Oh a thief, will make sure to lock my rubies up this evening to keep them safe! She giggled touching her handsome ruby and diamond necklace

I thought to myself... “Well, they are now.” while saying. “ I was thinking of him being a cricket player, not a thief.”

We both laughed over that, but I knew this one was a dead end. I could not wait until the dance was through so I could resume the hunt. I really had thought none of the younger ones would have ever read about AJ Raffles and that it would be my inside joke.

We parted after the dance, she headed off happily back to her friends.

I was watching her, deciding what to do next, when a soft gloved hand unexpectedly rested on my shoulder.

Turning, my eyes took in a young lady in downy soft, flowy peach chiffon over a shiny pink silk number, along with a row of sparkling matched diamonds around her throat. And earrings to match, as well as a thin band of diamonds holding back her freshly washed chestnut coloured hair. She wore a striking blue mask with ostrich feathers.

She shyly asked if I was available for the next dance. And I happily told her I was. She put her head down blushing. And I was able to savor her delectably pretty matched diamond stone necklace.

I whisked her off to the upper dance floor as the music began.

When the inevitable questions came up as to who I was this evening I answered...”The cricket player Raffles, at your service.”

She laughed with a Twitter. “Quite pleasant to meet you cricket player Raffles.” then she moved her hand higher up my back and came in a little closer.

I followed suit, feeling her hot figure slip in against my own. My fingers at her waist kept moving up until I reached the back of her neck. Carefully undoing her necklace I gave it a slight tug, figuring her soft smooth gown would allow the rest of my trick to work. It did, slipping off easily from around her throat, slithering like a glimmering snake up over her shoulder, out of my sight, and into my waiting hand behind her back.

My pretty dance partner felt nothing, as I then pocketed her expensive necklace.

£42,000

I then calmly began to finish the dance.

It was then, as I was looking down at the area below the raised platform of the dance floor, that I spotted something shiny, then a flashing brilliant fire erupted, all coming from one of the tables below the dancing areas raised platform.

I maneuvered us in closer for a better peek.

I made out a lone female sitting at a side table.

It was the vivid deep green of her shiny party dress that then first caught my eye.

It was the amazingly brilliant sparklers she was sporting from various points of interest along her delightful figure, especially the fiery necklace she was playing with, that finished the capture.

Only real jewels, or a remarkably good set of imitations, would produce that kind of bright gleaming shimmer!

I was betting they were real.

She was vulnerable, sitting there quite remarkably alone at her side table, drinking slowly from a small goblet of wine. Sitting there wearing in all appearances to be a collection of diamond sparklers that would easily be worth a cool £50 to £75 thousand of what the London ruffians would call “ice”.

They would also be rudely calling her “that loaded bird”. But to me, she was a rather fetchingly adorned Lass who needed some company, and perhaps just a wee bit of trimming.

The dance ended and I calmly led my partner back to her table before taking my leave. Though trying not to appear in a hurry. I still politely declined her offer to join in a drink at her table.

Then with eager anticipation, circled about hoping that the girl I had spotted was still there, and still alone.

When I got there I saw to my dismay that the bird had flown the coup. The table was deserted

I waited a few long minutes, eyeing around for other opportunities in the area, then my eyes lit up as I saw her coming back, alone.

I observed her for a satisfying few long minutes from a shadowy corner. She was younger than anyone I had yet met, but it was impossible to determine how young.

And she obviously was bored.

Intriguingly I could still not truly tell about the authenticity of her amazing collection of diamonds from my vantage.

The set was decidedly quite lovely, consisting of a dangling chain set with I guess were diamond chips and ending with a swaying diamond heart-shaped pendant, matching long earrings, a wide bracelet, and numerous shimmering rings.

The earrings were brilliant, falling from her ears in sheets of (synthetic/real ?) diamonds, larger stones were set at the earrings clasp, and they shone like the real thing.

They all contributed to making up the shimmer that surrounded her figure like some wickedly glittering halo.

She was wearing a black bandits mask, which I felt added to the mystic.

This young chick was certainly jeweled up, calling out to be looked into further.

I approached her from behind, placing a hand delicately upon a plushly soft shoulder, and daringly gave a greeting as I felt her startled figure flinch.

I cheerfully said, “Hello Samantha.”

She turned and said apologizing,

“I’m not Samantha, wrong girl.”

I answered back, disappointed “ No, you certainly are not my friend Samantha.”

I then carefully looked her over, up and down… before saying.

“Far prettier, if I dare say.”

I had ascertained by now that she was quite a bit younger than 20. And that most of her jewelry was quite good imitation’s. Her heart shaped pendent contained real diamonds, but not valuable enough for my attention. The only fly in the ointment was her earrings. They appeared to be worth quite a bit actually.

I decided to hold off judgment and went on playing her on. Much like a fly fisherman will play a trout, not sure if he still wants to actually land it.

I went on…

“Well stranger, How do you do, Hold anyone up lately?”

I had taken her off guard and she did not answer back right away.

She gulped., obviously making a decision.

She sweetly raised a hand. “How do you do sir, my name is Nancy, and no, despite the mask, I'm not a thief.”

Taking her hand I kissed it with much pageantry. “Pleasure is all mine, glad my watch and wallet are safe”. I chuckled merrily, looking down at her thoughtfully.

Then, still holding her hand, I boldly asked…” May I sit for a bit, rather tuckered out at the moment?”

She nodded her head without hesitation. Her flash earrings swayed with a beckoning motion.

I slipped in the seat in front of her, my back to the dance floor. She was looking at me with a curious smile.

I smiled back, asking…

“So Nancy, what then, does your character do for a living if she is not a thief?”

“ I am an amateur detective.”

I nodded before asking….

“ Well, that is quite interesting indeed, what kind of cases do you like working on?”

She did not know how to answer that and squirmed as I watchers her face turn red, really making the freckles show up on her cheeks.

I saved her discomfort by saying…

“ I bet you are really clever at catching thieves. And that is why you are here this evening? Or are you taking the night off?”

Taking the cue, She nodded saying in a low voice.

“No thieves here tonight.”

I laughed in what I hoped would be a winning manner while answering. “ I guess not, probably no reason for one to be here. So miss Nancy, you've not asked whom I am playing this evening.”

”Let me see, an Undertaker ?” ”Nancy,” said teasingly.

I chuckled..”Not even close. A.J. Raffles, cricketer, at your command my lady.”

She had no idea who A.J.Raffles was, I could see that. And I decided to enlighten her a bit by telling a story.

He chuckled. “Never heard of him? Well, Raffles loved to play cricket, as well as several other hobbies. And there is a story behind that, as a lad, that helped him choose his course as an adult. Care to hear it?”

She eagerly nodded yes, while taking a sip of wine.

I began my tale…

“When A.J. Raffles was a lad of ten he attended a wedding where his parents were both best man and maid of honor. A.J sat at a table with an older Great Auntie who paid him no heed.

He soon fell in with a group of bored older boys who had been throwing dice in a makeshift crown and anchor board. The game had been broken up by one of the servers and they had all been chased away

AJ was huddled in with that group as they watched the dressed-up wedding guests up on the dance floor. They began talking amongst themselves, commenting over the scene before them.

Look at dem jools the birds are wearing. Bet they'd be worth a lot. One of the lads said. Another quipped back that too bad those dames weren't their age. Yeah, like that would mean anything. What would you do, lift their jools? Came the teasing retort. Hell yeah, I would say a cocky lad. And someone else said I like to see you do it. AJ was taking all this in, squirming a bit because he had always had a secret desire to somehow make a collection of the pretty jewellery he'd seen ladies wearing. Tonight was no different.

“Nancy” smirked “Sounds like my brother.”

“There you go then, you know how he felt also “ I answered smiling curiously before continuing...

Well as fate would have it, two young teenage girls came walking past, purposefully close. They threw the group of boys a rather coy look while passing.

One was dressed in a slick satin high necked gown of deep red with a long rhinestone necklace and earrings. Her companion was wearing a sky blue sleek satin party dress, smooth black jacket, and strands of imitation pearls.

No sooner had they passed than the inner circle of boys began to dare and double dare. Money was put up in bets that enticed two of the lads to take up the challenge. That being to come away with the girl’s necklaces.

The two lads left, and as the others looked on, went up to the two young lassies and began to converse. The giggling girls finally allowed themselves to be led to the dance floor

As they began to dance, more bets were made amongst the remaining lads, with young AJ joining in. Spending his only farthing on blue satin losing her pearls, and doubling that it would be done without her noticing.

Both of the dancing boys made several amateur attempts upon their female partner’s jewels.

Blue satin, misinterpreting why her partner had his hand high up on her backside, giggled and fled away. Red satin ran off after her friend, but not before the wily lad who had been holding her had given even her a hug, nicking her shimmering necklace off from around the high collar of her slick gown as she struggled free.

He came back triumphantly to collect his winnings. Though some argued that seeing her necklace had not been touching skin it was not a real contest. He got his winnings in the end and the group wandered off, the prized necklace being passed around with envy.

AJ stayed behind contemplating. he watched as the lads stopped by a table where a young girl sat alone. She was wearing a long bridesmaid's gown of silk dyed in several shades of teal and green. A single string of real pearls hung down from her bare neck. Expensively swinging down elegantly. He knew what the group of lads was discussing in their private huddle. AJ moved off not wishing to see anymore.

“Those poor girls, I am glad your character walked away from that instead of embarking on a life of crime, “ said “Nancy” to me.

“Yes indeed. “ I answered, looking at my pretty partner. Her shiny emerald green blouse was mesmerizingly beautiful, but not quite as mesmerizing as the hanging rhinestone diamond chain and pendent she still wore due to my hesitation overtaking it.

My fingers curled seeking opportunity, cursing that I may have missed it.

“Nancy, out of curiosity, if I’m not prying, you mentioned your brother would like my Raffles’s story?”

Oh! I could see I hit a pleasant nerve, as she smiled excitedly at me, her hand playing with her pendant as she spoke, a bit hoarsely I noticed.

“Yes he would, your Raffle story is similar to a game he likes playing.”

“Please tell me more, it sounds like you have fun playing it,” I said, with curious intentions.

She giggled. “Well, we play it in the woods. I wear a play dress and play jewelry. My brother plays a thief who tries to rob me of my jewels. Then if he does, he hides and I play the detective trying to find him. I know it sounds rather odd.”

That really opened my eyes, and thoughts started to race through my head.

“I took her hand. “No, not at all odd, sounds rather exciting.”

So they like to play games of jewels stolen. Right up my alley. I thought to myself while eyeballing her necklace.

“No,” I said to myself. Not the necklace. If anything the earrings.”

But I could not see how It could be done. So I chased the teasingly tempting thought out of my head.

A silence ensued for a minute, and as I watched,” Nancy” was looking over my shoulder up at the raised platform of the dance floor behind me, watching something.

I turned around, following her eyes.

A man with a green cummerbund was dancing with an attractive redhead.

She was wearing an elegant eye-catching blue taffeta gown with a scooped neckline, ruffled half sleeves, and knee-length skirt. She was wearing what was probably her best jewels, a sapphire and diamond jewelry set that sparkled deliciously under the ceiling lights of the great banquet hall. The necklace was especially pretty. A heavy gold v shape set with large pear-shaped sapphires interspersed with smaller round diamonds. She wore a deep blue mask that covered her eyes and nose.

I turned back, and Nancy” dropped her eyes back onto mine.

I asked thoughtfully…

“I see you are looking at that lady, pretty in blue, with the sparkly sapphire jewels”

She guiltily nodded yes,

“If you wait a bit, you will meet them. That’s my mum and father.

I complimented her…

“You both are very pretty, if I may be so bold?”

Taking up her hand and I kissed it…

“But now, I must be toddling off, taken up too much of your time I’m afraid .”

We both stood up to say goodbye.

Shen then. Quite cheerfully, held out her hands for a friendly hug.

I did so willingly and my fingers securely patted up along her back. it felt very nice and I became aware of a rather pleasant prickling sensation causing a rise in my feelings.

“Well “Nancy” I hope you liked my Raffles story.

“Nancy” nodded yes, then asked me

“Do you think Raffles regretted not playing the games those boys were up to?”

Holding her hand, I patted down along her sleeve reassuringly… as I said

“I think Raffles is the type never to regret anything, what do you think?”

“Nancy” nodded her head happily satisfied. Her dazzling earrings flickered quite beautifully.

I smiled at myself broadly.

“Here “Nancy” allow me to get you seated.”

She sat. And as I gripped my fingers supportively along her arms as I slid the chair forward.

I then again lifted and kissed her hand.

“Righto” I nodded and was off.

I headed back around to the bar, when whom did I spy? “Nancy’s” mother, standing alone by the bar. I saw some drunken sod bump hard against her from behind, almost causing her to lose balance.

A handsome red-headed man was turning away from the bar holding a brandy and she fell against him.

It was her husband. The man she has been dancing with.

Laughing, the pair moved off.

Grabbing a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, I followed them out to the outside balcony. There I took a seat at my table and kept watch.

I watched as from another table, where a 40ish lady wearing a wedding ring was sitting alone, rise and began walking towards me.

She was resplendent in a long black sleeveless plush velvet gown, wearing long black satin gloves. Her pearl jewelry shone like do many small bright moons. Earrings, triple strand necklace, and a very wide bracelet set with not only valuably real pearls, but expensively with purple amethyst stones also.

The bracelet fits snugly around her shiny gloved wrist. And anyone in my profession knows a snug bracelet is a far simpler item to remove than a loose-fitting one.

The purple satin half-face mask she wore added much to her winningly pretty look.

She gave me the eye as she walked past and I rose to follow.

We ended up dancing. Her name, real name(and that of her character from the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's) was Holly.

Holly, like “Nancy”, had never heard of the Raffles character either.

I left her after we had danced, holding her heart.

The hand which she placed had placed over her heart, no longer sporting her expensively wide pearl and amethyst bracelet.

£ 23000

She then suddenly had to go to the loo and darted off. I looked back at her table and saw a man in a tiger-striped mask was pulling out a chair to sit there.

I also figured it was time to scurry off. I had gotten me one more score.

I went down the steps leading off the raised dance floor, running right into “Nancy’s” mum swishing her way around at the bottom of the platform

“Seize the day-old chap”

My thoughts of leaving were put on hold as I looked her pretty, and expensively attired, figure over.

I held her up, saying I needed to apologize.

She looked into my face, her eyes twinkling like her daughters. Her sapphire and diamond jewellery also twinkling. But unlike her daughter’s, these she was wearing were very real.

“Apologize for what?” she asked in all innocence. I could also tell she was a bit tipsy from drink. Which considerably lowered her guard with me.

“ I saw that twit rudely bumping against you at the bar earlier, without apologizing. So I am for him.” I said with a neat little bow.

“Aren't you just a dear." she gushed, blushing. Just like her daughter, she had freckles also.

“Would you husband mind if I offered a dance as a consolation?” I asked with daring.

“Oh, I think a quick one would be ok,” she said smiling, accepting my offer.

I placed my arm around her glossy taffeta sleek waist and led her to the lower dance area.

It was a slow dance, and I took her into my arms with a delightfully delicious feeling of anticipation. Her sleekly taffeta-covered figure was a pleasure to warmly hold in my arms, and her twinkling jewels a pleasure to watch.

I, with real curiosity, asked who she was playing at this evening. She replied,” miss Moneypenny” then asked who I was.

Not wishing to jinx my good fortune, I lied. “ I am an undertaker, here to collect souls”

She laughed looking sassily into my eyes.

“Liar”

“Ok then, I'm really a bad cricket player.”

“Really, bad as in naughty?” she asked pleasantly vexed.

This one is fun, I thought to myself. I wondered mischievously if she was the catalyst if her children’s play game ideas had been inherited from her?

But I asked no questions along those lines. Instead, I decided to test the water with a story.

I then went into a similar story that I had told “Nancy” except to her mother I changed to arena from a wedding reception to a cricket match, and the group of lads was trying to steal kisses, not jewels, from their chosen victims.

My partner listened with a deep reflective interest.

So intent was she in my tale, that I was able to easily undo her necklaces ‘clasp and watch the shimmering beauty being slipped away by me from up her front, then around her throat, finally to be pulled out of sight behind her back. All skillfully done without the cheerfully happy lady feeling absolutely anything amiss.

Just like her daughter I thought. Innocent and as trusting as a lamb before being fleeced for the first time by a mock shepherd.

And reflectively, both had been dressed as soft as downy chicks when they had both caught the eye of the same wiley gilded feather plucking fox.

These were the thoughts in the back of my mind as I stowed my dance partner's glittering sapphire and diamond necklace away...

£6300

I finished my story just a few seconds after the music ended. We broke apart only once I had finished.

She hugged me and gave me a peck on the cheek for being so nice

“Here is a stolen kiss,” she whispered

She then, (of course after nicking her necklace) mentioned that her husband was also a cricket player. With his bloody police station’s team!

I was stunned. Half wishing she had told me her husband was a “copper” before I had nicked her jewels.

Figuring I had now finally worn out my luck, and welcome, I made up an excuse of my own and watched as her shiny evening dress swished and swayed all along with her lovely figure while she made her way back towards the unseen table where I knew her pretty daughter was sitting.

“Bloody fool, I had taken the necklace off a copper’s wife...“

I murmured this, chastising myself, shaking my head at my folly as I stared off in disbelief.

Understandably I think, I then decided I should probably best be on my way home.

I had already planned my exit earlier, not knowing when I would be needing it.

Deciding to avoid at all costs leaving by the main doors by which I had come in, I had earlier discovered a small set of stone stairs that led off the balcony.

The stairs were narrow and hidden from the view of the balcony. A simple rope with an “Off Limits” sign guarded the entrance. They led down to the small patch of woods that lined the rose gardens.

On the far end of the woods was a small cemetery, next to which I had discreetly parked my 61 Lotus elite sports car.

I made my way to the balcony and looked around. There weren't that many guests left out there. A group of men smoking cigars and drinking brandy stood at one end. I could make out the rather stout form of “Nancy’s” father in with them. His back was to me.

In a corner sat Emma with her tablemates. The male was telling a very animated story.

A few other tables were occupied, about 1/3 of them. None near the hidden stairway.

I made my way there. Reaching it, I again surveyed the area. I could see the 3 people sitting at Emma’s we're laughing. Emma had a hand to her chest. Suddenly a look of alarm crossed her face as she felt around, obviously not finding her diamonds. Her friends were asking what was wrong. I saw her look back at the empty table where the gold masked bloke had sat, the one who had cut in on me as after her deserting Emma on the dance floor.

As I disappeared unseen from view I remember thinking I was glad that I had sowed that seed of thought to Emma while we had watched the couple leaving the ballroom.

€€€€€€€€€€€

I got to the bottom of the stairs and made my way to the wooded path the ran the length of the gardens.

Thinking I was alone, made me feel safe to quickly begin to stroll away along the path, throwing the caution I had had all evening to the wind.

Suddenly I froze in step.

I had caught the unmistakable sight of a lady's sparkly jewels as she was walking through the gardens to the left of my path.

I was not out here alone?

And I could not believe lady would not be out here alone either.

I snuck up, cloaked by the shadows of the trees, to get a better look

Shocked I saw it was “Nancy”, out of her, apparently alone.

I watched “Nancy” as she moved about. My mind traveled into the realms of speculation.

What if my young friend had indeed been wearing jewels worth £75,000?

And I find her like this, vulnerably alone.

Would I be tempted to break character, and ….

I shook my head. I would probably not. Especially now that I knew her father was a policeman of some sort.

But someone who did not know her father was a “copper”, and perhaps thought the diamonds she was were real… well they may not feel the same about letting her be.

Suddenly a rabbit jumped from the judge, startling both of us. I see her have a gasp, hand shooting up to her chest.

As her jewels flickered in a mad frenzy, a thought popped in my head, making me grin with expectations.

“Time to give “Nancy” a taste of my games. I thought wickedly. “

I snuck up behind her, and placing my hands over her eyes, pulled her soft figure back up against my own.

“ Hello, Samantha, fancy meeting you here.”

“Raffles!” She blurted with relief…

I pulled my hands away, allowing them the liberty to feel through her hair, examining also her earrings, feeling along the hinged clasps to get a feel for what I was about to do...

I then stepped back, as she, with a deep sigh of relief, quickly turned around.

“Not playing a game alone, are ye Lass?” I asked, looking down into her pretty green eyes.

“No.” She said shaking her head, hair flying…

I smiled, placing my hands inside my pockets, as I watched her with interest.

She giggled while trying to lecture me…” you gave me quite the start sir. “

He placed a finger under my chin, lifting it so I was looking up into his eyes.

“Stand still,” I commanded and moved around behind her.

“Good thing I didn’t do what first popped into my devious mind...

I felt his knuckle go into my back…

”Stick ‘ em up miss .”

“Good thing you didn’t I would have peed myself... I giggled.

“Raffles” chuckled:

“Stay in character miss .” Was what I heard from behind me

I raised them up, imagining like I was actually being held up. My heart began to race again with a feeling of delicious danger as I spoke.

“What do you want from me?”

Raffles, still holding his knuckle into my back …reached out his other hand with an open palm as he spoke.

”Put your hands down, I’ve taken a fancy to that bracelet of yours. So please hand it over. “

I shivered, saying smartly. “I don’t believe a real thief would say please …”

My friend “Raffles” responded.

“Would my real victim ask that? Try a different tack.”

Trembling again, with delicious delight. I played along.

“No sir, not my bracelet, anything but that …”

“That’s better, a bit of heartfelt pleading can never heart.

After a second the hand withdrew.

Raffles laughed amiably…

“Ok miss, keep your bracelet then. “

He chuckled from behind, removing his knuckle….

“It was only a thought I had when I saw you out here walking alone, remembering the story of the games you play with your brother, did I do ok?”.

“Smashing .” I giggled gleefully “Spot on.”

She put my hands down to my sides as I placed a hand on her smooth satin-covered shoulder and ran it down her satin blouse’s sleeve as I came back around to face her.

“All kidding aside, you really shouldn’t be out here alone “Nancy” someone less inviting as me may have been about. And I don’t mean your brother let’s see you back safe Lass.”

I nodded.

He lifted my hand and pulled my back to him. Coddling along against his warm figure, Raffles led me back along the path to the stairway.

“I’ll be leaving you here “Nancy” I was on my way home.

I looked up into his face. “it was fun meeting you, sorry you have to go. “

“So am I Lass.”

As I looked down in her upturned face I realized by the look in her eyes, that I had her lulled into such a state of complacency that I found myself unable to control any longer my thieving impulse.

Police parent or not, those earrings “Nancy” was wearing deserved to be plucked.

My fingers began to curl as I pulled her to me, with wicked intent…

We for the second time, hugged goodbye, a deeply fulfilling embrace it was by all standards, as well as presenting a perfect opportunity to set myself in position.

We broke apart and I tickled my fingers up her smooth satin-clad sides, then lifted her hair high up over her head.

I let her hair back down, letting its silken strands spill over my fingers fingers

She giggled as it tickled. My fingers reached her dangling, desirable earrings.

I spoke, my eyes locked in hers, my fingers ready…

“A Very pretty one you are, and don’t ever let anyone say differently.”

I felt her squirm with excitement, her chin up, looking deep within my eyes.

I took the opportunity given me to curl my fingers around her old-fashioned hinged clasped earrings. I gently applied pressure to the backside of the hinges and in unison slipped off both danglers from her earlobes. As her shivering figure greatly aided my endeavor.

I let my hands drop to my vest pocket as I watched her shoulder-length red hair fall back into place, covering my dirty deed.

£2200

I had been holding my breath. For this type of maneuver was as tricky as stealing the diamond collar from around the neck of a sleeping Persian cat without waking her. “Nancy”, relishing in my praise, never felt a prick as I had taken them from her ears.

Releasing my breath I took a step back complimenting that her hair was much prettier when down.

As she looked up at me with those doe wide adult-looking mascara brushed eyes, I felt a flicker of unease over filching her earrings.

She suddenly propelled herself again in my arms and gave me a very smothering, very long hug.

We broke apart.

“Go now, you before I change my mind about playing games.”

I let her go with a chuckle, holding my ground as I watched her pretty green satin party dress swishing merrily along with her figure.

She started up the stairs, then stopping raised up her hands.

I froze, then saw she was merely blowing me a kiss.

Pulling my hands from my vest pocket as I deposited her earrings, I pretended to catch her kiss and added it to my collection.

“My second this evening,” I said mysteriously…

Then turning away, I went off down along the path.

Quickly reaching my car, I opened a secret compartment inside the boot, emptied my pockets of the purloined jewels, and stashed them safely away.

Then hopping in on the right, I fired the engine to life and drove away in the opposite direction.

Addendum

Several weeks after securely hiding the over £188,000 in jewels I had gotten away with, I was flabbergasted to read in their local paper that the robbery was believed to have been committed by a gang of thieves. With none of the descriptions given really matched mine...

Probably not so shocking was the statement giving the total value of the stolen jewellery, as reported to the insurance agencies, coming to a bit over...

£325,000!

To Read the story from ‘Nancy Drew’s “ Perspective

Click Below

flic.kr/p/2mYfaPQ

Sculptures II | Khajuraho | India by dynamo.photography

25 1

+++++++ From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia +++++++++

"Khajuraho"

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Location Madhya Pradesh, India Edit this at Wikidata

Coordinates 24°51′08″N 79°55′20″E

Criteria Cultural: (i), (iii) Edit this on Wikidata[1]

Reference 240

Inscription 1986 (10th Session)

Khajuraho Group of Monuments is located in India

Khajuraho Group of Monuments

Location of Khajuraho Group of Monuments

[edit on Wikidata]

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.[2][3] The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures.[4]

Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 and 1050 by the Chandela dynasty.[5] Historical records note that the Khajuraho temple site had 85 temples by the 12th century, spread over 20 square kilometers Of these, only about 25 temples have survived, spread over 6 square kilometers.[3] Of the various surviving temples, the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is decorated with a profusion of sculptures with intricate details, symbolism and expressiveness of ancient Indian art.[6]

The Khajuraho group of temples were built together but were dedicated to two religions, Hinduism and Jainism, suggesting a tradition of acceptance and respect for diverse religious views among Hindus and Jains in the region.[7]

Contents

1 Location

2 History

3 Description

3.1 Architecture of the temples

4 Construction

5 Chronology

6 Arts and sculpture

7 Tourism and cultural events

8 See also

9 References

10 Further reading

11 External links

Location

The Khajuraho monuments are located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, in Chhatarpur district, about 620 kilometres (385 mi) southeast of New Delhi. The temples are near a small town also known as Khajuraho,[8] with a population of about 20,000 people (2001 Census).

Khajuraho is served by Civil Aerodrome Khajuraho (IATA Code: HJR), with services to Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Mumbai.[9] The site is also linked by the Indian Railways service, with the railway station located approximately six kilometres from the entrance to the monuments .

The monuments are about 10 kilometres off the east-west National Highway 75, and about 50 kilometres from the city of Chhatarpur, which is connected to the state capital Bhopal by the SW-NE running National Highway 86.

The 10th century Bhand Deva Temple in Rajasthan was built in the style of the Khajuraho monuments and is often referred to as 'Little Khajuraho'.

History

The Khajuraho group of monuments was built during the rule of the Chandela dynasty. The building activity started almost immediately after the rise of their power, throughout their kingdom to be later known as Bundelkhand.[10] Most temples were built during the reigns of the Hindu kings Yashovarman and Dhanga. Yashovarman's legacy is best exhibited by The Lakshmana Temple. Vishvanatha temple best highlights King Dhanga's reign.[11]:22 The largest and currently most famous surviving temple is Kandariya Mahadeva built in the reign of King Vidyadhara.[12] The temple inscriptions suggest many of the currently surviving temples were complete between 970 and 1030 CE, with further temples completed during the following decades.[7]

The Khajuraho temples were built about 35 miles from the medieval city of Mahoba,[13] the capital of the Chandela dynasty, in the Kalinjar region. In ancient and medieval literature, their kingdom has been referred to as Jijhoti, Jejahoti, Chih-chi-to and Jejakabhukti.[14]

Khajuraho was mentioned by Abu Rihan-al-Biruni, the Persian historian who accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni in his raid of Kalinjar in 1022 CE; he mentions Khajuraho as the capital of Jajahuti.[15] The raid was unsuccessful, and a peace accord was reached when the Hindu king agreed to pay a ransom to Mahmud of Ghazni to end the attack and leave.[14]

Khajuraho temples were in active use through the end of 12th century. This changed in the 13th century; after the army of Delhi Sultanate, under the command of the Muslim Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak, attacked and seized the Chandela kingdom. About a century later, Ibn Battuta, the Moroccan traveller in his memoirs about his stay in India from 1335 to 1342 CE, mentioned visiting Khajuraho temples, calling them "Kajarra"[16][17] as follows:

Until the 12th century, Khajuraho was under Hindu kings and featured 85 temples. Central India was seized by Delhi Sultanate in 13th century. Under Muslim rule, some temples were destroyed and the rest left in neglect. Ruins of some old temples (Ghantai temple above) are still visible.

...near (Khajuraho) temples, which contain idols that have been mutilated by the Moslems, live a number of yogis whose matted locks have grown as long as their bodies. And on account of extreme asceticism they are all yellow in colour. Many Moslems attend these men in order to take lessons (yoga) from them.

— Ibn Battuta, about 1335 CE, Riḥlat Ibn Baṭūṭah, Translated by Arthur Cotterell[18]

Central Indian region, where Khajuraho temples are, remained in the control of many different Muslim dynasties from 13th century through the 18th century. In this period, some temples were desecrated, followed by a long period when they were left in neglect.[7][10] In 1495 CE, for example, Sikandar Lodi’s campaign of temple destruction included Khajuraho.[19] The remoteness and isolation of Khajuraho protected the Hindu and Jain temples from continued destruction by Muslims.[20][21] Over the centuries, vegetation and forests overgrew, took over the temples.

In the 1830s, local Hindus guided a British surveyor, T.S. Burt, to the temples and they were thus rediscovered by the global audience.[22] Alexander Cunningham later reported, few years after the rediscovery, that the temples were secretly in use by yogis and thousands of Hindus would arrive for pilgrimage during Shivaratri celebrated annually in February or March based on a lunar calendar. In 1852, Maisey prepared earliest drawings of the Khajuraho temples.[23]

Nomenclature

The name Khajuraho, or Kharjuravāhaka, is derived from ancient Sanskrit (kharjura, खर्जूर means date palm,[24] and vāhaka, वाहक means "one who carries" or bearer[25]). Local legends state that the temples had two golden date-palm trees as their gate (missing when they were rediscovered). Desai states that Kharjuravāhaka also means scorpion bearer, which is another symbolic name for deity Shiva (who wears snakes and scorpion garlands in his fierce form).[26]

Cunningham’s nomenclature and systematic documentation work in 1850s and 1860s have been widely adopted and continue to be in use.[23] He grouped the temples into the Western group around Lakshmana, Eastern group around Javeri, and Southern group around Duladeva.[27]

Khajuraho is one of the four holy sites linked to deity Shiva (the other three are Kedarnath, Kashi and Gaya). Its origin and design is a subject of scholarly studies. Shobita Punja[28] has proposed that the temple’s origin reflect the Hindu mythology in which Khajuraho is the place where Shiva got married; with Raghuvamsha verse 5.53, Matangeshvara honoring ‘’Matanga’’, or god of love.

Description

Sections and orientation of Khajuraho temples.

The temple site is within Vindhya mountain range in central India. An ancient local legend held that Hindu deity Shiva and other gods enjoyed visiting the dramatic hill formation in Kalinjar area.[27] The center of this region is Khajuraho, set midst local hills and rivers. The temple complex reflects the ancient Hindu tradition of building temples where gods love to play.[27][29]

The temples are clustered near water, another typical feature of Hindu temples. The current water bodies include Sib Sagar, Khajur Sagar (also called Ninora Tal) and Khudar Nadi (river).[30] The local legends state that the temple complex had 64 water bodies, of which 56 have been physically identified by archeologists so far.[27][31]

All temples, except[27] one (Chaturbhuja) face sunrise - another symbolic feature that is predominant in Hindu temples. The relative layout of temples integrate masculine and feminine deities and symbols highlight the interdependence.[28] The art work symbolically highlight the four goals of life considered necessary and proper in Hinduism - dharma, kama, artha and moksha.

Of the surviving temples, 6 are dedicated to Shiva and his consorts, 8 to Vishnu and his affinities, 1 to Ganesha, 1 to Sun god, 3 to Jain Tirthankars.[27] For some ruins, there is insufficient evidence to assign the temple to specific deities with confidence.

An overall examination of site suggests that the Hindu symbolic mandala design principle of square and circles is present each temple plan and design.[32] Further, the territory is laid out in three triangles that converge to form a pentagon. Scholars suggest that this reflects the Hindu symbolism for three realms or trilokinatha, and five cosmic substances or panchbhuteshvara.[27] The temple site highlights Shiva, the one who destroys and recycles life, thereby controlling the cosmic dance of time, evolution and dissolution.[28]

The temples have a rich display of intricately carved statues. While they are famous for their erotic sculpture, sexual themes cover less than 10% of the temple sculpture.[33] Further, most erotic scene panels are neither prominent nor emphasized at the expense of the rest, rather they are in proportional balance with the non-sexual images.[34] The viewer has to look closely to find them, or be directed by a guide.[35] The arts cover numerous aspects of human life and values considered important in Hindu pantheon. Further, the images are arranged in a configuration to express central ideas of Hinduism. All three ideas from Āgamas are richly expressed in Khajuraho temples - Avyakta, Vyaktavyakta and Vyakta.[36]

The Beejamandal temple is under excavation. It has been identified with the Vaidyanath temple mentioned in the Grahpati Kokalla inscription.[37]

Of all temples, the Matangeshvara temple remains an active site of worship.[28] It is another square grid temple, with a large 2.5 metres (8.2 ft) high and 1.1 metres (3.6 ft) diameter lingam, placed on a 7.6 metres (25 ft) diameter platform.[27]

The most visited temple, Kandariya Mahadev, has an area of about 6,500 square feet and a shikhara (spire) that rises 116 feet.[10][27]

Jain temples

Main article: Jain temples of Khajuraho

The Jain temples are located on east-southeast region of Khajuraho monuments.[38] Chausath jogini temple features 64 jogini, while Ghantai temple features bells sculptured on its pillars.

Architecture of the temples

The layout plan of Kandariya Mahadeva Temple. It uses the 64 pada grid design. Smaller Khajuraho temples use the 9, 16, 36 or 49 grid mandala plan.[39]

Khajuraho temples, like almost all Hindu temple designs, follow a grid geometrical design called vastu-purusha-mandala.[40] This design plan has three important components - Mandala means circle, Purusha is universal essence at the core of Hindu tradition, while Vastu means the dwelling structure.[41]

The design lays out a Hindu temple in a symmetrical, concentrically layered, self-repeating structure around the core of the temple called garbhagriya, where the abstract principle Purusha and the primary deity of the temple dwell. The shikhara, or spire, of the temple rises above the garbhagriya. This symmetry and structure in design is derived from central beliefs, myths, cardinality and mathematical principles.[42]

The circle of mandala circumscribe the square. The square is considered divine for its perfection and as a symbolic product of knowledge and human thought, while circle is considered earthly, human and observed in everyday life (moon, sun, horizon, water drop, rainbow). Each supports the other.[29] The square is divided into perfect 64 sub-squares called padas.[40]

Most Khajuraho temples deploy the 8x8 (64) padas grid Manduka Vastupurushamandala, with pitha mandala the square grid incorporated in the design of the spires.[39] The primary deity or lingas are located in the grid’s Brahma padas.

Khajuraho temples use the 8x8 (64) Vastupurusamandala Manduka grid layout plan (left) found in Hindu temples. Above the temple’s brahma padas is a Shikhara (Vimana or Spire) that rises symmetrically above the central core, typically in a circles and turning-squares concentric layering design (right) that flows from one to the other as it rises towards the sky.[29][43]

The architecture is symbolic and reflects the central Hindu beliefs through its form, structure and arrangement of its parts.[44] The mandapas as well as the arts are arranged in the Khajuraho temples in a symmetric repeating patterns, even though each image or sculpture is distinctive in its own way. The relative placement of the images are not random but together they express ideas, just like connected words form sentences and paragraphs to compose ideas.[45] This fractal pattern that is common in Hindu temples.[46] Various statues and panels have inscriptions. Many of the inscriptions on the temple walls are poems with double meanings, something that the complex structure of Sanskrit allows in creative compositions.[26]

All Khajuraho temples, except one, face sunrise, and the entrance for the devotee is this east side.

An illustration of Khajuraho temple Spires (Shikhara, Vimana) built using concentric circle and rotating-squares principle. Four spires (left) are shown above, while the inside view of one Shikara ceiling (right) shows the symmetric layout.

Above the vastu-purusha-mandala of each temple is a superstructure with a dome called Shikhara (or Vimana, Spire).[41] Variations in spire design come from variation in degrees turned for the squares. The temple Shikhara, in some literature, is linked to mount Kailash or Meru, the mythical abode of the gods.[29]

In each temple, the central space typically is surrounded by an ambulatory for the pilgrim to walk around and ritually circumambulate the Purusa and the main deity.[29] The pillars, walls and ceilings around the space, as well as outside have highly ornate carvings or images of the four just and necessary pursuits of life - kama, artha, dharma and moksa. This clockwise walk around is called pradakshina.[41]

Larger Khajuraho temples also have pillared halls called mandapa. One near the entrance, on the east side, serves as the waiting room for pilgrims and devotees. The mandapas are also arranged by principles of symmetry, grids and mathematical precision. This use of same underlying architectural principle is common in Hindu temples found all over India.[47] Each Khajuraho temple is distinctly carved yet also repeating the central common principles in almost all Hindu temples, one which Susan Lewandowski refers to as "an organism of repeating cells".[48]

Construction

The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions: western, eastern and southern.

The Khajuraho temples are made of sandstone, with a granite foundation that is almost concealed from view.[49] The builders didn't use mortar: the stones were put together with mortise and tenon joints and they were held in place by gravity. This form of construction requires very precise joints. The columns and architraves were built with megaliths that weighed up to 20 tons.[50] Some repair work in the 19th Century was done with brick and mortar; however these have aged faster than original materials and darkened with time, thereby seeming out of place.

The Khajuraho and Kalinjar region is home to superior quality of sandstone, which can be precision carved. The surviving sculpture reflect fine details such as strands of hair, manicured nails and intricate jewelry.

While recording the television show Lost Worlds (History Channel) at Khajuraho, Alex Evans recreated a stone sculpture under 4 feet that took about 60 days to carve in an attempt to develop a rough idea how much work must have been involved.[51] Roger Hopkins and Mark Lehner also conducted experiments to quarry limestone which took 12 quarrymen 22 days to quarry about 400 tons of stone.[52] They concluded that these temples would have required hundreds of highly trained sculptors.

Chronology

The Khajuraho group of temples belong to Vaishnavism school of Hinduism, Saivism school of Hinduism and Jainism - nearly a third each. Archaeological studies suggest all three types of temples were under construction at about the same time in late 10th century, and in use simultaneously. Will Durant states that this aspect of Khajuraho temples illustrates the tolerance and respect for different religious viewpoints in the Hindu and Jain traditions.[53] In each group of Khajuraho temples, there were major temples surrounded by smaller temples - a grid style that is observed to varying degrees in Hindu temples in Angkor Wat, Parambaran and South India.

The largest surviving Saiva temple is Khandarya Mahadeva, while the largest surviving Vaishnava group includes Chaturbhuja and Ramachandra.

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple plan is 109 ft in length by 60 ft, and rises 116 ft above ground and 88 ft above its own floor. The central padas are surrounded by three rows of sculptured figures, with over 870 statues, most being half life size (2.5 to 3 feet). The spire is a self repeating fractal structure.

Temples, religious affiliations and consecration years

Sequence Modern Temple name Religion Deity Completed by

(CE)[27][54] Image

1 Chausath Yogini Hinduism Devi, 64 Yoginis 885 Khajuraho,Chausath-Yogini-Tempel2.jpg

2 Brahma Hinduism Vishnu 925

3 Lalgun Mahadev Hinduism Shiva 900 India-5696 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg

4 Matangeshwar Hinduism Shiva 1000 India-5772 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg

5 Varaha Hinduism Vishnu 950 India-5595 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg

6 Lakshmana Hinduism Vaikuntha Vishnu 939 India-5679 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg

7 Parshvanatha Jainism Parshvanatha 954 Le temple de Parshvanath (Khajuraho) (8638423582).jpg

8 Vishvanatha Hinduism Shiva 999 India-5749 - Visvanatha Temple - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg

9 Devi Jagadambi Hinduism Devi, Parvati 1023 Khajuraho Devi Jagadambi Temple 2010.jpg

10 Chitragupta Hinduism Sun, Chitragupta 1023 India-5707 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg

11 Kandariya Mahadeva (Largest temple) Hinduism Shiva 1029 Temple at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India.jpg

12 Vamana Hinduism Vamana 1062 Khajuraho Vaman Temple 2010.jpg

13 Adinath Jain Temple Jainism Adinatha 1027 Adinath Jain Temple Khajuraho 12.jpg

14 Javeri Hinduism Vishnu 1090 Javari Temple, Khajuraho.jpg

15 Chaturbhuja Hinduism Vishnu 1110 Khajuraho Chaturbhuja Temple.jpg

16 Duladeo (Duladeva) Hinduism Shiva 1125 Khajuraho Dulhadeo 2010.jpg

17 Ghantai Jainism Adinatha 960 A ruin, pillars at Khajuraho, India.jpg

18 Vishnu-Garuda Hinduism Vishnu 1000

19 Ganesha Hinduism Shiva 1000

20 Hanuman Hinduism Hanuman 922[55] Hanuman Inscription at Khajuraho.jpg

21 Mahishasuramardini Hinduism Mahishasuramardini 995 Khajuraho India, Lakshman Temple, Sculpture 10.JPG

22 Shantinatha temple Jainism Shantinatha 1027 Jain group of temples - Khajuraho 09.jpg

Arts and sculpture

Khajuraho temples are famous for their erotic arts. These constitute about 10% of total art displayed at the monuments.

Erotic sculptures

The Khajuraho temples feature a variety of art work, of which 10% is sexual or erotic art outside and inside the temples. Some of the temples that have two layers of walls have small erotic carvings on the outside of the inner wall. Some scholars suggest these to be tantric sexual practices.[56] Other scholars state that the erotic arts are part of Hindu tradition of treating kama as an essential and proper part of human life, and its symbolic or explicit display is common in Hindu temples.[6][57] James McConnachie, in his history of the Kamasutra, describes the sexual-themed Khajuraho sculptures as "the apogee of erotic art":

"Twisting, broad-hipped and high breasted nymphs display their generously contoured and bejewelled bodies on exquisitely worked exterior wall panels. These fleshy apsaras run riot across the surface of the stone, putting on make-up, washing their hair, playing games, dancing, and endlessly knotting and unknotting their girdles....Beside the heavenly nymphs are serried ranks of griffins, guardian deities and, most notoriously, extravagantly interlocked maithunas, or lovemaking couples."

Over 90% of the art work at the temple is about daily life and symbolic values in ancient Indian culture.

The temples have several thousand statues and art works, with Kandarya Mahadeva Temple alone decorated with over 870. Some 10% of these iconographic carvings contain sexual themes and various sexual poses. A common misconception is that, since the old structures with carvings in Khajuraho are temples, the carvings depict sex between deities;[58] however the kama arts represent diverse sexual expressions of different human beings.[59] The vast majority of arts depict various aspects the everyday life, mythical stories as well as symbolic display of various secular and spiritual values important in Hindu tradition.[3][6] For example, depictions show women putting on makeup, musicians making music, potters, farmers, and other folks in their daily life during the medieval era.[60] These scenes are in the outer padas as is typical in Hindu temples.

There is iconographic symbolism embedded in the arts displayed in Khajuraho temples.[6] Core Hindu values are expressed in multitude of ways. Even the Kama scenes, when seen in combination of sculptures that precede and follow, depict the spiritual themes such as moksha. In the words of Stella Kramrisch,

This state which is “like a man and woman in close embrace” is a symbol of moksa, final release or reunion of two principles, the essence (Purusha) and the nature (Prakriti).

— Stella Kramrisch, 1976[29]

The Khajuraho temples represent one expression of many forms of arts that flourished in Rajput kingdoms of India from 8th through 10th century CE. For example, contemporary with Khajuraho were the publications of poems and drama such as Prabodhacandrodaya, Karpuramanjari, Viddhasalabhanjika and Kavyamimansa.[61] Some of the themes expressed in these literary works are carved as sculpture in Khajuraho temples.[26][62] Some sculptures at the Khajuraho monuments dedicated to Vishnu include the Vyalas, which are hybrid imaginary animals with lions body, and are found in other Indian temples.[63] Some of these hybrid mythical art work include Vrik Vyala (hybrid of wolf and lion) and Gaja Vyala (hybrid of elephant and lion). These Vyalas may represent syncretic, creative combination of powers innate in the two.[64]

Tourism and cultural events

Temples layout map – Khajuraho Group of Monuments.

The temples in Khajuraho are broadly divided into three parts : the Eastern group, the Southern Group and the Western group of temples of which the Western group alone has the facility of an Audio guided tour wherein the tourists are guided through the seven eight temples. There is also an audio guided tour developed by the Archaeological Survey of India which includes a narration of the temple history and architecture.[65]

The Khajuraho Dance Festival is held every year in February.[66] It features various classical Indian dances set against the backdrop of the Chitragupta or Vishwanath Temples.

The Khajuraho temple complex offers a light and sound show every evening. The first show is in English language and the second one in Hindi. It is held in the open lawns in the temple complex, and has received mixed reviews.

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development has set up kiosks at the Khajuraho railway station, with tourist officers to provide information for Khajuraho visitors.

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