Chausath Yogini Temples in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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    Chausath Yogini Temples in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha

    Posted 16 Apr 2025

    Updated 29 May 2025

    2 min read

    • The Chausath Yogini temples are temples with 64 images of Yoginis in chambers lining circumference of the temple. 
      • Yogini refers to a female practitioner of yoga and chausath is Hindi word for the number 64.
    • Open central courtyard has a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva/ Shakti which is visible from each chamber. Dancers probably performed in central courtyard. 
    • Key Features:
      • The temples are typically circular, on elevated ground (or pedestal) and open to the sky.
        • While most of these temples are circular in plan, ones in Khajuraho, Badoh and Rikhiyan are rectangular.
      • Symbolic Representation: Circular plan represents time cycle, cosmic order and continuous flow of energy.
      • Carvings: Temples are simple stone load bearing structures with modest carvings on the main temple structure whereas sculptures are intricately carved.
      • Tantric and Yogic practices: Were practised celebrating feminine power, sensuality and fertility.
    Chausath Yogini Temple, Morena

    Chausath Yogini Temples in India:

    • Madhya Pradesh: Khajuraho, Mitaoli (Morena), DudhaiJabalpur, Badoh, Hinglajgarh, Shahdol, Naresar; 
    • Uttar Pradesh: Lakheri, Rikhiyan; 
    • Tamil Nadu: Kanchipuram; 
    • Odisha: Hirapur, Ranipur;

    Chausath Yogini Temple, Morena (Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple) 

    • It is a circular temple constructed by Maharaja Devapala of Kachchhapaghata dynasty.
    • Constructed using local sandstone, the temple displays intricate carvings and sculptures on its exterior and interior walls.
    Old Parliament Building
    • Uniqueness of this Yogini temple is its circular shape that is popularly believed to have inspired design of the old Indian Parliament.
    • Circular layout is believed to be a representation of the Sri Yantra, a sacred geometric diagram in Hinduism that symbolizes cosmos and divine feminine energy (Shakti). 

    Chausath Yogini Temple, Khajuraho (Constructed in 9th century under patronage of Chandela dynasty)

    • Of all the Chausath Yogini temples in India, the Khajuraho temple is the most primitive in construction and unique with its rectangular form.
    • It is completely made of locally found coarse granite stone, unlike the other temples in Khajuraho that are built in sandstone.

    Chausath Yogini temple, Badoh (Gadarmal temple)

    • It consists of a rectangular shrine surmounted by a massive shikhara, with a small porch in front.
    • The roof above this temple was added later and originally the Badoh temple must have been hypaethral (having no roof) like the other Yogini shrines.
    • Tags :
    • Chausath Yogini Temples
    • Old Parliament Building
    • Morena
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