Chausath Yogini Temple — Attraction in Bheraghat

The Chausath Yogini Temple, located near Bhedaghat in Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh, India, is a 10th-century tantric shrine dedicated to the 64 (chausath) yoginis, mystical female deities associated with Goddess Durga. Perched atop a hill overlooking the Narmada River, this ancient circular temple is one of India’s few surviving yogini temples, offering a blend of spiritual significance, architectural brilliance, and scenic views.

History Built around 950-1000 CE by the Kalachuri dynasty, the temple reflects the tantric worship traditions of medieval India, where yoginis were revered as divine energies. Its circular, hypaethral (open-roofed) design is typical of yogini temples, symbolizing cosmic unity. The temple predates nearby Bhedaghat’s tourism fame, with inscriptions and sculptures suggesting royal patronage. Though partially damaged over centuries, it was restored by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the 20th century, preserving 64 yogini idols, each unique. Its historical significance lies in showcasing tantric Hinduism’s esoteric practices, distinct from mainstream temple traditions.

Location The temple is situated on a hill in Bhedaghat village, 2 km from Dhuandhar Waterfalls and 1.5 km from the Marble Rocks boating point, 25-30 km west of Jabalpur city. It’s 23 km from Jabalpur Railway Station and 40 km from Dumna Airport, accessible via NH-30. A steep climb of 100-150 steps leads to the temple, offering panoramic views of the Narmada River. Taxis (Rs. 400-600) or autos from Jabalpur reach Bhedaghat, with e-rickshaws (Rs. 20-50) available to the temple’s base.

Facilities and Amenities Available Temple Complex: A circular courtyard with 64 niches housing yogini idols, a central Shiva shrine, and a Gauri Shankar temple. Stone benches offer rest. Viewing Area: Hilltop location provides scenic views of the Narmada and Bhedaghat’s marble cliffs. Parking: Free parking at the hill’s base (Rs. 20-50 during peak times). Food and Drink: No stalls at the temple; carry water and snacks. Nearby Bhedaghat (2 km) has eateries (Rs. 50-200). Restrooms: None on-site; basic facilities at Dhuandhar or boating points. Other: No Wi-Fi, cloakrooms, or guides. Local priests may explain rituals (donations appreciated, Rs. 20-100). ASI signage provides historical context.

Best Time to Visit November to March is ideal, with pleasant weather (15°C-30°C) easing the steep climb and enhancing views. Monsoons (July-September) make the hill lush but slippery, requiring caution on steps. Summers (April-June, up to 45°C) are taxing due to heat and exposed terrain—early mornings (6:00 AM-9:00 AM) are best. Festivals like Navratri (September-October) see small gatherings, adding spiritual vibrancy.

Timings Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, managed by the ASI. Puja rituals occur mornings (6:30 AM-8:00 AM) and evenings (5:00 PM-5:30 PM), though the temple is accessible all day. Sunset visits offer cooler temperatures and scenic lighting for photography.

Entry Fees: Entry: Free, as maintained by the ASI. Parking: Rs. 20-50 at the hill’s base, if charged. Donations: Optional for priest-led rituals (approx Rs. 100-500). Photography: Free, but avoid disturbing...

Chausath Yogini Temple, circular in plan like other Yogini temples

The Chausath Yogini Temple, Morena, also known as Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple, is an 11th-century temple located in Morena district in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the few such Yogini temples in the country which is in a good condition. The temple is formed by a circular wall with 64 chambers and an open mandapa in the centre, separated by a courtyard which is circular in shape, where Shiva is deified.1] The temple has been declared an ancient historical monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.

History



Chausath Yogini Temple on hilltop

The Chausath Yogini temple is in Mitaoli village (also spelled Mitawali or Mitavali), near Padaoli in Morena district 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Gwalior.[21] According to an inscription dated to 1323 CE (Vikram Samvat 1383),[4] the temple was built by the Kachchhapaghata king Devapala (r. c. 1055 – 1075).[5] It is said that the temple was the venue of providing education in astrology and mathematics based on the transit of the Sun.[2[6]

The Archaeological Survey of India has declared the temple an ancient and historical monument under Act No. LXXI of 1951, dt.28/11/1951.[2]

Features



Central Sanctorum



Inner corridor with subsidiary shrines deified now Shiva Lingams

The temple is located on a hill which is about 100 feet (30 m) in height[7] and there are 100 steps to climb leading to the entrance of the temple. It is externally circular in shape with a radius of 170 feet (52 m)[7] and within its interior part it has 64 small chambers, each with a mandapa which is open and a facia of pilasters and pillars. The roof of the entire structure is flat including that of another east facing circular temple within the outer circular wall. A large passage or courtyard lies between the outer enclosure and the central temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.[2] There is an open porch entrance to this temple.[1] The exterior surface of the outer wall has carvings of Hindu deities.[3] Each of the 64 chambers in the outer circle has an image of Shiva deified in it. However, recent investigations have confirmed that originally these had a Yogini image deified in them and hence the temple is known as Chausath Yogini Temple ('Chausath' here means "Sixty four"[8] ). It is said that the roof over the 64 chambers and the central shrine had towers or shikharas which were probably removed during later modifications.[2]

Within the main central shrine there are slab coverings which have perforations in them to drain rainwater to a large underground storage. The pipe lines from the roof lead the rain water to the storage are also visible. The temple needs conservation measures to preserve the ancient monument in good shape.[3]

The design of the temple has withstood earthquake shocks, without any damage to its circular structural features, in the past several centuries. The temple is in the Seismic Zone III. This fact was cited when the issue of safety from earthquake effect of the Parliament House which is also a circular structure, similar to the Chausath Yogini Temple, was debated in the...

The Chausath (64) Yogini Temple at Hirapur, Odisha

In the medieval times (‪800 – 1300‬ AD) in certain parts of India, Goddess was worshipped in sixty four (64) forms known as Yoginis whose reference has also been found in various Puranic literature.1.Chhaya, 2. Maya, 3. Narayani, 4. Brahmayani, 5. Bhairavi, 6. Maheswari,7. Rudrayani, 8. Baseli,9. Tripura,10. Ugratara, 11. Charchika, 12. Tarini,13. Ambika Kumari, 14. Bhagabati, 15. Nila,16. Kamala, 17. Santi, 18. Kanti, 19. Ghatabari,20. Chamunda, 21. Chandrakanti, 22. Madhavi,23. Kachikeswari, 24. Anala, 25. Rupa,26. Barahi , 27. Nagari , 28. Khechari ,29. Bhuchari, 30. Betali, 31. Kalinjari,32. Sankha, 33. Rudrakali, 34. Kalavati, 35. Kankali, 36. Bukuchai, 37. Bali, 38. Dohini,39. Dwarini, 40. Sohini, 41. Sankata Tarini, 42. Kotalai, 43. Anuchhaya, 44. Kechamukhi Samuha, 45. Ullaka, 46. Samasila, 47. Mudha, 48 Dakhinai, 49. Gopali, 50. Mohini,51. Kamasena, 52. Kapali, 53. Uttarayani,54. Trailokya Byapini, 55. Trilochana,56. Nimai , 57. Dakeswari , 58. Kamala ,59. Ramayani, 60. Anadi Shakti,61. Balakshatrayani, 62. Brahmani, 63. Dharani 64. Matangi.

The 64 Yogini Temple in Hirapur, Odisha, also known as the “Mahamaya Temple”, has an ambiance that is quite charged. The temple emits overwhelming energies that can be realised by those to whom She chooses to grant. Mahamaya, the dark and the most beautiful with eyes that sees the soul in you, is the presiding deity of this open sky circular temple. In many such temples, an open shrine in the center of the circle dedicated to either Shiva or Bhairava. At the 64 Hirapur, the center is the Chandi Mandappa where the Chandi path is recited to please the Yoginis.In Yogini worship, the Tantrik symbol is a chakra with 64 spokes in the wheel. Each spoke represents one Yogini a form of Shakti. In most of the well-conserved temples, the sculptures of Yoginis are intact and none of them are erotic as in other temples. This is because this cult did not believe in sexual union as a path to self discovery. When you see them close these bejewelled women look so alive and completely immersed in themselves enjoying the music, the dance, the sringaar, the life to it’s core. And then there are some who are the warriors drinking the blood of asuras in human skulls. A pleasant reminder to us women on the way we need to live our lives. Be Bold, Be Beautiful, Be True, Be Fearless, Be a Protector, Be The...