About the Temple:Chausath Yogini temple is the abode of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva along with 64 Yoginis. A Yogini is a female attendant of the Goddess Parvati. The temple is located near the Narmada river and some 5 km away from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. It is the only temple where Ganeshani or Vainayaki the feminine form of Ganesha can be seen. She is one among chausath yoginis.
The courtyard of the Chausat Yogini temple offers a scenic view of the river Narmada and the surrounding landscape. The environment at the temple is very calm and composing. The Chausath Yogini temple is indeed an example of the glory of the Kalchuri dynasty. The temple is worth visiting for its carved idols and shrines.
According to the custom of the Hindu temples, the main deity is placed inside the chamber or sanctum. However the Yogini temples do not follow this custom. At Yogini temples the idols are placed under the sky. In Yogini temples, an open shrine in the middle of the circle is dedicated to either Lord Shiva or Lord Bhairav.
Temple view
Temple History:The temple was constructed in the 10th century during the Kalchuri Kingdom and was mainly made with local granite. Manu Mughal invaders deformed this temple. The Chausath Yogini temple is located on a hilltop. One has to climb 150 plus steps to reach the temple. The temple sanctum houses the idols of the Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva. The temple complex has 64 shrines, one for each yoginis, built in a circular pattern. The main shrine has idols of Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati riding on Nandi. It is believed that this statue belongs to the time of Shiv – Parvati Vivah.
Temple plan
Temple Legend:There is an interesting story behind this temple that is linked with Aurangzeb who once decided that he would kill anybody whom he put his sword on and did not hear any sound. He came to the Chausath Yogini temple and he put his sword on every Yogini idol and destroyed it since he didn’t hear any sound from the idols. In the end, he went to the idol of Lord Shiv-Shakti. As soon as he put his sword on Lord Shiva’s leg, suddenly he heard a sound of bees and flow of milk from his leg. Auranzeb decided not to damage the idol.
Temple Idol
Yoginis In a Circular form
How to reach:
By Road: Buses and taxis are available from Pendra Road, Shahdol and Bilaspur town to reach the temple.
By Train: Jabalpur is the nearest railway station which is 15 km away from the temple.
By Air: Jabalpur airport is 26 km away from the temple.
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