About the Temple:An ancient temple of Chausath Yogini, also known as Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple is located at Mitawali in Morena district of Madhya Pradesh. There are four Yogini temples in India, out which two are located in Odisha and other two are nestled in Madhya Pradesh. The temple is consecrated to Lord Shiva and 64 Yoginis. The temple has a circular wall with 64 chambers for each Yogini and an open mandapa in the center which is separated by a circular courtyard, where Lord Shiva is worshiped. It is believed that the design of Parliament House of India, also known as Sansad Bhavan is based on this circular-shaped, unique and ancient Chausath Yogini temple.
Chausath Yogini Temple view
Temple History:According to an inscription, the temple history dates back to 1323 AD. Chausath Yogini temple was built by a Pratihara Kshatriya King named Maharaja Devapala in the 8th century. It is believed that in the ancient times, the temple was an important venue of education in astrology and mathematics where the teaching was based on the transit of the Sun. The temple is located on a 100 ft high hill and there are around 200 steps to climb which lead to the entrance of the temple.
Platform of the temple
Temple Architecture:The temple is circular in the shape with a radius of 170 feet. Inside the temple, one can see the 64 small chambers, each with an open mandapa, pilasters and pillars. Every chamber has a Shivling. Initially, the chamber also had an idol of yogini accompanying Shiva. While some yogini idols were stolen, some others are kept in Indian museums.
Outer circle of the temple
A large courtyard can be seen between the outer enclosure and the central temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The exterior surface of the outer temple wall has carvings of Hindu deities. The roof over the 64 chambers and the central shrine had towers or shikhara which were removed during renovation. The temple is supported by more than 100 stone pillars which can be seen around the outer circumambulation path of the temple.The main central shrine has some perforated slab coverings to drain rainwater to a large underground storage.
How to reach:
By Road: Buses and taxis are available from all the major cities of Madhya Pradesh to reach the temple.
By Train: Morena is the nearest railway station which is 15 km away from the temple.
By Air: Gwalior airport is 40 km away from the temple.
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