Chausath YoginiTemple

 

 

INTRODUCTION

  • The Chausath Yogini Temple, Mitaoli, also known as Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple, is an 11th-century temple in Morena district in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
  • It is one of the few well-preserved Yogini temples in India.
  • The temple is formed by a circular wall with 65 chambers, apparently for 64 yoginis and the goddess Devi, and an open mandapa in the centre of a circular courtyard, sacred to Shiva.
  • The uniqueness of this Yogini temple is its circular shape that is popularly believed to have inspired the design of the Indian Parliament, though there are no historical proofs for this.



HISTORY

  • The Chausath Yogini temple is in Mitaoli village (also spelled Mitauli, Mitawali or Mitavali), near Padaoli in Morena district 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Gwalior.
  • According to an inscription dated to 1323 CE (Vikram Samvat 1383), the temple was built by the Kachchhapaghata king Devapala (1055 – 1075 CE). 
  • It is said that the temple was the venue of providing education in astrology and mathematics based on the transit of the Sun.
  • The Archaeological Survey of India has declared the temple an ancient and historical monument

YOGINI

  • It is believed that Yoginis that occupy various positions in the Sri Yantra, represent conjoint energies that are a part of the Transcendental Power or Maha Sakti, the Devi (popularly believed to be devi Durga). 
  • On temple walls they are seen in all directions, often by the side of the gods whose energies they represent. 
  • Within the portals of astrology, Yoginis are seen as cosmic energies that move in all directions at all times in a day. 
  • It is believed that the Yoginis attract the buddhi and ahankara of a devotee viewing them, transforming them by bestowing increased powers, and helping them in achieving the final union (moksha) with the Supreme Soul or Brahman.

FACTS

  • The temple is located on a hill which is about 100 feet high. There are 100 steps leading to the entrance of the temple. The temple is externally circular in shape with a radius of 170 feet (52 m).
  • It has 65 chambers out of which 64 are for yoginis and one in the centre is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • The Chausath Yogini Temple is said to have been the venue for providing education in astrology and mathematics based on the transit of the Sun.
  • This also explains why the temple is predominantly an open-air structure. Only the 65 chambers have flat roofs while the rest of the premises are open.
  • The temple, which survived several earthquakes without any serious damage
  • There is a circular open mandapa in the centre, separated by a pillared courtyard. Unlike the Parliament House that has pillars on the outer verandah, the Mitawali Temple has pillars around the outer circumambulator path that opens into the central courtyard.
HOW TO REACH

By Air:
  • Nearest airport from Mitawali is Gwalior Airport which is situated around 30 KMs from Airport
  • Gwalior Airport : 30 KMs
  • Jhansi Airport : 123.9 KMs
By Train
  • Gohad Road Railway Station is the nearest railway station from Mitawali.
  • Th distance from Mitawali to Gohad Road railway station is around 18 Kms.
  • Gohad Road Railway station 18 KMs.
  • Malanpur Railway station 20 KMs.
  • Morena Railway station 279 KMs.
By Road:
  • Mitawali is connected by bus service from Morena & Gwalior.
  • It is about 25 KMs from Morena & 55 Kms from Gwalior

Travel tips

  • Chausath Yogini temple in Morena is situated close to Gwalior, and a day trip to this site can be easily clubbed with the Bateswara temple and Padawali garhi that are situated nearby. 

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