Chausath Yogini Temple, Khajuraho

Khajuraho is a prime example of India’s architectural advancements created during the Chandela dynasty. The stunning sculptures, decorating the walls of the temples, are truly a work of art and reveals craftsmanship of the masters. The temples of Khajuraho are categorized into three groups – Western, Eastern and Southern. This page would focus on Chausath Yogini Temple, Khajuraho – an important landmark located in the Western Group of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments.
      
The ruins of Chausath Yogini, off the Shiv Sagar Lake, were probably built back in the 9th century. According to historians, it is perhaps the oldest structure at Khajuraho and the nearby areas. Entirely made from granite blocks, the temple is not aligned to the east-west direction. During the initial days, the temple had Chausath (means sixty-four in Hindi) cells housing statues of the female attendants (yoginis) of Kali – an important female deity of the Hindu Shaktism and Tantric traditions. Apart from that, the temple has one more cell dedicated to the primary deity.

Quick Glance

Address: Western Group of Temples, Sevagram, Madhya Pradesh 471606

Type of monument: Temple

Prime Deity: Warrior female deity possibly Kali or Durga 

Affiliation: Shaktism

Architectural style: Shikhara Style architecture

Opening time: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Entry Fee: INR 550

Visit Duration: Almost one hour

Best time to visit: September to March (The Khajuraho Dance Festival is an important event organized in the area during the  

How to Reach: Hire a bicycle or auto-rickshaw to reach the temples  

Guides are available.

Overview of the Chausath Yogini Temple

As per the Hindu mythological as well as philosophical schools, women were the embodiment of power (Shakti). The Shaktism sect of Hinduism also focused on females, considering her the divine energy behind everything. Chausath Yogini Temple, Khajuraho was probably built under the same thought process and houses a warrior female goddess as its prime deity. Apart from this temple, only a handful of these temples survive in India today.  

Possibly built during the early days of the Chandela Empire, and might have been constructed during the around 885 CE. According to historians, the temple is one of the earliest Yogini Temple of Indian. Historians stress that the Chandelas and the nearby feudatories were followers of Shaktism as remains of several Yogini temples have been discovered in the nearby regions. Designated as the Monument of National Importance by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), the temple is surely a peaceful place.

The Architecture of the Temple

Located in the Western Temple Group of Khajuraho, the temple was built on a high rectangular platform. Built from granite blocks, the temple has an open courtyard and sixty-four cells for different yoginis of the Shaktism traditions encircling it. These smaller shrines were minimally decorated and had a curved tower or shikhara and small doorway. Unfortunately, only thirty-five of those shrines are surviving today.

The Chausath Yogini Temple, Khajuraho has one large cell, which was dedicated to the primary deity – probably Durga or Kali. The temple is bereft of the idol of the primary deity, so it is not possible to say for sure.    

Interestingly, it is the only yogini temple to be built on a rectangular floor plan. The rest of the yogini temples discovered in India has a circular floor plan. How interesting is that?  

Deities of Chausath Yogini Temple, Khajuraho

Currently, these temples have no statues. During several excavations, three large statues of the Hindu goddesses or Yoginis have been discovered. These statues are Maheshvari, Brahmani, and Mahishamardini or Hingalaja, which are now kept in the Khajuraho museum.

Some Important Things to Remember While Visiting Khajuraho

Khajuraho is a popular tourist destination of Central India, and during the peak tourist season, the landmark is filled with travelers. To avoid booking hassles, visitors are advised to book early. Also, interested tourists who want to explore the Khajuraho and its marvels in peace are advised to reach the early, if possible during the opening hours.

The Western Group of temples is frequently visited by tourists can contain some of the most stunning Hindu temples. Some of the must-visit temples of the region are Chitragupta temple, Lakshmana temple, Jagadambi temple, Kandariya Mahadev temple, and Vishwanath temple apart from Chausath Yogini Temple, Khajuraho.  

The evening Light and Sound Show in the temple premise is a surreal experience and a must-visit for tourists. Watching over these mysterious monuments and listening to the stories associated with these monuments is an experience. Light and Sound shows are available in English and Hindi, and entry is based on the ticket.           

Climate and harsh sun rays at Khajuraho make carrying ample sun protection a necessity. Travelers should carry a good sunscreen, proper sunglasses, and a hat. Also, to stay hydrated it is important to drink plenty of water.

How to Reach Khajuraho?  

Khajuraho is well connected to major Indian cities, through railways, roads, and airways.

Nearest Airport: Khajuraho Airport

Nearest Railway Station: Khajuraho Railway Station

Nearest Bus station: Chattarpur