Indian Temples: Chausath Yogini Temple, Bhedaghat, Madhya Pradesh, India- Highlights

 


Chausath Yogini Temple, Bhedaghat

Introduction

The Chausath Yogini Temple, located at Bhedaghat near Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, is one of the oldest and most significant temples dedicated to the 64 Yoginis, female divinities associated with Shakti worship in Hinduism. Perched atop a hill overlooking the Narmada River and the marble rocks of Bhedaghat, this temple dates back to the 10th century CE and represents a rare and surviving specimen of early Tantric temples in India. It is also one of the very few Chausath Yogini shrines still existing today.

History in Detail

The temple was built in the 10th century CE during the rule of the Kalachuri dynasty, who were great patrons of Shakta and Shaiva traditions. The Kalachuris commissioned many temples around Jabalpur, and this shrine was a center for Tantric rituals dedicated to the 64 manifestations of Goddess Shakti.

The temple originally housed 64 shrines arranged in a circular pattern around a central shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. These Yoginis are considered to be attendants or aspects of the Divine Mother, symbolizing different forms of feminine power.

Over the centuries, the temple faced invasions and partial destruction. Many of the original idols were damaged or lost during the medieval period. However, the temple structure, its unique circular layout, and some of the Yogini statues have survived, continuing to attract pilgrims, historians, and researchers alike.

Significance

  • Spiritual Importance: The temple is associated with Tantric practices and represents the worship of the feminine principle (Shakti). The Yoginis embody aspects of nature, power, and mysticism.
  • Architectural Uniqueness: Built in a circular design with 64 chambers, it is one of the rare Yogini temples in India, comparable to those in Hirapur (Odisha) and Khajuraho.
  • Cultural Value: It preserves an important aspect of India’s Tantric and Shakta traditions.
  • Mythological Significance: The central shrine of Shiva-Parvati represents the union of Shiva (consciousness) and Shakti (energy), making it a powerful spiritual site.

Temple Details

  • Layout: The temple stands on a large circular courtyard with 64 chambers along the perimeter, each dedicated to a Yogini. The open-air design reflects the Tantric idea of worshipping under the sky.
  • Main Deity: The central shrine houses idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, seated together on Nandi (the bull).
  • Idols: While many Yogini statues have been damaged or lost, a number of them still survive, showing distinct iconography.
  • Location: Positioned atop a hill, the temple offers a panoramic view of the Narmada River and the marble rocks of Bhedaghat.
  • Architecture: Constructed in stone, with modest ornamentation compared to grand temples, its uniqueness lies in its circular Tantric layout.

Timings

  • Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (daily).
  • Best Time to Visit: October to March, when the weather is pleasant and sightseeing of nearby Bhedaghat attractions is comfortable.

Connectivity

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Jabalpur Airport (25 km), with connections to major Indian cities.
  • By Rail: Jabalpur Railway Station (25 km) is well-connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, Bhopal, and other cities.
  • By Road: Regular buses and taxis connect Jabalpur with Bhedaghat (25 km). Jabalpur itself is connected to Indore (500 km), Bhopal (330 km), and Nagpur (270 km).
  • Local transport such as auto-rickshaws and taxis are available from Jabalpur to Bhedaghat.

Legacy

The Chausath Yogini Temple at Bhedaghat is a living testimony to India’s Tantric and Shakta traditions. Despite centuries of invasions and partial destruction, it stands tall as a unique architectural and spiritual marvel. Its survival among very few Yogini temples in the country makes it historically invaluable.

Today, it is not only a place of pilgrimage but also a site of academic interest for archaeologists, historians, and spiritual seekers. The temple continues to inspire awe with its powerful symbolism of divine feminine energy and its breathtaking hilltop setting overlooking the sacred Narmada River.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Donald Trump makes triumphant return to President seat of USA , Kamala Harris fight in vain

Image
  Donald Trump has been declared the 47th President of the United States, having won the popular vote and likely secured the 270 electoral votes required to claim the presidency. On Wednesday, as votes were still being counted in several states, major U.S. media outlets confirmed Trump as the winner. He received more citizen votes than Democratic opponent Kamala Harris and, according to the Associated Press, has also reached the necessary 270 electoral votes to officially be recognized as President-elect. Several international leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have congratulated Trump on his victory. Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, has yet to make any public statement. Russia issued a statement expressing that it holds "no illusions" but is prepared to cooperate with the Trump administration....
Read more

Sporting icons : Mats Wilander - Career HLs & video of Swede Tennis great

Image
  Mats Wilander, born on August 22, 1964, in Växjö, Sweden, is hailed as one of the most versatile and intelligent tennis players of his era. Known for his exceptional tactical acumen, remarkable consistency, and cool demeanor on the court, Wilander was a key figure in the golden age of Swedish tennis during the 1980s. His ability to adapt his game to different surfaces and opponents made him a formidable competitor and a multiple Grand Slam champion. Style of Play - **All-Court Versatility:**   - Wilander was renowned for his all-court game, excelling on all surfaces—clay, grass, and hard courts. His game was built around his exceptional baseline consistency, strategic shot selection, and the ability to outthink his opponents.   - He possessed a strong two-handed backhand, which was a key weapon in his arsenal, and his forehand was reliable and consistent, allowing him to construct points with patience and precision. - **Mental Toughness and Tactical Intelligence:...
Read more

Indian astronomer created stunning video capturing earth's rotation from Ladakh

Image
Indian astronomer Dorje Angchuk has created a mesmerizing time-lapse video capturing Earth's rotation from the breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh. As the engineer-in-charge at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, Angchuk aspired to produce a complete 24-hour time-lapse showcasing the seamless transition between day and night. Although we do not perceive the Earth's movement in our daily lives, our planet is in constant motion—both spinning on its axis and orbiting the Sun. In his video, Earth’s rotation becomes evident while the Milky Way appears motionless in the background. Reflecting on the project, Angchuk remarked, “The stars remain still, but Earth never stops spinning,” underscoring the technical challenges he faced while bringing his vision to life. His initial goal was to capture the Orion constellation; however, its high placement in the sky, given Ladakh’s latitude, presented difficulties. The region’s extreme cold also posed significant obstacles, rapidl...
Read more