Chausath Yogini Temple; history on a hill

Above a hill stands this beautiful and medieval piece of history.

High above luscious green fields stands the Chausath Yogini Temple. This temple is close to the Bateshwar temples in the Morena district, about 30-40 minutes outside of Gwalior. There is a short but steep climb to the top where you have a beautiful temple which at one glance reminds you of the Parliament building in New Delhi. That is a rumor but does not have concrete evidence to support it, the Parliament building in New Delhi is supposedly modeled after the Chausath Yogini Temple of Morena.

This temple is circular in shape and have 60 small shrines around the circumference of it walls which a small pathway around it. It is a Shiva temple, so each of these 60 shrines has a Shiva Linga inside it with a 1 rupee coin on top of each them. The main shrine in the middle is again circular and has path around it as well fro devotees to walk around the shrine and perform prayers, or as it is called in Hindi ‘Parikriya’. The pillars are ornately carved and the the walls are decorated with motifs and a few reliefs from that forgotten time.

Take a round and feel the old magnificence come to life.

It is said that that each of the shrines on the side represent a certain time of the day and year, hence there are 60 shrines dividing the 360 degree angle evenly. Devotees are supposed to walk around the whole shrine while the priests chant their mantras and the main shrine in the middle was probably not the king to perform his rituals privately.

The castle or fort which was right next to the little hill the temple is on, has reduced to absolute rubble, beyond any restoration. The ruins canoe seen from the temple and can be clearly understood that it must have been a tall and grand castle but unfortunately due to constant earthquakes, there is anything left to really see. The view from the top of the hill shows you all the neighboring hills and green lush farmlands as far as the eye can see.

The Chausath Yogini temple is indeed a good place to relive a once astrological and artistic marvel and also to sit and enjoy the view and take in the wonderful breeze to simply gather your thoughts and relive a bit of history and legacy.