Chausath Yogini Temple Explore the Chausath Yogini Temple at Mitaoli in Madhya Pradesh — an ancient circular shrine with 64 chambers dedicated to the Yoginis, believed to inspire India’s Parliament architecture.
High on a sandstone hill in Morena district stands one of India’s most architecturally intriguing temples — the Chausath Yogini Temple Mitaoli, also known as Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple.
Dating back to the 9th–10th century CE, this circular, open-roofed temple was originally dedicated to 64 Yoginis — female deities symbolizing the union of power, wisdom, and mystic energy.
Today, it’s one of the few surviving Yogini temples in India and is said to have inspired the design of the Indian Parliament House.
Contents
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Chausath Yogini Temple (Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple) |
| Location | Mitaoli (Mitawali), Morena District, Madhya Pradesh |
| Deity | 64 Yoginis and Lord Shiva |
| Built | 9th–10th century CE (Kachchhapaghata dynasty) |
| Architectural Style | Circular, open-air Yogini temple |
| Material Used | Sandstone |
| Managed by | Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) |
| Altitude | ~100 feet above ground on a hillock |
| Best Time to Visit | October – February |
The Mystical Legacy of the Yoginis
The Yoginis are manifestations of the Divine Feminine (Shakti) — fierce, compassionate, and omniscient. Each Yogini embodies a cosmic force associated with elements of nature, wisdom, and the universe.
The Chausath Yogini Temple Mitaoli is one of the rare shrines where these goddesses were worshipped in the open air, symbolizing spiritual freedom and the infinite power of Shakti beyond walls and boundaries.
🪔 Did You Know?
“Chausath” means sixty-four in Hindi — representing the 64 Tantric manifestations of the Goddess.
Architecture – The Circular Wonder of Mitaoli
The Perfect Symmetry
The temple’s architecture is circular, with a diameter of about 125 feet, featuring 64 small chambers along the outer wall — each originally housing a Yogini idol.
At the center lies a main shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, symbolizing the cosmic balance of masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) energies.
Open-Roof Design
The temple is roofless, open to the sky, representing spiritual liberation and the infinite cosmos — a core element of Tantric Yogini worship.
This design allows the sun’s movement to naturally illuminate each chamber during different times of the day, creating a celestial calendar of light and energy.
Architectural Influence on Indian Parliament
Historians note that the Indian Parliament building (Sansad Bhavan) designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker in 1919 bears striking resemblance to this temple’s circular layout — leading many to believe that Mitaoli’s Yogini Temple inspired its blueprint.
History and Patronage
The temple was built during the Kachchhapaghata dynasty, a branch of the Gurjara-Pratiharas who ruled central India between the 9th and 11th centuries.
Archaeological evidence suggests the temple was used for Tantric practices and astronomy, as the circular layout and open roof align perfectly with celestial movements.
In later centuries, the Yogini idols were lost or displaced due to invasions, leaving only the sacred chambers as silent witnesses of an esoteric past.
Symbolism and Tantric Connection
Yogini worship is rooted in Tantric Shaktism, where devotees sought unity with cosmic consciousness through meditation and ritual.
Unlike conventional Hindu temples, Yogini temples are circular, open, and non-hierarchical, symbolizing the boundless nature of the feminine divine.
Each chamber at Mitaoli represented a Yogini — from Mahamaya (illusion) to Kameshwari (desire), emphasizing the human journey from sensual to spiritual awakening.
How to Reach Chausath Yogini Temple Mitaoli
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| By Air | Nearest Airport – Gwalior (40 km) |
| By Train | Nearest Station – Morena (15 km) |
| By Road | From Gwalior via NH44 or Morena town |
| Trek | 100+ stone steps lead up to the hilltop temple |
| Google Maps Pin | “Chausath Yogini Temple, Mitaoli, Madhya Pradesh” |
🗺️ Tip: The climb offers breathtaking views of the Chambal Valley.
Nearby Attractions
- Bateshwar Group of Temples – 200+ sandstone shrines near Morena restored by ASI.
- Padavali Fort & Temple Complex – Known for exquisite carvings of gods and dancers.
- Kakanmath Temple – A majestic Shiva temple from the 11th century.
- Gwalior Fort – 45 km away, home to Teli ka Mandir and Sas-Bahu temples.
👉 Plan your central India temple route on Templesmap.com
Present Condition and Conservation
The temple is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Restoration work has stabilized the sandstone structure and cleared vegetation growth.
Despite missing idols, the symmetry and strength of the circular colonnade remain intact. It is now a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites Act.
FAQs
Q1: Why is the Chausath Yogini Temple circular?
The circular shape symbolizes cosmic wholeness — a key tenet of Tantric philosophy.
Q2: How many Yoginis were worshipped here?
64 — each representing a distinct aspect of the Divine Mother.
Q3: What is the connection with the Indian Parliament?
The temple’s circular architecture and colonnade likely inspired the design of India’s Parliament House.
Q4: Is the temple open for worship?
Currently, it’s a protected heritage site. Ritual worship is not performed, but visitors can explore and meditate.
Q5: When was the temple built?
Around the 9th–10th century CE, during the rule of the Kachchhapaghata dynasty.
Conclusion
The Chausath Yogini Temple Mitaoli stands as a testament to India’s ancient wisdom, artistic genius, and spiritual inclusivity.
Its open-air circular form reminds us that the divine is not confined within walls but dances freely across the cosmos — in the sun, the stars, and within each seeker’s heart.
A visit here is more than sightseeing — it’s stepping into a cosmic circle of enlightenment.
👉 Explore more hidden spiritual marvels at Templesmap.com
Useful Links
- ASI – Protected Monuments of Madhya Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh Tourism – Heritage Circuits
- Incredible India – Yogini Temples
Author: Templesmap
Bio: Documenting India’s divine architecture and forgotten sacred geometry for Templesmap.com
Updated: October 2025
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