Chausath Yogini Temple, Bhedhaghat

Chausath Yogini Temple, Bhedhaghat

If you are interested in old religious places, there are several to find out in Madhya Pradesh. One such place to go for is the Chausath Yogini Temple located in Bhedhaghat which is just a few kilometers away from the main city of Jabalpur. 

The Concept:

It is quite difficult to trace the concept of this temple as it is one of its kind in the entire country. The name Chausath Yogini depicts 64 yoginis. When you visit the temple, you can see 64 different statues surrounding the actual temple. According to the legends, these yoginis can be devis, who are performing yoga to achieve salvation. 

The Hindu culture has its roots deep in Tantric Yoga. Hence, many experts have tried to decode that the yoginis are in different tantric positions with the aim of reaching moksha. 

The Origin:

Chausath Yogini Temple is one of the oldest heritage sites in the country. Historians have found out that it was during the 10th century CE when Kalachuri Dynasty constructed this temple. The dynasty got quite famous for a number of other architectural masterpieces that they have constructed such as the Elephanta Caves and the Ajanta Ellora caves. 

But initially, just the yoginis were constructed and the main temple of Lord Shiva came into existence after 2 years. It was Queen Alhadevi of the Kalachuri dynasty who constructed the Gauri-Shankar temple during 1155 CE. 

Many centuries later, Chausath Yogini Temple was also subjected to destruction, like many other Hindu temples, by the Islamic forces who reigned in India. But even after the destruction, the temple stands strong to reveal its tale from ancient times. 

What Legends Say?

It is quite obvious that when there is an ancient site, there has to be something or other that is legendary or interesting. There are many such folklores about the Chausath Yogini Temple also. 

According to one such folklore, when Muhammad Ghori was on his mission to destroy all the Hindu temples of India, he came to destroy the Chausath Yogini Temple of Jabalpur also. The signs of wrath can be noticed even today on the inner walls and the statues of the yoginis. But legends say that as soon as he was about to destroy the Gauri Shankar temple, a swarm of bees attacked him and he was forced to run away from the place along with his men. 

The Architectural Beauty of Chausath Yogini

Though the temple has a simple architecture, it still looks magnificent due to the way it has been constructed. The main temple is located at the center of a huge courtyard that is surrounded by the 64 yogini statues that have been carved from rocks. Some of the statues are now in dismantled form due to the attack but still taking a view of statues will evoke many questions in your mind. Also, from the courtyard and the temple is located at a height from where you can have a spectacular view of the soothing river Narmada. Visitors have to climb 150 stairs to reach the temple. 

The Gauri Shankar temple is also one of its kind. Usually, Lord Shiva is found in Shiva Linga form in most of the Shiv temples across the country. But here, the actual idols of Lord Shiva along with Mata Parvati are seen sitting on Nandi, the bull. 

Once you are here, you can surely spend a good amount of time witnessing the temple as well as in the scenic beauty of the place. After having a trip to the temple, you can also visit Dhuandhar Fall of Bhedhaghat which is a mighty natural waterfall. Here, you can even enjoy a boat ride amidst the marble rocks which is again a breathtaking experience. 

 

Chausath Yogini temple

Reaching Chausath Yogini Temple

Chausath Yogini Temple is mainly at Bhedhaghat which is almost 25 km from the main city of Jabalpur. Thus, you can take a bus ride or a cab from the main city to reach the site quite conveniently. 

Railways: The nearest railway station is Jabalpur which is quite conveniently connected to many cities of the country. 

Airways: The nearest airport is Jabalpur Airport. Though it is a small airport, now you can find many direct flights from different parts of the country. For the rest parts, you can always get connecting flight to reach Jabalpur. 

 

Read More on the temple here:

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