Chausath Yogini Temple

Chausath yogini temple is accepted as the earliest temple of Khajuraho. This temple is known as pre-chandella period temple. From the paleographical study of inscription it is probably dated to the last quarter of 9th century. The interesting part is that none of Chandella inscription mentions this temple. This temple is situated on a stone outcrop to the south-west of Siva-sagarlake. This temple originally had 67 cells in rectangular form measures 103ft./60ft.of which only thirty-five have now survived. This temple is completely made of local found granite stone. The base of the temple shows very crude mason work. This temple is very unique, mostly the yogini temples found in India are of circular shape but it is of rectangular shape. This temple is accepted as probably the oldest yogini temple of India. Three sandstone sculptures of Brahmani, Mahishasurmardani and Maheshwari have survived and are now displayed in Khajuraho museum.

This earliest surviving temple in Khajuraho derives its name from the 64 (chausath, in Hindi) female goblins who attended the goddess Kali in her slaughter. There was a principal shrine at the centre that probably sanctified an image of the goddess herself. ARCHITECTURE This is the only temple in Khajuraho built entirely out of granite, the indigenous stone, the others being built with a combination of granite and sandstone or latter exclusively. Another peculiarity that marks this temple is that this is the only temple facing north, unlike the others that traditionally face the East. Thirdly, unlike the other Yogini temples that have a circular plan, this is a quadrangular structure. HISTORY & INSCRIPTIONS It is believed that this Chausath Yogini Temple, was constructed in late 9th century, by Chandela Dynasty.

The Chausath-yogini temple, made of coarse granite, is the earliest building at Khajuraho and is situated on a low granite outcrop to the south-west of the Siva-sagar tank. The temple has an exceptional plan and design. Standing on a lofty (5.4m high) platform, it is an open-air quadrangular (31- 4m x 18.3m) structure of sixty-seven peripheral shrines, of which only thirty-five have now survived. The shrines are tiny plain cells, each entered by a small doorway and roofed by a curvilinear shikhara of an elementary form. The shrine in the back wall, facing the entrance, is the largest and perhaps constituted the main shrine. A few simple mouldings on the façade are all the decoration that the temple displays, but despite its uncouth appearance and rugged bareness, it possesses an elemental strength and reveals some basic traits of Khajuraho style, such as a lofty platform and a jangha (wall) divided into two registers. Of all the yogini temples in India, this is the most primitive in construction and unique in being quadrangular and not circular on plan. The three surviving images, representing Brahmani, Mahesvari and Hingalaja (Mahishamardini) are massive and squat in form and are among the oldest sculptures of Khajuraho. The latter two are inscribed as Mahesvari and Hingalaja. They have been moved to the Archaeological Museum nearby. The evidence of the sculptural and architectural style, coupled with the early palaeography of the short labels on the images, indicates that the temple is probably datable to the last quarter of the ninth century. (Information from ASI)

Built in the 9th century this one is considered as the most old temple of Khajuraho. It was probably built by some other rulers (not Chandel) unlike the other structures on the premises which are all built by Chandel as the description of this one isn't found in any inscription. Contrary to any other 64 yogini temple, the layout of this one is rectangular while all others are mostly circular (even the old parliament of India is believed to be inspired by the Chausath yogini temple of Moraina) It was a group of 67 small temples 64 of yogini’s and 3 of goddess Brahmini, Mahishasur Mardini and Maheshwari. But now only 35 such temples are erected and intact while none has any idol inside it. It's advisable to leave this temple and cover the rest of temples in the premises cause of its distance from the other groups and also the current condition of it.

The oldest surviving temple of Khajuraho, the Chausath Yogini Temple is a 9th century monument. In contrast to the circular layout of all other Chausath Yogini Temples of the corresponding period across India, this temple has a rectangular layout. Unfortunately the temple is lacking in maintenance and importance, mainly as it comes under the shadow of the famous Khajuraho sets of Temples. Still a place worth visiting in Khajuraho.

The Chausath yogini temple is located inside the main khajuraho temple complex and there is no separate entry ticket for this other than the main complex entry fee. One can either walk to the temple from the ticket counter or they can take the erick which charges 5 rs per person. Originally supposed to be 64, only a few remain. Unlike other yogini temples which are circular this one is rectangular. Dont miss if visiting the western group of temples.

This temple is believed to be the oldest amongst the temples in Khajuraho. No date has been ascribed to this monument in the legend before the temple, but is is believed to have been constructed when the Chandela Dynasty first came to power in the region. There were 67 rooms out of which only about 35 exist today, the rest are in ruins. Yogini temples are generally circular shape in India, but this one is rectangular in shape. So it is believed to be the oldest Yogini Temple in India. Statues of Brahmani, Mahishasura Mardini, and Maheshwari have been recovered from this ste and are now safely ensconced in the Architectural Museum in Khajuraho.

It is the the most old temple in Khajuraho group of monuments. It made by grenite stones. It has no carving, no design on it. It's architecture was simple. It is the temple of kul Devi. There are 64 small Temple shape sturctures that's why it knowns as "chaushath yogini temple" .