Chausath Yogini Temple

19 Sep 2023 Chausath Yogini Temple

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Chausath Yogini Temple”. This topic has relevance in the “Art and Culture” section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

About Chausath Yogini Temple?

For Mains:

GS1:  Art and Culture

Why in the news?

Starting September 19, the current special House session will move to the new Parliament building. The old Parliament Building, which will be converted into a museum, is thought to be inspired by the Chausath Yogini temple.

Chausath Yogini temples

• The Chausath Yogini Temple, also known as Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple, is located in Mitaoli village near Padaoli in Morena district, approximately 40 kilometres from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. 
• This temple was built by the Kachchhapaghata king Devapala during his reign around 1055-1075 CE, according to an inscription dated 1323 CE.
• The Chausath Yogini temples of India are ancient, roofless shrines built from the 9th to the 12th century as embodiments of yoginis, female masters of yoga in Hindu tantra. 
• These sacred spaces are deeply rooted in worshipping the divine feminine force, mainly embodied by goddesses like Parvati.

Temple Structure and Significance: 

• The Chausath Yogini Temple at Mitaoli (M.P) is a characteristic example. Set atop a rocky hill, this open-air temple is circular in shape and houses niches for 64 yoginis, hence earning the name ‘Chausath’, which means 64 in Hindi. 
• However, not all temples follow this number; some house 42 or 81 niches, suggesting different sets of goddesses. 
• The temple’s extant structures are scattered across central and northern Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. 
• Lost temples have also been identified across the subcontinent, from north to south and east to west.

Yoginis: 

• Yoginis are goddesses or adept individuals in tantra. They come from different groups and are often shown as female figures with animal heads. 
• Each Yogini has unique abilities, like changing into female animals, changing others, and flying. 
• They use symbolic objects like skulls and work in unique places, showing their intense and risky nature. They share secret tantric knowledge and have extraordinary powers known as ‘siddhis’.

Rediscovery: 

• Although the significant existing shrines of the 64 Yoginis in Odisha and Madhya Pradesh were described by Alexander Cunningham in the 19th century, they were primarily forgotten afterwards. 
• In the late 20th century, these temples’ cultural and spiritual significance was revived and gradually recognised by scholars and devotees.
• While there is no concrete evidence that the architects of the Indian Parliament visited the temple, it is speculated that they may have drawn inspiration from its unusual shape.
• Historians suggest that Lutyens and Baker, the architects of the Indian Parliament, were sent on a tour to study Indian architecture and may have seen photographs of ancient monuments collected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Sources: Curtains for old Parliament building: The Madhya Pradesh temple believed to have inspired it | Explained News – The Indian Express 

Download Yojna daily current affairs eng med 19th Sep 2023

Q1. With reference to Chausath Yogini temples, consider the following statements:

1. The Chausath Yogini Temple is in Mitaoli village in Uttar Pradesh.
2. The temple was built by the Kachchhapaghata king Devapala during his reign around 1055-1075 CE.
3. The Chausath Yogini temples were designed as open-air circular structures to worship only Parvati.

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 2 only 

(c) 3 only 

(d) None

Answer: (b) 

Q2. Consider the following:

1. The architects of the Indian Parliament, Lutyens and Baker, visited the Chausath Yogini Temple and drew inspiration from its unique shape.
2. The Chausath Yogini temples in India are age-old, Latina-style roofed temples constructed between the 9th and 12th centuries.
3. The temple’s extant structures are scattered across central and northern Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. 

How many of the abovementioned statements are correct?

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) All three 

(d) None 

Answer: (a)

Q3. There is speculation that the old Parliament building in India may have drawn inspiration from the Chausath Yogini temple. Discuss the architecture and significance of the Chausath Yogini temples in India. 

Gaurav N