History

Chausath Yogini Temple is one of the oldest heritage sites in India. It was built in the 10th Century AD by the Kalachuri kingdom and has a distinct resemblance to the temples of Khajuraho in structure. The temple is the abode of Goddess Durga along with 64 yoginis. A Yogini is a female attendant of the mother goddess, who slays illusion with fiery passion through insight and liberation. It is located near the river Narmada and the famous Marble Rocks in Bhedaghat, some 5 km from Jabalpur, Madhya pradesh. Though the temple has been partially damaged, it speaks greatly of the ancient dynasties that ruled in Jabalpur.
The temple was constructed during the reign of Kalachuri dynasty at 10th century and was mainly made with local granite. Mughal invaders, later on, destroyed and deformed this temple.
The Chausath Yogini Temple is placed on a hill top. One has to climb 150 plus steps to reach the temple. the temple looks beautiful in sunlight and inside the idols of the Mother Goddess and Lord Shiva lend a divine aura. The complex of the temple consists of 95 shrines which includes 64 Yoginis in circular fashion around the temple, one for each yoginis and a main shrine where Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati are seen riding on Nandi, the sacred bull. The design of the temple has been kept simple but the idols of yoginis are exquisitely carved, each one depicting a unique posture