Chausath Yogini Temples in India: Full List, Locations & Spiritual Significance of Shakti Shrines
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Hidden across India’s heartland are mystical, open-roofed shrines that celebrate the divine feminine - Chausath Yogini Temples . Built between the 9th and 12th centuries, these temples are architectural anomalies, spiritual centres, and silent storytellers of Tantric traditions . With unique circular or rectangular layouts and hilltop settings, they house the Yoginis - powerful goddesses representing cosmic energies. Let’s explore these rare and sacred sites of Shakti worship .
What Are Chausath Yogini Temples?
Key Features of the Temples
Architectural Brilliance: Most are circular and open to the sky; some like Khajuraho break the pattern with a rectangular layout.
Hilltop Locations: Built on elevated grounds for cosmic alignment and ritual secrecy.
More Than Just 64: Not all temples have exactly 64 shrines. Jabalpur has 81; Dudhai and Badoh have 42—showing regional variations.
Cultural Blend: These temples reflect a fusion of tribal rituals, Tantric philosophy, and goddess worship.
Why Are They Spiritually Significant?
Complete List of Chausath Yogini Temples in India
Temple Name Location Highlights
Why Visit These Temples Today?
Spiritual Pilgrimage: For devotees of the divine feminine and Tantric seekers.
Architectural Wonder: Rare designs unlike any other Indian temples.
Cultural Legacy: They speak of a time when female power was central to the spiritual worldview.
Photographic & Historical Gem: Perfect for heritage lovers and offbeat travellers.
The Chausath Yogini temples are more than forgotten ruins—they’re echoes of an ancient civilisation that revered feminine energy in its fiercest and most graceful forms. Their circular harmony, mythic aura, and architectural intrigue continue to inspire worshippers, historians, and wanderers alike. These sacred shrines of Shakti remind us of the deep-rooted balance between divinity and design in India's spiritual heritage.
What Are Chausath Yogini Temples?
- “Chausath Yogini” means 64 Yoginis, powerful female deities symbolising different forms of Shakti.
- These temples are mostly circular with no roof - symbolising the boundless cosmos.
- Each Yogini is placed in her own shrine or cell, forming a sacred mandala.
- Their worship is deeply rooted in Tantric and tribal traditions that gradually merged with mainstream Hinduism.
Key Features of the Temples
Architectural Brilliance: Most are circular and open to the sky; some like Khajuraho break the pattern with a rectangular layout.
Hilltop Locations: Built on elevated grounds for cosmic alignment and ritual secrecy.
More Than Just 64: Not all temples have exactly 64 shrines. Jabalpur has 81; Dudhai and Badoh have 42—showing regional variations.
Cultural Blend: These temples reflect a fusion of tribal rituals, Tantric philosophy, and goddess worship.
Why Are They Spiritually Significant?
- Yoginis are invoked for protection, wish-fulfilment, and spiritual awakening.
- The open-sky design encourages cosmic connection during rituals.
- Still revered by Shakta and Tantric practitioners, especially at well-preserved sites like Hirapur.
Complete List of Chausath Yogini Temples in India
Temple Name Location Highlights
| Khajuraho | Chhatarpur, MP | Rectangular, oldest, UNESCO-listed, 9th–10th century |
| Mitaoli | Morena, MP | Circular, 64 shrines, inspired Parliament’s design, 11th century |
| Jabalpur | Bhedaghat, MP | Largest with 81 shrines, scenic hilltop, 10th century |
| Badoh | Vidisha, MP | Rectangular, 42 shrines, near Gadarmal temple, 10th–11th century |
| Hinglajgarh | Mandsaur, MP | Circular ruins, several sculptures found, 10th–11th century |
| Shahdol | Shahdol, MP | Features seated & standing Yoginis, 12th century |
| Naresar | Morena, MP | Ruins, sculptures housed in Gwalior Museum, 12th century |
| Lokhari | Banda, UP | Circular, less known, 64 shrines |
| Dudhai | Lalitpur, UP | Ruined circular temple, 42 shrines, 10th–11th century |
| Rikhiyan | Mirzapur, UP | Rare eastern UP example, 64 shrines, part of a larger complex |
| Kanchipuram | Ranipet, TN | Rare South Indian site, 10th-century granite Yoginis |
| Hirapur | Khordha, Odisha | Well-preserved, circular, 64 shrines, active Tantric worship, 9th century |
| Ranipur Jharial | Balangir, Odisha | 62 Yoginis remain, circular with Shiva shrine, 9th century |
Why Visit These Temples Today?
Spiritual Pilgrimage: For devotees of the divine feminine and Tantric seekers.
Architectural Wonder: Rare designs unlike any other Indian temples.
Cultural Legacy: They speak of a time when female power was central to the spiritual worldview.
Photographic & Historical Gem: Perfect for heritage lovers and offbeat travellers.
The Chausath Yogini temples are more than forgotten ruins—they’re echoes of an ancient civilisation that revered feminine energy in its fiercest and most graceful forms. Their circular harmony, mythic aura, and architectural intrigue continue to inspire worshippers, historians, and wanderers alike. These sacred shrines of Shakti remind us of the deep-rooted balance between divinity and design in India's spiritual heritage.
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