Chausath Yogini Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh || A stunning 9th century temple that now lies in ruin but still manages to win hearts

While it is the Western Group of Temples that the city of Khajuraho is most famous for, there is a small but stunning temple that stands proud very close to the Western Group of Temples. While walking towards the Western Group of Temples from the Airport road (crossing Gold Tulip), there is a gate that looks like it does not lead anywhere. It is this gate that you would need to enter to visit the Chausath Yogini Temple.

While it is the Western Group of Temples that the city of Khajuraho is most famous for, there is a small but stunning temple that stands proud very close to the Western Group of Temples. While walking towards the Western Group of Temples from the Airport road (crossing Gold Tulip), there is a gate that looks like it does not lead anywhere. It is this gate that you would need to enter to visit the Chausath Yogini Temple. 


Related Blogpost - Ethereal Western Group of Temples || The Temples that make Khajuraho such an enticing entry on the World Tourism Map



When you are walking towards the temple, you will see a beautiful pond on the right and in this pond you will see water lilies and lotuses. And among these you will find little egrets, pond herons, and grey herons, in their meditative hunt for food.

When you are walking towards the temple, you will see a beautiful pond on the right and in this pond you will see water lilies and lotuses. And among these you will find little egrets, pond herons, and grey herons, in their meditative hunt for food. 


And while you are there, keep a watch out of an average-looking bird that transforms into the most vibrant creature as soon as it takes flight. Yes, the Indian Roller. Don't be in a hurry while visiting this temple. Try to reach here when the sun is setting.

And while you are there, keep a watch out of an average-looking bird that transforms into the most vibrant creature as soon as it takes flight. Yes, the Indian Roller. Don't be in a hurry while visiting this temple. Try to reach here when the sun is setting. 


The Chausath Yogini temple will be on your left. You climb a few stairs to reach the complex. Unlike most Chausath Yogini temples, this complex is rectangular, but it is still open air. The temple dates back to 9th century and is believed to be the oldest temple in Khajuraho.

The Chausath Yogini temple will be on your left. You climb a few stairs to reach the complex. Unlike most Chausath Yogini temples, this complex is rectangular, but it is still open air. The temple dates back to 9th century and is believed to be the oldest temple in Khajuraho. 


The shrines are made of coarse granite blocks. Originally there were 65 such shrines surrounding the central courtyard. Of these only 35 survive now. There is no trace of the central shrine that is usually dedicated to Lord Shiva and is found in other Chausath Yogini Temples. However, the shrine across the courtyard, facing the entrance is much larger than the other shrines and is thought to be dedicated to Goddess Durga. Rest of the 64 shrines most probably were dedicated to Yoginis. Now, however, no statues are to be found in these ruins.

The shrines are made of coarse granite blocks. Originally there were 65 such shrines surrounding the central courtyard. Of these only 35 survive now. There is no trace of the central shrine that is usually dedicated to Lord Shiva and is found in other Chausath Yogini Temples. However, the shrine across the courtyard, facing the entrance is much larger than the other shrines and is thought to be dedicated to Goddess Durga. Rest of the 64 shrines most probably were dedicated to Yoginis. Now, however, no statues are to be found in these ruins. 


Authorities now plan to make the gate that you entered to reach the Chausath Yogini temple as the main entrance to the Western Group of Temples Complex. Then may be the Chausath Yogini Temple too would start getting more visitors. For now, however, the temple lies in relative peace and quiet, and as a result, is a pleasure to visit.

Authorities now plan to make the gate that you entered to reach the Chausath Yogini temple as the main entrance to the Western Group of Temples Complex. Then may be the Chausath Yogini Temple too would start getting more visitors. For now, however, the temple lies in relative peace and quiet, and as a result, is a pleasure to visit. 


Authorities now plan to make the gate that you entered to reach the Chausath Yogini temple as the main entrance to the Western Group of Temples Complex. Then may be the Chausath Yogini Temple too would start getting more visitors. For now, however, the temple lies in relative peace and quiet, and as a result, is a pleasure to visit.

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