Mahashivratri-2026: Lord Shiva sits with 64 Yoginis in Morena's Chausath Yogini temple, why it is so astonishing
In the Morena district of Madhya Pradesh, there is a temple where Lord Shiva is seated with 64 Yoginis, the attendants of Goddess Parvati and Goddess Durga.
This Chausath Yogini temple was also known as the school of Tantra Vidya. There are two or three other 64 Yogini temples in the country, but the temple in Morena, situated on the banks of the Chambal River, is unique because this circular temple is believed to be the original replica of the ancient Parliament House. Standing on a hilltop in Mitawali village near Morena, about 25 kilometers from the district headquarters, this magnificent stone temple is believed to be built in the 9th century.
Structure inside the temple is even more astonishing
The structure inside the temple is even more astonishing. Divided into two circles, the outer circle houses 64 small niche-like shrines, each of which houses the deity Mahadev. The inner circle houses the main deity Mahadev and Goddess Parvati, who are worshipped. On Mahashivratri, a large number of devotees visit this temple for worship.
Temple was constructed in late 9th century
Based on the inscriptions inside the fort, it is believed that Maharaja Devpal built it. It is also said that it was constructed in the late 9th century during the reign of the Kachchhapaghata dynasty.
In ancient times, Mitawali, Padhavali, and Bateshwar, parts of Morena district, were like a trinity, functioning as a university. Here, mathematics, astrology, and Hinduism were taught through the rays of the sun. The circular temple has a circumference of 170 feet. This circular veranda houses 64 rooms, which in ancient times housed statues of 64 yoginis.
64 yoginis are depicted in various forms and postures
The circular structure, made of local sandstone, features intricately carved pillars and statues depicting the 64 yoginis in various forms and postures. The temple's open-air design, with its central courtyard, is a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other temples of its era.
This temple, under the Archaeological Department, is also visited by foreign tourists, but it still lacks facilities.