Photographer: Beglar, Joseph David ~ Date: 1875
Photograph of statues in the colonnade of the Chaunsath Yogini temple, Bheraghat taken by Joseph David Beglar in the 1870s.
Bheragat is situated close to Tripuri, the ancient site of the Haihaya capital. One of the oldest heritage sites in India, Chausath Yogini Temple is situated on a hilltop in Jabalpur. Built in the 11th century A.D., the temple is the abode of Goddess Durga along with 64 yoginis or shaktis considered to be the different forms of the Goddess. Though the temple has been partially damaged, it speaks greatly of the ancient dynasties that ruled in Jabalpur.
Around 150 steep steps lead to the shrine which is at a good height. The complex of the temple consists of 64 shrines in circular motion, 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 temple was constructed during the reign of Kalchuri Dynasty and was mainly made with local granite. Mughal invaders, later on, destroyed and deformed most of the temple.
The design of the temple has been kept simple but the idols of yoginis are exquisitely carved, each one depicting a unique posture. The environment at the site is very calm and composing with lush greenery around. Standing at the open-sky courtyard you can witness a panoramic view of the River Narmada and the surrounding landscape. Being the oldest Yogini temple in India, this place is a must visit for all heritage lovers!
The temple is unusually planned, consisting of a circular colonnade with 81 smaller shrines incorporating sculptures from the 10th century. A renowned group represents the sixty-four yoginis, the Matrikas and other goddesses.
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