Chausath Yogini Temple | Khajuraho

The Chausath Yogini Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to the worship of the 64 yoginis.

Visual Characteristics

This circular temple is constructed from sandstone. It features a high plinth and is surrounded by a courtyard containing 64 small shrines, each housing a statue of a yogini. The central shrine is larger and contains a main idol. The temple's architecture is characterized by its open-air design and the individual cells for each deity.

Location & Access Logistics

The temple is situated approximately 2.5 kilometers northwest of the main Khajuraho temple complex. Access is via local roads from Khajuraho town. Parking is available on-site, though it is informal. The nearest major transport hub is Khajuraho Airport (HJR), approximately 10 kilometers away. Khajuraho Railway Station is about 6 kilometers away. Local auto-rickshaws and taxis provide transport from these points.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Chausath Yogini Temple is believed to have been constructed in the 9th or 10th century CE. Its exact builder is not definitively known, but it is attributed to the Chandela dynasty. The temple's original purpose was to serve as a place of worship for tantric practices associated with the yoginis.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the architectural layout of the circular temple and its surrounding cells. Photography of the temple structure is permitted. Examination of the individual yogini sculptures within each shrine is a primary activity. The temple is accessible for walking around the perimeter and within the central courtyard.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Basic restroom facilities are available near the temple entrance. Limited shade is provided by the temple structure itself. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in the area. No food vendors are located directly at the temple site; options are available in Khajuraho town.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is during the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight provides softer illumination on the sandstone. The optimal months for visiting are from October to March, when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is minimal. There are no tide-related considerations for this temple.

Facts & Legends

This temple is one of the few yogini temples in India that is still in use. It is also considered one of the oldest surviving tantric temples in the country. Local lore suggests that the temple was once a center for powerful tantric rituals.

Nearby Landmarks

• Kandariya Mahadeva Temple (1.5km Southeast)
• Devi Jagdambi Temple (1.8km Southeast)
• Chitragupta Temple (1.9km Southeast)
• Vishwanath Temple (2.0km Southeast)
• Lakshmana Temple (2.2km Southeast)