Chaunsath Yogini Temple

Vital Information for Visitors

Address Temple:

Chaunsath Yogini Temple, Western Group of Khajuraho Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Open & Close:

Open on all days: 07: 00 AM to 06:00 PM

Entry Fees:

INR 10 – for Indians

INR 500 – for Foreigners

Duration:

Approx 1 hour

Famous For:

Tantrik cult

Chaunsath Yogini Temple is the oldest temple at Khajuraho, built in or before the ninth century, dedicated to sixty-four Yoginis, the female Tantrik beings who attend upon Kali. This oblong-shaped temple is made entirely in granite. Constructed by the granite stones, this temple was built in the 9th century. This is the temple of goddess Kali. This temple is called as the oldest Chandel temple made in granite.

64 Yogini temples, spread across various parts of India during 8th to 13th centuries, were holy places for the practitioners of a cult (tantrik) that believed in invoking ‘female power’ by black magic and other modes. 64 (Chaunsath in Hindi or Sixty Four in English) is a multiple of 8, a magical number in Indian numerology. But, the practice of black magic & Shav Chhedan (beheading dead body to detach oneself from worldly desires) has never been aimed at harming any living being- humans or animals. The Bhakti movement in 15th century, ensured this cults natural decay and demise. The Chaunsath Yogini Temple in Khajuraho is architecturally simple & built on a ridge of Vindha mountain. Part of Wstern Group of Khajuraho Temples, Chaunsath Yogini Temple is oriented northeast to southwest, quite unlike other temples that are oriented north to west. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, it is also unique in its quadrangular plan. Only 35 of the original 65 cells remain and no image of Kali has survived.