With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements:

1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of the Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
2. It is the only circular temple built in India.
3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 and 2
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 4
4. 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• The Chausath Yogini temple is in the Morena district of Madhya Pradesh. According to an inscription dated to 1323 CE (Vikram Samvat 1383), the temple was built by the Kachchhapaghata king Devapala (r. c. 1055 – 1075). It is said that the temple was the venue for providing education in astrology and mathematics based on the transit of the Sun.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• This circular temple is one of the rare examples in India, but it is not the sole instance of a circular temple constructed in the country.
• For example: Chausath Yogini temple in Jabalpur.
  • Built by the Kalachuris in the 10th century CE, the Chausath Yogini Temple in Jabalpur is situated near the river Narmada in the Bhedaghat area, between the Dhuandhar falls and Marble Rocks, some 5 km from Jabalpur.
  • Inside the temple there are 64 sub-shrines in a circular fashion going around the main temple with each shrine holding an exquisitely carved Yogini.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• It is a circular temple with:
  • 64 chambers dedicated to the 64 yoginis.
  • A central shrine dedicated to Shiva, it is also known as Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple, because of the presence of multitude of shivalingas inside its cells.
• It is hypaethral, which means it has no roof (without shikhara).

Statement 4 is correct

• Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the former Indian Parliament building.

Image Source: Wikipedia

Answer: (c) 1 and 4; Difficulty Level: Easy