Chausathi (Chausath) Yogini Temples - 64 Yogini temples
The handful of yogini temples standing in India today are the only reminders of the yogini cult that flourished between the 7-12 century AD. Chausathi Yogini Temple at Hijapur These temples get the name from the hindi word Chausathi meaning 64. Interestingly, some Chausathi yogini temples may actually have 42 or even 81 statues. Yogini temples are quite unique in their design. Most are circular, but Khajuraho Chausathi yogini Temple breaks this rule with its square layout. One common feature of yogini temples is that they are hypaethral; i.e. they have no roof. They were built this way because of the belief that the yoginis would fly in and out of the temples. Inside the Chausathi Yogini temple at Mitawali Chausathi Yogini Temple at Hijapur : This was the first yogini temple I ever visited. I saw a picture of this temple on a calendar at my hotel in Bhubaneshwar and decided to go there! Built in 9th century, its perhaps the best preserved of all Yogini temples in Indi...
