Chausat Yogini Temple

Chausat Yogini Temple (the colossal 10th century circular hypaethral shrine sitting high on a scenic hilltop in Bhedaghat, famed for 64 intricately chiseled stone Yogini statues and the rare Gauri Shankar sanctum riding the sacred bull Nandi) in Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, stands as central India's supreme medieval Tantric temple architecture and sacred heritage landmark.

Crowning a conical hill reached by climbing 108 stone steps above the Narmada River, this 130 foot-wide open circular temple was constructed under the Kalachuri dynasty around the 10th century, offering commanding views across the white Marble Rocks gorge.

It's the home of 81 peripheral stone cloister cells enshrining distinct Yogini and Matrika goddesses sculpted in black chlorite with ancient pedestal inscriptions, the 12th century central Gauri Shankar temple built by Queen Alhanadevi, commanding panoramas overlooking the misty spray of Dhuandhar Falls, and an intensely inspiring, deeply spiritual temple ambiance filled with holy incense, cool river breezes, and the gentle rustling of ancient peepal leaves.

It represents a rich Madhya Pradesh Kalachuri dynastic art heritage apex, esoteric Tantric philosophy, and world heritage tourism where ancient hilltop temples, Bhedaghat Marble Rocks, Dhuandhar Waterfalls, and Madan Mahal Fort bastions unite in Chausat Yogini Temple.

Located on Bhedaghat Hill, it sits 21 km from Jabalpur Bus Stand, 22 km from Jabalpur Junction Railway Station (JBP), 35 km from Dumna Airport Jabalpur (JLR), and 1 km from Dhuandhar Falls, easily reached by auto, taxi, or local bus.

The 64 Yoginis & Shiva Parvati Nandi Sanctum

Built by Kalachuri ruler Yuvarajadeva I, the circular cloister houses masterwork sculptures representing 64 esoteric Yoginis, each depicted with unique postures, celestial weapons, and animal mounts.

Inside the open courtyard sits the Gauri Shankar shrine housing an exceptionally rare stone idol depicting Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati seated together on their vehicle, the divine bull Nandi.

Truth is, ascending the 108 stone steps at sunrise to look out over the glittering white marble canyon of the Narmada is an unforgettable spiritual experience.

Marble Rocks, Dhuandhar Falls & Madan Mahal Fort

Bhedaghat Marble Rocks: Located just below the hill, take a wooden boat cruise through the soaring 100 foot white and pink marble canyons.

Dhuandhar Falls & Madan Mahal: Experience the roaring mist of Dhuandhar Falls (1 km away) and tour the 11th century Gond fortress of Madan Mahal.

Chausat Yogini & Bhedaghat Explorer Day Plan

The Ancient Tantric Shrine & River Gorge Circuit: Morning start with hot poha and chai in Jabalpur (7:30 AM) -> drive 21 km to Bhedaghat (8:00 AM to 8:30 AM) -> climb the 108 steps to Chausat Yogini Temple (8:30 AM to 10:30 AM: examine the 64 Yogini sculptures, offer prayers at the Gauri Shankar sanctum & enjoy hilltop river views) -> descend the hill and take a 45 minute rowboat cruise through the Marble Rocks canyon (10:45 AM to 11:45 AM) -> visit Dhuandhar Waterfalls to witness the smoke cascade and ride the ropeway cable car (12:00 PM to 1:30 PM) -> riverside lunch at an MP Tourism restaurant (1:45 PM to 2:45 PM) -> drive back toward Jabalpur to explore Madan Mahal Fort and the natural Balancing Rock (3:15 PM to 4:45 PM) -> attend the evening Narmada Maha Aarti at Gwarighat (6:00 PM to 7:00 PM) -> dinner in Jabalpur.

Visiting Code & Conduct: Climbing the 108 stone steps requires moderate fitness; footwear must be removed before entering the central Gauri Shankar sanctum; early morning or late afternoon visits provide the best lighting for photographing the circular colonnade and river valley.

After visiting the circular shrines of Chausat Yogini Temple, cruise the Marble Rocks of Bhedaghat, visit Dhuandhar Falls, or tour Madan Mahal Fort.