Inheritage Foundation
Preserving Our Past, Enriching Our Future
Documenting and digitizing India's architectural heritage, one site at a time
Chausath Yogini Temple (Mitaoli)
Mitaoli (Morena District), Madhya Pradesh, India, Madhya Pradesh
Temple
Early Medieval Circular Temple Style
Kachchhapaghata Dynasty
Protected Monument of National Importance (ASI).
Year Built
1075
Built By
King Devapala (Kachchhapaghata dynasty, 11th century)
Patronage
Kachchhapaghata dynasty
Area
2124 m²
Chausath Yogini Temple (Mitaoli)
overview
Overview data: 0% complete
Heritage Overview
Temple
Chausath Yogini Temple (Mitaoli)
Located near Morena, Madhya Pradesh, the Chausath Yogini Temple at Mitaoli is a unique circular, hypaethral (roofless) temple dating back to the 11th century. Dedicated to the 64 Yoginis (powerful female deities), it features 64 subsidiary shrines lining the inner circumference and a central Shiva shrine. Its distinct architecture is believed to have inspired the design of India's old Parliament House. This archaeological monument offers insights into tantric worship practices and early medieval temple design.
Location
Mitaoli (Morena District), Madhya Pradesh, India(Madhya Pradesh)
Year Built
1075
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
Sunrise to Sunset, Daily.
Entry Fee
Free entry (typical ASI monument ruin).
Heritage Status
Protected Monument of National Importance (ASI).
Preservation Status
Ruins, ASI conservation ongoing.
Historical Context
Attributed to Kachchhapaghata King Devapala (c. 1055-1075 CE) based on nearby inscriptions, placing it within a network of contemporary temples (Padavali, Bateshwar) in the Morena region. Its unique circular, open-air design with 64 peripheral cells points to its function as a center for esoteric Tantric Yogini worship, a cult that flourished particularly between the 9th and 13th centuries. Its location atop a hill suggests strategic and ritual importance. The resemblance to the old Parliament building is architecturally coincidental but highlights its distinct circular plan.
Archaeological Survey
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) - Bhopal Circle.
Location Map
Architectural Details
Early Medieval Circular Temple Style
Kachchhapaghata Dynasty
Built by
King Devapala (Kachchhapaghata dynasty, 11th century)
Materials
Sandstone
Dimensions
Height9m
Width52m
Length52m
Area2124m²
Featured Image
Excavation Details
ASI protected monument. No major excavations reported recently, but site itself is an archaeological find. Studies focus on its unique circular architecture, Yogini cult significance, and inscriptions. Dated based on architectural style and epigraphy.
Restoration Work
ASI stabilization and preservation of circular temple ruins.
Patronage
Kachchhapaghata dynasty
Construction Technique
Stone masonry (likely dry masonry), Carving
Architectural Influences
2 items
Building Techniques
Circular hypaethral (open-to-sky) construction, Series of small shrines facing inwards
Coordinates
26.436800, 78.235200
Accessibility Info
{"notes":"Hilltop ruin requiring climb via approx 100-150 steps. Site itself is open-air, relatively flat circular path inside.","restrooms":"Unavailable on site","wheelchair_accessible":"None (due to steps)"}
Visitor Facilities
3 items
Best Visit Times
Winter (October to March) provides the best weather for visiting this exposed hilltop site. Avoid the extreme heat of summer. A daytime visit during clear weather is essential for views and exploration.
Seasonal Events
1 items
Visitor Restrictions
ASI protected monument ruin. Exercise caution while exploring the structure; avoid climbing on fragile parts. Respect the archaeological significance. Photography generally allowed. Access involves climbing stairs.
View Count
7
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
67
Completion Status
in-progress
Created By
68408625-44a5-46e3-b746-71290aac1079
Created At
2025-04-28T08:04:19.982836+00:00
Updated At
2025-04-28T08:04:19.982836+00:00