Chausath Yogini Temple, Mitawali

Getting there

• By air

  Gwalior Airport is the nearest, about 30 km away.

• By train

  Gohad Road railway station is the nearest, about 18 km away.

• By road

  Morena town is on National Highway 3, which runs from Agra to Mumbai. Buses run to the temple from Morena and Gwalior.

On the way

• The government tourism page says the site is best reached by private vehicle.
• The temple is on a hill, and 100 steps lead up to the entrance.

Why devotees come here

Chausath Yogini Temple is in Mitawali village, Morena district, Madhya Pradesh, on a hill about 100 feet high. Its circular courtyard is open to the sky, unlike most Indian temples.

The temple is also called Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple. The district government page says the name comes from the many shivalingas inside its cells. It is said that the temple was once a place of teaching astrology and mathematics, based on the transit of the Sun. Some historical records also say the design of India's Parliament building follows a temple at Mitwali in Morena district.

An inscription dated 1323 CE says the Kachchhapaghata king Devapala built the temple; he ruled around 1055 to 1075. The Archaeological Survey of India has declared it an ancient and historical monument. A circular wall of chambers surrounds an open mandapa in the courtyard, which is sacred to Shiva. The outer wall once had carved statues of couples flanked by maidens, but most are now lost or badly damaged. Yogini shrines are usually circular enclosures, and this one is laid out around an open courtyard. Rain drains from the central shrine's perforated slabs into a large underground storage.

Tips for your visit

• Combine the visit with Padavali, Bateshwar and Kakanmath, which are on the same Morena heritage circuit.
• The village is also spelled Mitawali or Mitavali, and it lies near Padaoli, so give that name when you ask for directions.

Questions people ask