Question

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

1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of 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 India 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

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : 1 and 4

The correct answer is 1 and 4.

• According to an inscription, the temple was constructed by Maharaja Devapala of the Kacchapagata dynasty, dated VS 1380 (1323 CE). Hence statement 1 is correct.
  • This temple is situated on top of a small hill and shows a circular plan.
  • The temple is built on a high plinth and shows pillared cloisters that run around the wall facing an open courtyard.
  • The small cells that form 64 subsidiary shrines have a shallow pillared mandapa in front; while a circular main shrine facing east stands in the middle of the courtyard.
  • The cells and the main shrine are flat-topped, but it is believed that initially, each had a shikhara on top.
  • While the 64 Yoginis originally placed in the 64 subsidiary shrines are now missing, a Shiva linga has taken their places in each cell. 
• Chausath Yogini temple near Jabalpur is also circular in design. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
  It was not meant to promote Vaishnavism as it is dedicated to Yoginis i.e. female masters of Yoga. Hence statement 3 is not correct.
• There is much similarity between the design of both the buildings, so some claim that it inspired the design of the Parliament building. Hence statement 4 is correct.