Chausath Yogini Temple, Mitaoliचौंसठ योगिनी मंदिर, मितावली

About Chausath Yogini Temple, Mitaoli

The Chausath Yogini Temple, also called Ekattarso Mahadeva, crowns a small hill near the village of Mitaoli in Morena district, Madhya Pradesh, roughly 40 km from Gwalior. It is a circular temple open to the sky, with a ring of small chambers around a central shrine of Shiva. Yogini temples like this are rare in India, and Mitaoli is among the best preserved. Its unusual round shape, quiet rural setting and wide views over the surrounding countryside make it a memorable place for both devotees and lovers of history.

Yogini temples were built for the worship of the Yoginis, a group of goddesses, usually counted as sixty-four, honoured in certain Tantric traditions; they were left open to the sky, as the Yoginis were believed to fly. According to an inscription dated 1323 CE, the Mitaoli temple was built by the Kachchhapaghata king Devapala, who ruled in the second half of the 11th century. Over time the Yogini images were lost or removed, and today each chamber holds a Shiva linga instead. It is often said that the circular design of India's old Parliament House was inspired by this temple, though this is a popular belief rather than a documented fact.

A flight of about a hundred steps leads up the hill to the temple. Its outer circular wall encloses sixty-five small chambers, each fronted by a pillared porch, around an open courtyard. In the centre stands a round shrine of Shiva with a flat roof. Clever drainage carries rainwater from the roofs to an underground tank. The outer walls once carried carved figures, though most are now damaged. The temple is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Chausath Yogini Temple, Mitaoli timings & aarti

Usually open from about sunrise to sunset as an ASI-protected monument. Check locally before visiting.

Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.

How to reach Chausath Yogini Temple, Mitaoli

Festivals at Chausath Yogini Temple, Mitaoli

• Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
• Shravan monthJul/Aug
• NavaratriSep/Oct

Visitor tips

Dress code

Modest clothing; comfortable shoes for the climb.

Entry

ASI-protected monument; there is usually no ticket, but check locally.

• There are about 100 steps to the top; carry water and a hat.
• Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for softer light and cooler air.
• Combine the trip with the Bateshwar temple group and Garhi Padavali nearby.
• Food and shops are scarce near the site; carry snacks.
• Respect the lingas in the chambers and do not climb on the walls.

Places to visit near Chausath Yogini Temple, Mitaoli

• Garhi PadavaliSmall fortress with a richly carved temple hall, about 5 km away
• Bateshwar Hindu templesRestored group of about 200 early temples, about 10 km away
• Kakanmath Temple, SihoniaTall ruined Kachchhapaghata Shiva temple, about 45 km away
• Gwalior FortHilltop fort with temples and palaces, about 40 km away

Frequently asked questions