Question
Q13. With reference to Chausath yogini Temple situated near, Morena , consider the following statements :
1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kanchhapagahta Dyansty.
2. It is the only circular temple built in India.
3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cut in the region
4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian parliament building.
Which if the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 4
D. 2, 3 and 4
Answer: C
Detailed Explanation
· The Chausath Yogini temple is in Morena district 40 kilometres from Gwalior. According to an inscription dated to 1323 CE , the temple was built by the Kachchhapaghata king Devapala (1055 – 1075).
· Hence statement 1 is correct.
· The cells and the main shrine are flat topped, but it is believed that initially each had a shikhara ontop. While the 64 Yoginis originally placed in the 64 subsidiary shrines are now missing, a Shiva linga has taken their places in each cell. The central shrine also holds a Shivalinga. The uniqueness of this Yogini temple is its circular shape that is popularly believed to have inspired the design of the Indian Parliament. The circular shape is likely to have represented a SriYantra in which the Yoginis reside, with the Supreme Yogini or Maha Sakti residing in the centre (represented by the circular central main shrine). It is not the only circular temple built in India.
· Chausath Yogini temple (Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple) in Morena – 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.
· While the Indian parliament was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, the Shiva temple was built by the Kachchhapaghata king Devapala.
