Chausath Yogini Temple

The worship of the sixty-four yoginis, powerful goddess forms of the tantra tradition, once spread across the whole of central India. Ujjain’s Chausath Yogini temple keeps this rare and mysterious stream of devotion flowing in the city of Mahakal.

History of the Temple

Yogini temples flourished in the early medieval centuries, usually built in circular open courts under the sky. Ujjain, as a great seat of Shakta and tantra practice, naturally held the yoginis close, and this temple continues traditions whose roots are older than written records.

Significance of the Temple

Each of the sixty-four yoginis carries her own name, mount and power, together representing the complete circle of the Devi’s energies. Devotees seeking courage, protection from negativity and success in difficult undertakings pray here, and practitioners of the goddess traditions regard darshan of the full circle as especially potent during Navratri.

What to Experience

Navratri nights

The temple glows with lamps and the recitation of the Devi’s names during both Navratris of the year.

The circle of the goddesses

Walk the full circle slowly, reading the yoginis’ names; the completeness of the circuit is itself the blessing.