Chausath Yogini Temple, Mitawali: India's Circular Wonder

The temple is believed to have been built roughly a thousand years ago, and locally it is also known by the name Ekattarso Mahadev, reflecting the central Shiva shrine that anchors the circular ring of yogini chambers. Its low, open courtyard design, unlike the tall, enclosed sanctums of most Hindu temples, was likely shaped by the specific tantric worship practices associated with the yoginis, which called for open sky and a circular gathering space.

It is popularly said, though not something that can be stated as settled historical fact, that this temple's distinctive circular layout influenced the design of India's Parliament House in New Delhi. Whether or not this connection is architecturally precise, it speaks to how striking devotees and visitors alike have long found this temple's geometry.

The 64 yoginis are understood in Hindu tradition as manifestations of Devi's shakti, her divine energy, each embodying a distinct power or aspect of the goddess. Temples dedicated to them are rare across India, making Mitawali one of only a handful of surviving yogini shrines in this circular form.

• Devotees approach the yoginis as protective, powerful forms of the Divine Mother, worthy of the same reverence as any major goddess
• The central Shiva shrine reflects the tradition of Shiva and Shakti in union, with the yoginis surrounding him as expressions of his creative energy
• Scholars of Tantra regard the temple as a rare surviving example of a sacred geometry built specifically for this stream of goddess worship
• Local devotees continue to visit for the temple's tranquil hilltop setting as much as its historical significance

The temple is generally open through daylight hours and, being somewhat off the usual pilgrim circuit, offers a peaceful, unhurried visit for most of the year, with devotees able to walk the circular passage at their own pace. Navratri sees a rise in devotional activity here, in keeping with the site's connection to Devi worship.

The cooler months from October to March are generally considered the most comfortable for the hilltop climb and the open, sun-exposed courtyard.

Mitawali village lies in Morena district, a drive of a couple of hours from Gwalior, which has its own airport and is a major railway junction well connected to Delhi, Agra and other cities. From Gwalior, taxis and local transport can be arranged for the onward journey to Mitawali.

The temple sits atop a hillock reached by a short flight of steps, and many visitors combine the trip with other historic sites in the Morena and Gwalior region, given the relatively remote location.

Devotees visiting Mitawali often chant "Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundaye Vichche", a mantra associated with the Divine Mother in her powerful forms, along with simple salutations to Shiva at the central shrine.

The Chausath Yogini Temple reminds devotees that the Divine Mother has been worshipped across Hindu tradition in forms both gentle and fierce, and that every one of these forms deserves the same sincere reverence. A visit here is best approached with an open mind and a devotional heart, an act of faith and love, not a transaction.