With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements:
- It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
- It is the only circular temple built in India.
- It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
- Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — 1 and 4
The Chausath Yogini Temple near Morena is a circular temple built during the Kachchhapaghata Dynasty in the 11th century CE. Its unique circular design has inspired popular belief that it influenced the architecture of the Indian Parliament building, though this lacks definitive historical proof.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The temple is indeed circular and was constructed during the reign of the Kachchhapaghata Dynasty around the 11th century CE.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: It is not the only circular temple in India; other examples include similar Chausath Yogini temples in Khajuraho, Jabalpur, and Bhedaghat.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: The temple was dedicated to the worship of 64 Yoginis (Tantric goddesses) and was meant to promote Shakti/Tantric cult, not the Vaishnava cult.
✅ Statement 4 – Correct: There is a popular belief that the circular, open-to-sky design of this temple inspired the architects of the Indian Parliament building, though not historically confirmed.
📝 Short Notes: Chausath Yogini Temples
- Meaning: Chausath means 64; these temples were dedicated to 64 Yoginis (female attendants of Goddess Durga/Shakti).
- Period: Mostly built between 9th-12th centuries CE during the rise of Tantric practices in India.
- Architecture: Typically circular or rectangular, hypaethral (open to sky), with small shrines arranged around a central courtyard.
- Major Temples: Morena (Madhya Pradesh), Hirapur (Odisha), Khajuraho (MP), Bhedaghat (MP), Jabalpur (MP), and Ranipur-Jharial (Odisha).
- Religious Significance: Associated with Shakti and Tantric worship, not Vaishnava or Shaiva traditions.
- Morena Temple Specifics: Built by Kachchhapaghata rulers; circular with 64 chambers; believed to have inspired the Indian Parliament's circular design.
Question 3 of 7 Temple Architecture
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