Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): Sawan Somvar, the Mondays that fall during the holy month of Sawan (Shravan), are among the most spiritually potent days for Lord Shiva devotees. The ancient Chausath Yogini Temple in Bhedaghat, houses an unparalleled idol: Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati seated together on Nandi the bull, in a wedding pose.
The temple is located on a small hilltop overlooking the Narmada river and is approached by a long flight of about 150 stairs. It follows a circular plan with inner and outer diameters. The circular courtyard houses a shrine dedicated to Shiva and Parvati.
Dating back to the 9th century, the temple, a symbol of Shakti worship and a historical hub for Tantric learning, was built by the Kalchuri kings. Originally known as Tripuri, the Bhedaghat area was a prominent center for the Shakti sect. The temple features 61 preserved statues of the 64 Yoginis. Known as Gouri Shankar temple, it contains the stone idol of Shiva and Parvati riding a bull.
The ‘yogini’ and other statues displayed in the circular niches are in various forms of decay. Under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India, the sandstone and red stone temple boasts remarkable architecture. During Sawan, special pujas and Abhishek rituals are performed, drawing thousands of devotees daily.
