UPSC Prelims 2021 Question:

With reference to Chousath Yogini Temple situated near Morena,

consider the following statements:

1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhpaghata Dynasty.
2. It is the only circular temple built in India.
3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
4. 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?

Explanation:

• Yogini temples are constructed from the 9th to 12th century. These are roofless shrines of the 64 yoginis. So, they are called Chausath Yogini Temples.
  
  
• The Chausath Yogini Temple in Morena is a circular temple built by the Kachchhpaghata King Devapala (1055-1085). So, statement 1 is correct.
  
  
• Several such circular temples were dedicated to the cult of the yoginis across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and even as far south as Tamil Nadu. So, statement 2 is not correct.
  
  
• They were female masters of yoga in Hindu tantra, broadly equated with goddesses Parvati, incarnating the sacred feminine force, belonging to the clan in Shaiva. They are linked with the Bhairava cult, often carrying skulls and other tantric symbols. So, statement 3 is not correct.
  
  
• The circular structure of the 11th-century Chausath Yogini Temple in the Morena district of Madhya Pradesh has inspired the design of Parliament House in India. So, statement 4 is correct.
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Subject: History | Architecture