1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata 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?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2 ,3 and 4
Answer: c
Explanation:
Chausath Yogini Temple, Monera, Madhya Pradesh
The Chausath Yogini Temple, Mitaoli, also known as Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple, is an 11th-century temple in Morena district in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
According to an inscription, the temple was constructed by Maharaja Devapala of the Kacchapagata dynasty, dated VS 1380 (1323 CE).
Hence, statement 1 is correct.
This temple is situated on top of a small hill and has a circular plan. The small cells that form 64 subsidiary shrines have a shallow mandapa in front, While a circular main shrine facing east stands in the middle of the courtyard.
But this is not the only circular temple in India; there are many other circular yogini temples in India, such as
● Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur, Odisha
● Ranipur-Jharial, Balangir, Odisha temple
Hence, Statement 2 is incorrect.
The Chausath Yogini Temple, Morena, also known as Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple. This temple is so named because of the presence of multitude of Shivalingas inside its cells. This is a yogini temple dedicated to sixty-four yoginis. Hence, it belongs to the Shiavism cult.
Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
The uniqueness of this Yogini temple is its circular shape, which is popularly believed to have inspired the design of the Indian Parliament. The circular shape is likely to have represented a Sri-Yantra in which the Yoginis reside, with the Supreme Yogini or Maha Sakti residing in the centre (represented by the circular central main shrine).
Hence, statement 4 is correct.
Read: Previous Year UPSC History Questions (PYQs) With Explanation 2021