INDIA’A ONLY VOODOO UNIVERSITY TEMIPLE

INDIA’A ONLY VOODOO UNIVERSITY TEMIPLE

5-JUNE-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------India shines as a global beacon of spirituality and diversity, with its ancient temples holding unique significance. Among them, the Chausath Yogini Temple in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, revered as a university of tantra-mantra, stands out for its rare Shiva-Parvati wedding idol and deep-rooted devotion, drawing throngs of faithful, especially during Mahashivratri. Nestled in Jabalpur’s Bhedaghat area along the Narmada River, famed for its marble cliffs, this 9th-century temple is a symbol of Shakti worship. Built by the Kalchuri kings, it houses 64 Yogini statues, though only 61 remain intact today. These Yoginis, considered forms of Goddess Durga, evolved from an original seven Matrikas to the current count, giving the temple its name. Historically, it served as a hub for tantra-mantra education, attracting practitioners from across India and beyond. The temple’s courtyard offers a breathtaking view of the Narmada, whose course, legend says, shifted to accommodate this sacred site. Mythology recounts Lord Shiva and Parvati resting here during their wanderings, a divine aura that envelops devotees visiting the temple. The unique Shiva-Parvati marriage idol, unmatched in any other Indian temple, fulfills devotees’ wishes during the grand Mahashivratri celebrations, cementing its spiritual allure.