The unusual 14th c Chausath Yogini temple in Mitaoli (or Mitavali) is among only a handful of such circular temples in India dedicated (originally, in this case) to a cult goddess. The structure has been heavily restored, the original sculptures are all gone, the temple is now dedicated to Shiv and is called the Ekateshwar Mahadev temple. However the circular nature of the structure and its location on a hill are beautiful, and many believe that its concentric layout with one circular building nestled inside another was the inspiration for India’s present parliament building.

For an introduction to this series of posts on temples in Morena district, see here.

The Chausath Yogini temple on the Mitaoli hill:

Another temple on the way (the brick spire in the middle-ground belongs to a modern temple/ashram):

Steps leading up the hill:

Chausath Yogini temple:

Looking down across the surrounding plains:

Entrance:

Inside the outer enclosure:

Circular arcade on the inside of the outer enclosure:

Central shrine:

Looking out to the entrance:

A shrine outside the main temple:

Looking down at Mitaoli village:

The other temple outside Mitaoli village seems to share many similar elements with the village temple at Aiti: