Chausath Yogini Temple, Ranipur Jharial


Chausath Yogini Temple of Ranipur Jharial is situated at a twin village Ranipur Jharial in Bangomunda Block in the Titlagarh subdivision of Bolangir District, Odisha, India. The village is 104 km away from Balangir town to the south west. Nearest Railway Station to Ranipur Jharial is Titlagarh. The twin village of Balangir district has some rare temples and Monuments.. The temples are combination of religious beliefs of Saivism, Buddhism, Vaishnavism, and Tantrism. The sixty- four yoginis are worshiped in a close circular structure. The Chausath Yogini Temple is a roofless temple. There are 4 Chausath Yogini Temple in India. Out of which two is in Madhya Pradesh and two is in Odisha.

Architecture

The 9th-century Chausath Yogini temple at Ranipur-Jharial is built of rocks structure in round shape. The Temple has statue of 64 goddess, known as yoginis. The temple has also a rock structure which is settled in its center, it is claimed as an statue of Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma's temple is rarely found in India. Apart from this, large instruments called 'chakravyuh', carved on the rock are the main attractions of this site. There are around 60 small temples in Ranipur Jharial.

History

Ranipur Jharial is mentioned as 'Som Tirtha' in the scriptures. May be it has been named due to the Someshwar Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, found on the rocks of this historical site. historians Says, Somvanshi Keshari kings built many temples in Ranipur-Jharial. It was built between 8th and 10th century AD. provides the date of the structures. Nevertheless, above all, it is undeniably a place with ancient monuments of historical and religious significance.

How to reach

The nearest airports to Ranipur Jharial is Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur. The nearest railway station is Kantabanji. One can reach Balangir or Khariar. They can visit Ranipur-Jharial by bus or taxi from there.

Indralath Temple

Ancient Indralath Temple of Ranipur-Jharial is made up of Bricks. It is one of the tallest brick temples of India. Indralath temple is 80 feet in height. The ancient peak of this temple has been destroyed, but the temple is more or less intact. The temple has a recently installed Shiva linga. Apart from this, it also has idols of Lord Vishnu, Kartikeya, Uma-Maheshwara and Narasimha. A stone image the Buddha is kept inside the temple near the entrance recently which was possibly found in the vicinity and seems to be of the same antiquity of the temple if not earlier.
Ranipur Jharial is known in the scriptures as 'Som Teertha' The temple is dedicated to Lord Someshwar Shiva. More or less there are 60 temples in Ranipur Jharial.