The Grandeur of Granite Shiva Yogini Temples of Vyas Bhadora
Being the heartland of India since its evolution, Madhya Pradesh has witnessed rise and fall of many civilizations and cultures in its wide spread valleys of Narmada bounded by the oldest mountain range of Vindhyachal hills in the North and Satpuda hills in the South. Since Paleolithic period to till now, Madhya Pradesh has been the playground for various phenomena both natural and manmade of human settlement and development. The story of human development started with the expression of rock dwellers on the walls of rock shelters, which transcended into the chant of Vedic hymns in the green valley of River Narmada.
Madhya Pradesh is full of the remains of thousands of temples erected by the Pratihara, Parmaras, Kachchhapghatas, Kalchuris, and Chandellas rulers in between 7th century to 14th centuries. Starting with Gupta Dynasty the temple architecture kept on flourishing and reached its zenith during Chandellas rulers who ruled in the Northern Region of Madhya Pradesh. The remains of these temples are still lying un-noticed, though; many have been protected and conserved. The Shiva - Yogini Temple of Vyas Bhadora is one of such temples, which was lying un-cared since very long.Built in grayish granite this temple group is known for its grandeur and exactness. Located at 90 km from the site of Khajuraho temple groups, the temples of Vyas Bhadora could not shine until the Directorate of Archeology Archives and Museum Bhopal declared the site a protected monument in 1989.
The book attempts to recollect this Chandellas masterpiece of temple architecture and bring it into the notice of archeologists, tourists and temple lovers. Once renovated and conserved, the site is going to be a seat of attraction for those who are curious to know and understand the glory of medieval India. The main attractions of Vyas Bhadora temple group are the twin temples of Lord Shiva and temple of Chausath Yoginis. The twin temple of Lord Shiva is unique which share the same jagati and mahamandap but different identical mukhamandapas and sanctums. Similarly, the Yogini temple built in a square and having 69 brackets to house the images of Chausath Yoginis and other deities is chef d'oeuvre of temple craft. However, unfortunately none of the images is available presently at the site. The symmetry of temple construction is fascinating. (jacket)
