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5 Famous Tantric Temples in India

These Tantric Temples are mainly goddess temples

By Akshatha Vinayak

Tantra is an ancient Hindu tradition which is mainly related to Goddesses. This ancient practice still exists and is also followed in various temples. Especially, the 'Shakta' or Shakti Peethas are mainly associated with this tradition. Tantric Practices can be seen in several literatures and even in carvings at some temples like Khajuraho. In this article, we are taking you around some famous Tantric temples in India that have been following this ancient practice.

Famous Tantric Temples in India

Chausath Jogini Temple
PC: Soumendra Barik

Chausath Jogini Temple

Chausath Jogini Temple or 64 Joginis Temple is a unique shrine with the idols of Yoginis (demi-goddesses) surrounding the main deity. Goddess Kali resides as the presiding goddess of this temple who stands on a human head. This temple is one of the popular Tantric temples in India. It is said that the idol of Maha Bhairava (Shiva) was also there in the inner sanctum. Now we can only see the Goddess Chandi. The main attraction of this shrine are the granite idols of Yoginis lined in a circular hall. The Jogini idols represent different forms of Goddess Durga and the strength of feminine form. This interesting shrine was built by the Queen Hiradevi in the outskirts of Bhubaneshwar.

Famous Tantric Temples in India

Kamakhya Temple
PC: Kunal Dalui


Kamakhya Temple

Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati holds a great importance among Tantric worshippers. Kamakhya Temple is the abode of ten 'Mahavidhyas', avatars (forms) of goddess Durga. Interestingly, the Mahavidhyas are formed out of a combination of Hindu and Buddhist religions. There are separate temples for each of these goddesses in Kamakhya Temple. Three goddesses remain in the inner sanctum whereas the others have different shrines. Kamakhya Temple is also one of the oldest Shakti Peethas in India. Hence, its affinity towards Tantric tradition is strong.

Famous Tantric Temples in India

Kal Bhairav Temple
PC: Utcursch

Kal Bhairav Temple

Kal Bhairav is another form of Lord Shiva. This Kal Bhairav Temple in Ujjain is famous for a different reason. Here liquor is offered to Kal Bhairav as a religious offering. The tradition of giving liquor, meat, etc. is a common practice followed in the Tantric tradtion. In recent times, Kal Bhairav Temple has become one of the popular temples in Madhya Pradesh for its unique practices.

Famous Tantric Temples in India

Khajuraho Temples
PC: Aakash.gautam

Khajuraho Temples

The Khajuraho Group of Temples are an ancient relics which are popular for the erotic carvings. Researchers believe that these erotic carvings reflect the Tantric practices. Yes, Tantric Tradition has different sections and eroticism forms an integral part of it. Hence, Khajuraho Temples are considered to be a part of Tantric customs.

Famous Tantric Temples in India

Vaital Temple
PC: Nayansatya

Vaital Temple

Vaital Temple is yet another temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi which is located in Bhubaneshwar. The temple walls are full of carvings which depict several Hindu mythologies. Among them, some carvings related to the goddesses represent the Tantric tradition. Since, Vaital Temple is dedicated to a Shakti (Goddess Chandi), it is also one of the famous Tantric temples in India.

These Tantric Temples represent an age-old custom which upholds the feminine power. Interestingly, the Tantric practices had an integral role to play in Buddhism as well. Today, these practices are mainly followed in some Shakti Peethas across India.

Read more about: religious travel temple
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