Ranipur jharial

Chausathi Yogini complex (Jharial) is a MUST-GO for archaeology/history buffs and religious people, but should be avoided by others. I am of former category (archaeology/history fan), so below review is from my perspective. I visited in December 2023 and below is the site information, PROS and CONS of this iconic place:

About the place:
It's a 9th century temple complex constructed/carved on a large rock outcrop, along with many more temples in the surrounding area. The complex dedicated to "Tantra vidya", and one of the few (5 or 6 I guess) of the Yogini temples constructed across India (2 are in Odisha, other near Khordha). It's around 30km from Titlagarh.

PROS:
1) If you are an antique and archaeology fan, you won't feel like leaving this place. Visit it to know why! Get a good DSLR camera.

2) The main temple on top of the rocky outcrop is iconic and and circular ("Chausathi Yogini" temple). Inside the large rocky circle, there are 64 slots, each with an exquisitely carved large rock statue (and main statue in center of circle). Many of the statues have heads of various animals (cat, leopard, antelope, cow, lion etc.). Hard to describe, these statues are unique and different from any Hindu/Buddhist statues you might have seen. I am not religious, still the feeling here is out of this world.

3) There are uncountable small temples throughout the hill... largest among which is the Somnath temple. There's a large lotus pond near Somnath temple.

4) There's another big and deep pond on other side, between two hilly outcrops. Boating facility etc. are available in tourist season. You will be lost in deep thought looking at the water and the temples, which have remained intact like this for a millennium and have witnessed all the history.

5) There's another iconic Indralath temple 1km away. It's built from a strange kind of red brick that has managed to remain intact even after 1000+ years (no algae marks, nothing, as if new). The architecture on the exterior of that red temple is exquisite. Donate to the poor village priest (he is friendly) and he may permit you to take photographs inside (the statues and idols inside, some broken, clearly suggest they are hundreds of years old).

6) The place is very clean. Even without anyone to monitor, tourists were not entering the main circular temple with shoes on, and nobody was littering (one reason is fear -- it was a place of tantra vidya, sacrifices etc. in past).

CONS:
1) The village roads leading up to the complex are very bad and are proof of rampant corruption going on in this part of Odisha. People from other parts of Odisha may be surprised where they money of state and central government is going. Most part were dirt roads.

2) Idols in some of the slots in main circular temple have been stolen (all idols in smaller temples stolen).

3) Everything is on a rock outcrop and it gets very hot in sun. Even in winter, we found the noon sun uncomfortable.

4) Vehicles are stopped from around 500m and you have to walk on the rocks and climb (not very steep). Very senior citizens may find it difficult.

5) It's a somewhat remote place. Nothing is available nearby, not even within 2-3 km (no water, no washrooms, no food). The nearest village is at least 2km away. Villagers too avoid this area due to fear and superstition.

6) It's one of the most backward districts of Odisha. On the drive to this place, you will see poverty, lack of development, no irrigation, barren lands... all government money is going to a few corrupt criminal politicians of this area (locals, including the driver, will tell you in a hush-hush manner). Hon'ble Chief Minister Naveen Babu and the Central Government should take note.

Must visit place. The ancient architecture is really astonishing. It just feels out of the world. The place itself is magical. The ancient ruins, the temples and the sculpture are made really beautiful. When you enter the place you can feel the divinity in the air. There are several temples that are still being used to worship. The main temple is the Shiv temple. It was an amazing experience.

Best historical place for memorial.....the temple are very old of history

Great historical place in india situated in balangir district of odisha. About 6th-7th century small meditation chambers and very old temple present here. The best feature of the place is the presence of 64 Yogini temple here, which is one from total four Yogini temples of India. So feel free to visit and enjoy the beauty of indian culture and legends.

This place has many 9th century monuments which are still undiscovered by many people. People are just aware of some fairy tales about this place, however it's very important to understand the great history of these monuments.

Basically Ranipur and Jharial are 2 neighbouring villages. This is a place of history, which dates back to the 9th century AD. Beautiful temple compound. The 64 Joginis are situated in a circular structure made with stones. From which the architecture of Indian Parliament is inspired. There a numerous temples in semi-demolished temples. A beautiful Shiv temple alongside a beautiful pond. A 2 mins walk to the nearby Indralath temple which is constructed with red Bricks.

Nearest railway Station: Titlagarh
District: Balangir

What a Place, so much of archaeology and history. Must visit place

Really a nice place with full of historical facts,stories. Best thing is that the entire area was a huge single rock,but it was our bad luck that we couldn't make time and reached in the evening and it was dark. We managed to roam there through our flash lights but even in the dark it was wow!!. A clear sky with a moon and millions of star and almost at the center may be,there was our Indian flag🇮🇳 with was just fav.

Ranipur Jharial can be assessed by air, rail, and road from all parts of the country. The nearest airport is Raipur (International) about 210 kilometers away. The nearest railway station is Kantabanjhi in Balangir district about 20 kilometers from Ranipur Jharial.

There are no eateries or accommodation facilities near the site of ruins, so take some food and enough water as you have to spend at least two to three hours to take a good look at all the monuments. You can find good budget hotels in Kantabanjhi for accommodation.

Ranipur Jharial can be visited at any time of year, but plan your travel preferably in winter. It is ideal to visit from October to February when the weather is very pleasant. As you know Balangir is infamous for very harsh summers, so it is a strict no-no.

If you have time you can explore nearby places and visit the Dwarasani temple in Sindhekela (10 Kms) and Tikhali dam project in Khariar (40 Kms).

**Incidentally, Ranipur Jharial temple is the first to be discovered among all the 64 Yoginee temples in 1853 by Major-General John Campbell, a British Army Officer who served in the Ghoomsoor war in 1836-37.

In stark contrast with the traditional Hindu temples, you can see the 64 Yogini temples are not closed structures and they don’t have the ‘garbhagriha’ or the sanctum sanctorum where you have the presiding deity. Rather these are circular structures opened to the sky. Ranipur Jharial temple has a diameter of about 50 feet making it twice the size of Hirapur Yogini temple near Bhubaneswar.

Beautiful Place where you can see Group of temple

Such a peaceful area..a place full of mountains and hills.You will find peace after seeing this..There is a Shiva temple, whose temple is completely made of stone.you will love it.. And you will like that place named after 64 Jogini which Ranipur Jharial.It is said that 64 Joginis used to recite Tantra Vidya there.That's why all that statue is made ..

A place of monuments from ninth century, but no sign of ASI. Not maintain properly. It can be a best place if properly maintained .. and endorsement for tourists must be done by govt.

Very attractive natural beauty place and some of the special temple look amazing

Ranipur Jharial is mentioned as ‘Soma Tirtha’ in the scriptures. Perhaps it takes the name from the Someshwar Mahadev temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, found on the rocks of this historical site.
As per historians, the Somavanshi Keshari kings built many temples in Ranipur-Jharial that can be dated back to the 9th/10th century AD. However, some other Historians assign the date of the structures to 8th century A.D. Yet, at the top of all, it is unquestionably a place having with the ancient structures of historical and religious importance . #history #hertiage

Ranipur Jharial features one of the four largest collection of historic temples in Odisha. These temples are in three groups on two rocky hillocks of Ranipur Jharial. The site includes over fifty small to large stone temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Devi goddess traditions.

One group to the west side is the 64 Yogini complex, a beautiful circular temple. Another is the Somnath temple complex with many stone temples – small to medium size. The third is on the northern ridge and is called the Indralath temple complex. All have lovely architecture, though the 9th to 11th century artwork in all the monuments here show signs of erosion.

From the rocky hilltop, we can see a natural lake with lotus growing and the beautiful rural scenery of Odisha.

Need govt attraction to renovate this 100 year old place

The history, the archeology and the rock create a reverberation fo all historical place visitirs. Chausathi Jogini temple and all broken 64 godesses witnesses the work of 6th century. Many things to discover and many portions to adventure on this rock. The pond of Queen and the different Stone cultures will attract you to have another visit.

One of the 4 Chausathi Yogini temples of the country...

Peaceful, Calm and Brilliant place. Biggest single place with 64 Jogini idols at one place. The only place to have evidence of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism at one place. I wish to visit the place during rainy season once.

Best place for Visit. One of the famous tample in Odisha. Special attraction Someswar templ, Indralath Temple and Chausathi Yogini (64 Yogini) which is 2nd after Hirapur (Bhubaneswar). Sibaratri MELA and Bolbom are main occasion