Inner Court

Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur

In the center of the temple is an open square cella (reconstructed) that might have functioned as a shrine, except that there is no roof or central image here. The entrance to the cella is flanked by two niche statues (closeup on following pages). Overall, the temple plan indicates a square cella surrounded by a circular wall, analogously to the more familiar aniconic setting of Shiva's linga within a circular yoni.