Mahavidya and Shakti
Chausatthi Devi
Chausatthi Ghat, near Rana Mahal · D 22/17
History & traditions
The shrine above the ghat is associated with Kashi’s Yogini tradition. Look for the Chausatthi temple in the upper lanes if the river steps are inaccessible.
Chausatthi refers to sixty-four. The Kashi Khanda tells how Shiva sent the Yoginis to Kashi and how they remained after seeing the city. The worship site recorded above Chausatthi Ghat preserves the association with that wider tradition. Mayuri is separately listed on the steps.
Deity & sacred image
- Deity or sacred figure
- Chausatthi Devi, a form of the Goddess in Kashi’s Shakti tradition
- Idol or shrine image
- The sources identify the deity. The image’s appearance and material are unconfirmed.
PILGRIMAGE CONTEXT
Mahavidya and Shakti
Mahavidya refers to a tradition of forms of the Goddess understood as manifestations of divine knowledge. The survey places some of Kashi’s images in small rooms, mathas, or host temples. It records several forms with closely related names around Lalita Ghat and Pitamaheshwar. Use the individual names and addresses to tell those stops apart.
SKANDA PURANA
In the Kashi Khanda
The number in the shrine’s name refers to the sixty-four Yoginis. The chapter sets their arrival during Divodasa’s reign and lists their names. The field survey records the living shrine above Chausatthi Ghat.
Browse the Kashi Khanda reading guide