Hirapur is a quaint village located just 20 km from Bhubaneswar, the capital of the eastern Indian state of Odisha. The village is home to India’s most ancient 64 (Chausathi, as it is known in Odisha) Yogini Temple, a Shakti Pitha that celebrates feminine energy in all its radiance. The small, circular Yogini Temple in Hirapur dates back to the 9th century.
Situated on the banks of the Bhargavi River, it is one of the few remaining Chausathi Yogini shrines in India. This temple is a tantric shrine, featuring hypaethral (roofless) architecture, as tantric prayer rituals involve worshipping the bhumandala (the environment comprising the five elements of nature: fire, water, earth, air, and ether).
Surprisingly, this temple was discovered only in 1953 when archaeologist and historian Kedarnath Mohapatra of the Odisha State Museum came across the sandstone blocks of a ruined structure. It was subsequently reconstructed.
According to legend, Goddess Durga once took the form of 64 yoginis to defeat a demon. Victorious, the yoginis requested Devi Durga to build a temple in their honour, thus leading to the creation of the Chausathi Yogini Temple. While there is no exact date for its construction, some scholars believe it was built by Queen Hiradei of the Bhaumakara dynasty during the 8th–9th century CE, as the nearby village of Hirapur (originally Hiradeipur) was named after her.
The 64 yoginis are derived from the Asta Matrakas or the eight major forms of Devi, the mother goddess: Brahmani, Vaishnavi, Maheshwari, Indrani, Kaumari, Varahi, Chamunda, and Narsimhi. Each of these yoginis has eight attendants, collectively forming the 64 yoginis. They are depicted in a circular formation, likely explaining why their temples are constructed in a chakra (wheel) design, with each yogini seated on a spoke of the wheel.
Celebrating the Interconnectedness of Life
This ancient shrine embodies the interconnectedness of life. We are all connected, and all our emotions contribute to who we are. In the truest sense of feminine energy, the temple encourages us to embrace all emotions in their purest forms. The yogini murtis represent female figures standing on an animal, a demon, or a human head, symbolising the victory of Shakti (feminine power). They reflect a spectrum of emotions, including joy, desire, happiness, love, anger, and pleasure. The number 64 also finds reference in Hindu scriptures, representing concepts such as Kālá (time) and Kalā (performing arts).
The temple’s presiding deity is Goddess Mahamaya. This vivid description of the Yogini Temple evokes its mystical energy and divine femininity, reflecting both the sacred and symbolic nature of its architecture and sculptures. The narrow, low entrance, which requires visitors to bow their heads, signifies humility and the transition from the mundane world to a divine realm filled with ancient, powerful energies.
The presence of Jai and Vijay, the temple’s doorkeepers (dwarapalakas), adds an element of guardianship, suggesting that only those prepared for spiritual transformation may enter. Sculptures of Kaal and Vikaal—personifications of time and destruction—further enhance the feeling of entering a timeless, otherworldly realm.
The outer walls, adorned with sculptures of Katyayani (a powerful form of Goddess Durga), represent strength and divine feminine energy. These nine female figures underscore the significance of female divinity in this sacred space.
Inside the circular sanctum with an open roof, idols of the yoginis in black granite form a powerful cosmological circle. The open roof connects the sanctum to the sky, symbolising an unhindered connection between the earthly and divine realms. Each yogini, depicted in a unique pose with a different vahana (animal vehicle), embodies a distinct aspect of divine feminine energy, reflecting both power and grace.
Their adornments, ranging from bangles to anklets, highlight their richness and vibrancy. Depicted as huntresses, musicians, or even balancing on wheels, the yoginis embody multifaceted roles that blend creativity, life, beauty, and destruction. Their individual expressions and postures capture the untamed, powerful essence of the Yoginis—each a distinct embodiment of Shakti, yet part of a harmonious collective force. This temple stands as a living testament to the power, mystery, and beauty of the divine feminine.
In front of the temple, to the east, is a platform known as the Surya Pitha (Sun Platform). A serene pond nearby, reflecting the five elements of nature, offers a tranquil spot where visitors can pause and soak in its calming energy.
Trivia
- The 64 Yogini Temple is 20 km from Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, which is well-connected to India’s major cities by air and rail.
- The temple is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
- There is no entry fee, and the temple is open to visitors until 7 pm. It opens at 4 am, but visiting after 7 am is recommended.
There is ample space to sit quietly and absorb the temple’s energy.
Deepika Sahu has been a journalist for 29 years and has worked with some of India’s leading media houses. She is currently engaged in content creation and curation.
Twitter: @menondeepika
Instagram: @moodydeepika
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