Chausath Yogini Temple

Hirapur’s Chausath Yogini Temple (64-Yogini Temple), also known as Mahamaya Temple, is 20 kilometers from Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha in Eastern India. It is dedicated to the worship of the yoginis, goddess-like beings who are considered auspicious. 

The aspect of Religious: The yogini temple in Hirapur is a tantric shrine with hypaethral (roofless) construction because tantric prayer rituals include worshipping the bhumandala (environment made up of all five elements of nature – fire, water, earth, air, and ether) and yoginis who are thought to be capable of flight.

The yogini idols depict female figures standing on the heads of animals, monsters, or humans, symbolizing Shakti’s victory (Feminine power). 

Rage, grief, pleasure, joy, desire, and happiness are all expressed by the idols. In Hindu mythology, the number 64 appears in various forms, such as Klá for time, Kal for performing arts, and so on. 

Yogini temples can also be found in Ranipur-Jharial in Odisha’s Balangir region, as well as seven other locations in India.

History: Queen Hiradevi of the Bramha dynasty is thought to have built the temple in the 9th century  According to local priests, the Goddess Durga took the form of 64 demi-goddesses to slay a demon at the temple. The 64 goddesses, who are equated with yoginis, begged Durga to build a temple in their honor after the battle.

The Archaeological Survey of India now looks after the temple complex. Kalapahad, a 16th-century Muslim general who converted to Christianity, is said to have stormed this temple and destroyed the Murtis. He is infamous for destroying the temples of Puri and Konark.