Yogini Temple the inland of 64 Yogini, located 15k.m south east of Bhubaneswar in a small picturesque village called Hirapur, is devoted to goddess Shakti or Mahamaya. It is one of the four Yogini Temples in India; it has beautiful Yoginis engraved from black chlorite – a great study for the aesthete of art and architecture. It was built in the 10th Century AD by the Kalachuri kingdom and has a distinct resemblance to the temples of Khajuraho in structure. The temple is the abode of Goddess Durga along with 64 yoginis. A Yogini is a female custodian of the mother goddess, who destroys illusion with fiery passion through insight and liberation.
The temple’s circular wall, which is barely 2 meter high, contains 64 niches within its inner circumference. All except one of these contain an image of a Yogini Goddess. Some of the Goddesses are portrayed with sensual bodies and jeweled bodies, others with frightful diminished features, others with animal heads. The images of the 64 yoginis, which are said to be the 64 personifications of goddess Shakti are placed inside the shrine, with the chief female deity, Mahamaya wrapped up in red clothes, while the others in skirts held by an glossy strap worn low on the hips. All the images of the Yogini Temple are adorned with necklaces, garlands, armlets, bangles, anklets and earrings etc. Large number of devotees gathered here to worship the Goddesses on a belief of attaining supernatural powers.
The temple is believed to be built by the Queen Hiradevi of Bramha dynasty during 9th century.
There are four main traditions that are associated with the cult of the Yogini Temple & how they developed from their tribal beginnings and became integrated into religious beliefs. All four of the traditions revolve around the idea that Yogini Temple were minor divinities to greater goddesses.
By Air: Nearby airport is Bhubaneswar airport.
By Rail: Bhubaneswar is the nearest railway station.
By Road: Bhubaneswar is well connected to all places. So one can reach easily at Hirapur.
Best time to visit Yogini temple is from October to March.
