Chausathi (64) Yogini Temple, Hirapur
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| Inside the Chausathi Yogini temple, Hirapur |
Chausathi Yogini Temple, Hijapur (64 Yogini temple) built in 9th century this is, perhaps, one of the best preserved of all Yogini temples in India. It's also one of the smallest Yogini temples in existence in India. Located in picturesque rural settings, it it a must-visit location in Odisha, India.
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| Chausathi Yogini Temple |
The temple is built in a circular pattern with the entrance facing the east. The diameter of the temple is approximately 27 m and has a height 2.4m .There is no roof for the entire structure. At the center of the circular temple is a raised platform, referred to as the Chandi Mandapa. Contrary to the name, there are only 60 Yoginis on the inner wall. Another 3 Yoginis are on Chandi Mandapa. One Yogini statue is missing. All statues are made of very hard black chlorite stone, the reason the statues have survived the ravages of time. The temple does not have a roof and is open to the sky.
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| Kamakshi/ Ambika |
All Yoginis are set in a niches within the circular inner wall. The main Yogini, called Mahamaya, is slightly bigger than rest of the Yogini sculptures. The local people often refer to this temple as Mahamaya temple. Mahamaya is depicted as a ten armed lady lady standing on a fully bloomed lotus flower. Mahamaya idol was covered with a red cloth and I was not able to photograph it.
Some Yoginis are human, while others half animals or birds. All yoginis stand on distinctive mounts. Kamakshi/ Ambika (on the right) stands on a mongoose
In addition to the Yoginis there are few more sculptures on the exterior circular wall and on the Chandi Mandapa.
Prayers are offered 3 times a day at the Yogini temple. Evening prayers happen at sunset
Outside the Chausathi temple, but within the temple complex, is a relatively modern but highly revered Shiva temple.
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| Temple pond |
Getting there:
The temple is located approximately in the village of Hirapur, 20 minutes drive from Bhubaneswar railway station. The road to the temple is well signposted. Get a private vehicle from Bhubaneswar as public transport is almost non existent. There are no vehicles outside the temple, so always book a return trip.
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| Chamunda |
Chamunda: This Yogini is depicted as four armed skeletal body. She holds a
sword in her lower right hand a head in her lower right hand. Her
garland is made of skulls. Over her head is a lion hide. Her mount is
musk deer
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| Matangi / Shitala/ Vinayaki/ Ganeshani/ Gajana |
Matangi /Shitala / Vinayaki / Ganeshani / Gajanana :
This
is one of the idols with is part human and part animal. The connection
with Lord Ganesh is strongly evident. The mount for this Yogini is an
ass.
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| Chinnamastaka |
Chinnamastaka (Chinnamasta) : Standing in Dhivibhanga pose is the Yogini Chinnamastaka / Chinnamasta. Her mount is a severed human head.
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| Mohalakshmi & Kumari |
Mohalakshmi & Kumari : The
statue on the left represents Mohalekshmi. She is wearing a garland of snakes. In her
other hand she holds a thunderbolt. Her mount is a full blown lotus
The partially covered statue on the right is Kumari. Her mount is the peacock.
Beside Kumari is the principal deity, Mahamaya. The cloth covering the Mahamaya idol has extended on to Kumari statue.
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| Uma |
Uma: This four handed deity holds Nagastra in one hand. Her other left hand is in Abhaya Mudra. A bed of flowers is her mount.
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| Katyayani statue |
Katyayani Statues: This statue is one of 9 Katyayani statues on the outer wall of the temple. This is not a Yogini statue. In this example a male attendant is holding a parasol. Two animals, a jackal and a dog are at the bottom.
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| Bhairav Statue |
Bhairav: Another unique feature of this Yogini temple are the Bhairav statues. There are four Bhairavs on the Chandi Mandapa. This 10 handed Bhairav is seated in Vishwapadmasana pose and his penis is erect.
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