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Yogini Temple

Overview


The temple is located in Hirapur, a small village 15 Kms from Bhuvaneshwar, Odisha. The Yogini temple located here stands as a classic example of the worship of the divine mother.


About the Temple


One of the principal texts of the Shakta tradition, the Lalitha Sahasranama, names the Goddess as "Maha Chathushahsti Koti Yogini Gana Sevitha" meaning "The divine Goddess who is served by 64 Crore Yoginis". Bramhanda Purana also tells that for every 1 crore yoginis there is chief Yogini. Wherever a Chandi Havan or Yagna is conducted, special puja is done to these yoginis. This temple is dedicated to those 64 chief Yoginis, with the Goddess Mahamaya or Chandi Devi. This temple is circular in shape and is open at the top. Locals call it "Mahamaya Mandir". A must visit for one interested in Shakti Worship or even Neo-Paganism.


About the Deity


The main deity is placed in a dark and hidden chamber like a baby inside a womb. However this temple does not follow this practice and is open to sky.


Legend and Stories


The Yogini temples are usually constructed with a circular cloister, except one temple, the rectangular Yogini temple at Khajuraho. The temple has an ambiance that is quite charged and conveys an impression of the overwhelming power of the deity. Mahamaya, the main deity is adorned with red cloth and vermilion on the forehead. The Hirapur Temple is the smallest of the Yogini temples in India. The temple is built of coarse sandstone blocks with lateritic foundation. The Yoginis are carved out of fine-grained gray chlorite stones. The inner walls of the temples have sixty-four niches with sixty Yoginis still in place. The Yogini temple of Hirapur was built by the Bhauma and Somavamsi rulers of Odisha.

Though the yogini cult has seen a diminishing phase and hardly have we found the mention of yoginis these days, it once ruled the roost in Orissa. It has contributed immensely towards the spiritual and architectural growth of Orissa.

Visit duration

45 minutes to 1 hour.

Entry Fee

No entry fee.

Accessibility

Airport

Bhubaneswar.

Railways

Bhubaneswar.

Road

There are two approach roads to the temple, both converging some 500 mtrs away from the temple on a semi-tarred road. Keep going on the Bhubaneswar – Puri Road. Once you see Dhauli Stupa, keep an eye on the left side. There is a distinct board showing the road directions.


Temple Address


Ancient 64 Yogini Goddess Temple of Orissa,
Hirapur,
Odisha ,
Pincode – 752 100.

Significance

Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-

  • Prowess in black magic
Shlokas

Tribhirgunamayairbhavairebhih Sarvamidam Jagat Mohitam Nabhijanati Mamebhyah Paramavyayam

Meaning -According to this sloka, the entire world doesn't recognize the eternal God beyond them, because they are consumed by the elements of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obssessive and dark).

Daivi Hyesa Gunamayi Mama Maya Duratyaya Mameva Ye Prapadyante Mayametam Taranti Te

Meaning -According to this sloka, the heavenly maya of God is very complicated, but those who worship God will be able to overcome it.

Balam Balavatam Caham Kamaragavivarjitam Dharmaviruddho Bhutesu Kamo'smi Bharatarsabha

Meaning -According to this sloka, God is the isolated and aloof strength of the controlling and virtuous craving in men.

Ye Caiva Sattvika Bhava Rajasastamasasca Ye Matta Everti Tanviddhi Na Tvaham Tesu Temayi

Meaning -According to this sloka, though the only source of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obsessive and dark) elements is God, they are not present within the God or the deity.

Timings

The temple is open from 6:00 AM and from 6:00 PM.

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