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Chausathi Yogini Temple: A Mystical Circle of Deities

Explore the mystical Chausathi Yogini Temple in Hirapur, a unique 9th-century shrine dedicated to 64 Yoginis, near Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

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The Chausathi Yogini Temple in Hirapur, Odisha, is a unique 9th-century open-air shrine dedicated to 64 Yoginis, female deities associated with Tantric practices. Its circular design and the enigmatic Yogini sculptures offer a glimpse into the region's rich religious and architectural heritage.

A brief summary to Chausathi Yogini Temple

  • Monday 6 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-6 pm
  • Friday 6 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the temple in a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Photography is allowed inside the temple premises.
  • Parking facilities are available near the temple.
  • Consider visiting during the Chausathi Yogini Mahotsav in December to witness cultural performances.
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Getting There

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Bhubaneswar, hire a taxi or ride-share service for a direct trip to the Chausathi Yogini Temple in Hirapur. The journey is approximately 20 km and takes about 30-40 minutes. Typical taxi fares range from ₹500 to ₹800. Parking is available near the temple.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus from Baramunda ISBT in Bhubaneswar towards Hirapur. From the Hirapur bus stop, you can hire an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple, which is a short distance away. Bus fares from Bhubaneswar to Hirapur typically range from ₹30 to ₹50. Auto-rickshaw fares from the bus stop to the temple are around ₹50 to ₹100.

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Discover more about Chausathi Yogini Temple

Located approximately 20 km from Bhubaneswar, the Chausathi Yogini Temple in Hirapur is one of the four surviving Chausathi Yogini temples in India. This temple, also known as the Mahamaya Temple, is dedicated to the worship of 64 Yoginis, who are considered incarnations of Goddess Durga. The temple is believed to have been built in the 9th century by Queen Hiradevi of the Bhaumakar dynasty. The temple stands out with its unique circular, open-air sandstone structure, which is distinct from the traditional Kalinga style of temple architecture. With a height of only 8 feet and a diameter of 30 feet, it is one of the smallest Chausathi Yogini temples. The temple's entrance is narrow and low, requiring visitors to lower their heads as they enter. Inside the temple, 60 niches line the inner wall, each housing a black granite idol of a Yogini. Each Yogini is depicted in a unique pose, standing on their respective Vahanas (animal vehicles). In the center of the sanctum, there is a small square pavilion known as Chandi Mandap, featuring a sculpture of Goddess Kali standing on a human head, symbolizing the triumph of the heart over the mind. The temple complex also includes a podium in front of the shrine, known as the Surya Pitha, where visitors can worship the Sun God, and a small pond called Puskarini. The temple is a tantric shrine with a hypaethral (roofless) design, as tantric prayer rituals involve worshipping the bhumandala (the environment consisting of all five elements of nature – fire, water, earth, air, and ether). The absence of a roof ensures an unobstructed channel for energy flow. Every year in December, the Chausathi Yogini Mahotsav is organized near the temple. This three-day event, supported by the Odisha Tourism Department, features classical dance and vocal artists from across the country.

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