Chausath Yogini Temple- Timings, History, Architecture, Things to Explore, and much more!
And we believe that there is energy in every form and the biggest energy is embodied in a Mother. And thus Goddess Durga is the only Mother Nature and nurtures every living and non-living being on the earth. This temple is considered one of the incarnated forms of Maa which is worshiped with devotion and fervent joy.
One of the four Chausath Yogini shrines still in existence in India is the Chausath Yogini Temple, which is situated in Hirapur, some 20 kilometers from Bhubaneswar. One of the three remaining temples is in the Odisha district of Bolangir, and the other two are in Madhya Pradesh. Locals refer to the shrine as Chausathi Yogini, which is Sanskrit for “64 Yoginis” (incarnations of Goddess Durga).
Goddess Mahamaya, who is regarded as one of the Yoginis, is the presiding deity of this sacred location. As a result, the temple is also known as the Mahamaya Temple. The worship of Bhumandala, or the five elements of nature (water, sky, fire, earth, and ether), is a part of the temple’s daily prayers and ceremonies. With strong ties to tribal and rural traditions, the Yogini practice has been known to combine tantric and yoga practices.
History of Chausath Yogini Temple, Bhubaneswar
This temple is thought to have been constructed in the ninth century AD by Queen Hiradevi of the Bhaumakar dynasty. However, the temple had gradually lost its splendor before it was found and brought back to life in its current shape in 1953 by noted historian Kedarnath Mohapatra.
The Chausathi Yogini Mahotsav is held annually in the month of December next to the temple. This three-day event, which has classical dance and vocal performers from all across the nation performing and mesmerizing the audience, is organized by the city-based cultural organization Nrutya Prativa with assistance from the Odisha Tourism Department.
Architecture Of Chausath Yogini Temple
This temple, which is currently under the observation of the Archeological Survey of India, is out for its distinctive architecture, which veers away from the typical Kalinga style of temple construction to feature a circular open-air sandstone edifice. It is one of the tiniest Chausath Yogini temples, with a height of just 8 feet and a diameter of 30 feet, and is situated on the banks of the Bhargavi River.
The temple’s entrance is quite small and low in height. One person can easily enter at a time, and they must bow their heads to do so. Two doorkeepers (dwarapalakas) on either side are carved on the outside wall of the shrine’s doorway.
The names of these doorkeepers (dwarpalaks) are Jai and Vijay. A short path from the entryway leads to the main temple. Kaal and Vikaal are shown as sculptured figures along this walkway. Nine statues of Katyayini, or feminine figures, can be seen on the shrine’s front wall.
The main sanctum has an open roof and is round in shape. There are 60 niches on the shrine’s inside wall, one for each of the 60 Yoginis. It is two feet high in each niche. The Yoginis’ idols are carved from black granite and depicted in various standing positions atop their Vahanas (animals).
Each of these statues is adorned with various accessories, such as armlets, anklets, garlands, necklaces, and bangles. Some of the Yoginis’ sculptures portray them playing drums, balancing on a set of wheels, and also hunting with arrows and bows in hand.
The Chandi Mandap, a modest square pavilion, is located at the center of the temple. In the middle of the pavilion is a sculpture of Goddess Kali standing on a human head.
Four Yoginis and four Bhairavas are encircling the pavilion’s four corners. The fourth Bhairava, known as Ekapada Bhairava, is standing while the other three Bhairavas are depicted in a seated position. The Nataraja statue of Lord Shiva, which is believed to have been erected inside the Chandi Mandap, is currently missing.
The Surya Pitha, a podium in front of the shrine from which worshippers can offer prayers to the Lord Sun, and Puskarini, a small pond, are both on the temple’s grounds. The property contains a little Sankateshwar temple that is devoted to Lord Shiva.
Things to Explore in Chausath Yogini Temple
It is interesting to learn more about the temple’s distinctive construction and the Yogini cult’s beliefs. Tourists will experience time travel when they visit this unique shrine since they will be taken to an entirely new era.
In addition to the Chausath Yogini Temple, travelers can visit a number of unique temples in Bhubaneswar, including the Lingaraj Temple, Mukteswara Temple, Rajarani Temple, Brahmeshwara Temple, and many others that are renowned for their outstanding temple construction.
Timings, Entry Fee/ Ticket Price
The Chausath Yogini Temple does not charge an entrance fee. As early as 6 am, devotees are allowed into the shrine. The shrine closes at 7 o’clock in the evening. On every day of the year, it remains open.
How To Travel To Chausath Yogini Temple
The Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is roughly 10 kilometers away from the Chausath Yogini Temple. The Bhubaneswar Railway Station, which is located approximately 9.3 kilometers from this shrine, is the closest railhead. The Baramunda ISBT is 14 kilometers away. To go to the Chausath Yogini Temple without any problem, you can use transportation options like private taxis and auto rickshaws from the airport, train station, bus stop, or any other area of Bhubaneswar city.
Things To Remember While Visiting Chausath Yogini Temple
There is a parking area that is close to the temple.
Photography is permitted on the property.
Near the shrine, lovely handmade artwork and crafts are for sale.
Early in the morning is the ideal time to visit the shrine.
One-of-a-kind and historically significant, the Chausath Yogini Temple in Bhubaneswar is a monument to the rich cultural and architectural legacy of Odisha. The temple is a spectacular example of the Yogini cult that existed in ancient India, with its circular design and open-air construction. The elaborate sculptures, which represent the 64 Yogini deities, are a tribute to the period’s skillful craftsmen. History buffs, art lovers, and spiritual seekers should all visit the temple because of its attraction and quiet, mystical atmosphere. The Chausath Yogini Temple is a unique and outstanding gem that preserves the history of ancient Indian mythology and offers a window into the region’s rich cultural heritage.