Yogini Temple- the home of 64 yogini, located 15-km south east of Bhubaneswar
in a small picturesque village called Hirapur, is dedicated to goddess
Shakti or Mahamaya (Yogini Goddesses). Made of black chlorite stone, Yogini
Temple also known as Chausati Yogini temple (Chausati - 64) or Mahamaya
Temple, is one among the four Yogini temples of India and second of its
kind in Orissa. The temple reflects the role of feminine power in the
religious practices of Orissa.
Built in the 9th century by Bhauma and Somavamsi rulers of Orissa, the
temple is constructed in a circular structure, with 30 feets in diameter.
The images of the 64 yoginis, which are said to be the 64 incarnations
of goddess Shakti (Parvathi) are placed inside the sanctum, with the chief
female deity, Mahamaya wrapped up in red clothes and vermilion, while
the others in skirts held by an ornate girdle worn low on the hips. All
the images of the yoginis are adorned with necklaces, garlands, armlets,
bangles, anklets, earrings etc. The temple has many sculptures on its
outer walls. Large number of devotees gathered here to worship the Goddesses
on a belief of attaining supernatural powers.