Sixty Four Yoginis of Hirapur

This article discusses about the mysterious 64 Yoginīs of Hirapur temple in Odisha state. Yoginīs who are in feminine gender were great achievers in the domains of Yoga , Tantra , and obscure in nature. However, their presence was felt by the successive generations who established the Yoginī idols in various parts of India and consecrated them. The article brings out the literary and mythical references to Yoginīs as documented in the Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa , eulogies of goddess Parvati authored by Ādi Śaṅkarācārya . The article throws light on the philosophy of Śiva and Śakti which was an integral part of Kashmiri Śaivism . This article also depicts about Yoginīs mounting upon animal and other vehicles and their symbolism. Thus, it is hoped that this article would open up new vistas about the cult of Yoginīs and such other temples present in India.