Chausath Yogini Temple (Hirapur): Timings, History, Photos, Location!

Chausath Yogini Temple (Hirapur, Bhubaneswar)

Chausath Yogini Temple, located at a distance of about 20 km from Bhubaneswar in Hirapur, is one of the four surviving Chausath Yogini shrines in India. Of the remaining three, one is located in the Bolangir district of Odisha while the other two are in Madhya Pradesh. Shrine is locally known as Chausathi Yogini, meaning 64 Yoginis (incarnations of Goddess Durga).

Presiding deity of this holy place is Goddess Mahamaya, who is considered to be one of the Yoginis. Shrine is also called the Mahamaya Temple. Daily prayer and rituals in the temple includes the worship of Bhumandala that is the five elements of nature – water, sky, fire, earth and ether. Yogini practice has been known to include Yoga along with the practice of tantrism, having a strong connection with tribal and rural traditions.

64 Yogini Temple History (Bhubaneswar)

Temple is believed to have been built by Queen Hiradevi of the Bhaumakar dynasty in the 9th Century AD. Temple had lost its glory before it was discovered and restored by renowned historian Kedarnath Mohapatra in 1953, to its present form.

Every year in the month of December, the Chausathi Yogini Mahotsav is organized near the temple. Nrutya Prativa, a city-based cultural organization, with support from the Odisha Tourism Department conducts this three-day event, in which classical dance and vocal artists from across the country perform and mesmerize the audience.

Chausath Yogini Temple Hirapur Photos

Chausath Yogini Temple Architecture

Presently under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India, this shrine boasts a unique architecture featuring a circular open-air sandstone structure, distinct from the traditional Kalinga style of temple architecture. Located on the banks of the Bhargavi River, it is one of the smallest Chausath Yogini temples, standing at a height of only 8 feet with a diameter of 30 feet.

Entrance of the temple is quite narrow and low, allowing only one person to enter at a time, requiring them to lower their head. Outer wall of the doorway to the shrine is adorned with carvings of two doorkeepers (dwarapalakas) on each side, known as Jai and Vijay. From the entrance, a narrow path leads to the main sanctum, sculpted with figures of Kaal and Vikaal. Outer wall of the shrine also features sculptures of nine female figures called Katyayini.

Main sanctum is round with an open roof. Interior wall of the shrine consists of 60 niches, each one for the 60 Yoginis, each niche being two feet high. Idols of the Yoginis are made of black granite, each depicted in a different standing pose on their Vahanas (animal vehicles). These statues are adorned with various ornaments like bangles, necklaces, anklets, earrings, garlands, and armlets. Some of the Yoginis are shown playing drums, balancing on wheels, or depicted as huntresses holding bows and arrows.

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. Four sides of the pavilion are surrounded by four Yoginis and four Bhairavas. Out of the four Bhairavas, three are shown sitting, while the fourth, known as Ekapada Bhairava, is standing. It is believed that a statue of Lord Shiva in the form of Nataraja was once installed inside the Chandi Mandap, but it is currently missing.

Temple premises include 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. There is a small temple in the complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Sankateshwar.

Chausath Yogini Temple Timings

Monday to Sunday: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM

It remains open on all the days throughout the year.

Chausath Yogini Temple Entry Fee

Temple has no entry fee, making it accessible for all visitors who wish to explore its historic and cultural significance.

Things to Do in Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur Bhubaneswar

Unique architecture of the temple is worth exploring and so is finding about the Yogini cult and their practices. On a visit to this one-of-a-kind shrine, tourists will feel transported back to a different era altogether.

How to Reach Chausath Yogini Temple Bhubaneswar?

Chausath Yogini Temple in Hirapur, Bhubaneswar, is easily accessible by various modes of transportation:

By Air: Temple is approximately 10 km from Biju Patnaik International Airport. From the airport, you can hire a private taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
By Train: Nearest railway station is Bhubaneswar Railway Station, located about 9.3 km from the temple. Take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from the station to the temple.
By Bus: Baramunda ISBT (Inter-State Bus Terminal) is around 14 km from the temple. Buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are available from the bus terminal to take you to the temple.
By Road: Bhubaneswar is well-connected by road. Drive to the temple or hire a cab from any part of the city. Temple is located on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, making it a short and convenient trip.

Visiting Tips Chausath Yogini Temple Bhubaneswar

Parking facility is available near the temple.
Photography is allowed inside the premises.
Beautiful hand-made paintings and handicrafts are sold near the temple.
Best time to visit the shrine is early morning.

Chausath Yogini Temple Aarti Timings

Chausath Yogini Temple in Hirapur does not have specific aarti timings listed. Temple is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, and you can participate in the general rituals and offerings during these hours.

Chausath Yogini Temple Location

Temple is located in Hirapur, approximately 20 km from Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Exact address is:

Balianta, Hirapur
Bhubaneswar, Odisha 752100, India

Facts about Chausath Yogini Temple, Balianta, Hirapur

Unique Architecture: Chausath Yogini Temple features a circular open-air sandstone structure, distinct from the traditional Kalinga style of temple architecture. It stands at a height of only 8 feet with a diameter of 30 feet.
Historical Significance: Built in the 9th century by Queen Hiradevi of the Bhouma dynasty, this temple is one of the four surviving Chausath Yogini temples in India.
Hypaethral Design: Temple is hypaethral, meaning it has no roof. Design is intended for tantric rituals that involve worshipping the elements of nature.
Yogini Idols: Temple houses 60 niches, each containing a black granite idol of a Yogini. Each Yogini is depicted in a unique pose, standing on their respective Vahanas (animal vehicles).
Central Pavilion: In the middle 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.
Dwarapalakas: Entrance of the temple is adorned with carvings of two doorkeepers, Jai and Vijay, on each side. Narrow and low entrance requires visitors to lower their heads while entering.
Sculptural Details: Outer wall of the shrine features sculptures of nine female figures called Katyayini, and the path leading to the main sanctum is sculpted with figures of Kaal and Vikaal.
Missing Idol: It is believed that a statue of Lord Shiva in the form of Nataraja was once installed inside the Chandi Mandap, but it is currently missing.
Surya Pitha and Puskarini: Temple premises include a podium known as Surya Pitha for worshipping the Sun God and a small pond called Puskarini.
Tantric Shrine: Temple is a center for tantric worship, dedicated to the 64 Yoginis, who are considered incarnations of Goddess Durga.

FAQs

What is the Chausath Yogini Temple known for?

Chausath Yogini Temple is known for its unique circular architecture and its dedication to the 64 Yoginis, who are considered incarnations of Goddess Durga.

Where is the Chausath Yogini Temple located?

Temple is located in Hirapur, approximately 20 km from Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

What are the visiting hours for the Chausath Yogini Temple?

Temple is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.

Is there an entry fee for the Chausath Yogini Temple?

No, there is no entry fee to visit the Chausath Yogini Temple.

How can I reach the Chausath Yogini Temple from Bhubaneswar?

Reach the temple by hiring a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Bhubaneswar. It is approximately 10 km from Biju Patnaik International Airport and 9.3 km from Bhubaneswar Railway Station.

What is the historical significance of the Chausath Yogini Temple?