Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur, Odisha - The Secret Cult Of Yoginis Part-4

C L Gadoo    

The Sixty-Four yogini temple at Hirapur, Odisha, has its tantric roots. The circular walls, lack of roof that is, Hypaethral style of a building, arrangement of each yogini image in the niche of the wall to replicate the seat of self, that is, as a symbol of origin of the self. The circle of sixty-four yoginis symbolises the continuation of life. It is a never-ending circle-a spiritual symbol named 'mandala. It is also called yogini chakra' as an auspicious ritual circle. Usually the yogini temples were situated in remote places for tantric rituals.

Metaphorically they may suggest that the difficulty in finding out the remotely built temples indicate that the Sadhaka, a spiritual aspirant, has to accept difficulties and obstacles in aiming for tantric Sadhana Dr Suruchi Pande.

There are various lesser-known theories which present the architecture of the Hirapur Chausath Yogini temple in a different light one of them being "that the cosmological programme of the temple is akin to a mandala, where strategically placed yoginis like Varahi, Kaumari, Mahamaya and Chamunda denote various energies within a mandala the temple seems to follow a mandala plan in a way that concentric circles are formed when Shiva at the centre inside the inner sanctum is roundly surrounded by four yoginis and four Bhairavas. The next circle is formed by the nine Katyayanis and two Dwarapala. It is the only yogini temple which has sculptures on its outer wall. There are nine feminine images, identified as the ferocious Katyayanis surrounding the exterior walls along with two male guards flanking the passage; these Dvarpalas have been identified as bhairavas inside the enclosure, there is a rectangular central shrine housing ekapadabhairava (also known as jhamkarabhairava)." (donaldson 1985: 1053)

In the words of shaman hatley (2007: 18), "with the increasing significance of yoginis in the purana corpus, the yogini temples in fact appear to mark the entry of these deities into a wider religious domain, beyond the confines of the esoteric tradition - to the point that their ritual mandalas are translated into monumen- tal circular temples."

Chausath Yogini Temple, Ranipur- Jharial, Odisha

"the term yogini could be understood in various ways: as a female spirit endowed with magical powers, a fairy, witch, sorceress, a class of female attendants of Durga, and sometimes the term is used for Durga herself." (Brighenti 2001: 293).

Yogini means 'power of union' or 'the power that facilitates union'. Those 64 powerful yoginis have unique personas and powers to fulfil one's desires, drive away negativity and fear, prevent misfortunes, give knowledge, peace, all-around prosperity, good progeny, and auspiciousness of all kinds. In tantric tradition, yoginis are considered to be fertility goddesses. Their aspects are also innumerable such as benevolent, fierce, rule over the negative or positive tendencies of humans. Yogini in others view has been a Demoness, Sorceress, possessing magical powers.

Sixty-four Yogin is symbolising the multi- plication of these values. The symbology involves references to sixteen Kalas or phases that are constituted by the mind, five gross elements, and ten sense organs. The moon has sixteen phases out of which fifteen are visible and one is invisible. There is a group of six- teen eternal goddesses. There are sixteen siddhis or attainments or supernatural powers the circle of sixty-four yoginis symbolises the continuation of life. It is a never-ending circle-a spiritual symbol named 'mandala'. Yogini temples are always circular in design. Usually the yogini temples were situated in remote places for tantric rituals.

The goal of yogini worship, as described in both Purāņas and Tantras, was the acquisition of Siddhis. The Sri Matottara Tantra describes 8 major powers, as named in the yoga sutras of Patanjali, namely :anima, becoming microscopically small, giving knowledge of how the world works; Mahima, becoming huge, able to view the whole solar system and universe; Laghima, becoming weightless, allowing levitation and astral travel away from the body, Garima, becoming very heavy and powerful: Prakamya, having an irresistible willpower. Able to control the minds of others, Ishitva, controlling both body and mind and all living things, Vashitva, controlling the natural elements, such as rain, drought, volcanoes, and earthquakes, and Kamavashayita, gaining all one's desires and any treasure.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in the article above are C L Gadoo ’s personal views and kashmiribhatta.in is not in any way responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article. The article belongs to its respective owner or owners and this site does not claim any right over it. Copyright disclaimer under section 107 of the copyright act of 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing."

Courtesy:- C L Gadoo and 2023 February Spade A Spade