CHAUSATH YOGINI TEMPLE

Considered to be built by Queen Hiradeyi, the Chausath Yogini Temple is also known as Mahamaya Temple. It is situated at a distance of 20 km from the city centre of Bhubaneswar in Hirapur. The well-known temple is dedicated to the worship of yoginis and well-known as a tantric shrine. Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, the temple is associated with the legend of Goddess Durga taking up the form of 64-demi goddesses and defeating a demon. The 64 goddesses were henceforth commemorated in the form of yoginis at this temple.

Although the temple is small, it hasn’t deterred the locals to keep it in high reverence and attracts art lovers and cultural admirers from all over the country.  It has wonderful roofless architecture where all the rites and rituals are held. The temple worships the five elements of nature that are fire, water, earth, sky and ether. The rare temple amazingly depicts the yoginis in various expressions ranging from anger to sadness and desire to happiness. The prominent attractions of the temple include the main deity of Mahamaya who is dressed in red cloth along with the 60 niches on the walls which are adorned with Yogini statues.

Location: Chausath Yogini Temple, Balianta, Hirapur, Odisha 752100

Timing: 6 AM TO 7 PM