Chausathi Jogini Temple (Hirapur)


Chausathi Jogini Mandir is situated in a hamlet called Hirapur, 20 km outside Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha state of Eastern India.

Religious aspect

64 Joginis Temple is a tantric temple, with hypaethral architecture as tantric prayer rituals involve worshiping the bhumandala.
The Jogini idols are generally representing a female figurine standing on an animal, a demon or a human head depicting the victory of Shakti. The idols express everything from rage, sadness, pleasure, joy, desire and happiness. The number 64 finds its reference in Hindu mythology in various forms viz Kālá for time, Kalā for performing arts etc.
Such temples dedicated to joginis are also seen at Ranipur-Jharial site of the Balangir district in Odisha and seven other places in India.

History

The temple is believed to be built by the Queen Hiradevi of Bramha dynasty during the 9th century.
The legend behind the temple according to local priests is of the Goddess Durga taking the form of 64 demi-goddesses in order to defeat a demon. After the fight the 64 goddesses asked Durga to commemorate them in the form of a temple structure.
The temple complex is now maintained by Archaeological Survey of India.

Architecture

The temple is built in a circular fashion, completely put together with blocks of sandstone. The inside of the circular wall has cavities, each housing the statue of a Goddess. There are around 56 such idols, made of black granite, inscribed within the wall cavities, centring on the main idol which is the Goddess Kali, who stands on a human head representing the triumph of the heart over the mind. The temple houses a central altar which has the remaining 8 Goddess idols on all 4 sides. Some historians believe that an idol of Maha Bhairava was worshiped in the Chandi Mandapa.