Neha Mubeen

Iconography: Meaning and Myths of Icons

Professor Viraj Shah

6th January 2015

64 Yoginis

Often associated with dark magic and super human powers,

worshipped with awe and revered with caution, Yoginis are sacred female entities that

practice various tantric rituals and have the ability to attain spiritual enlightenment

through yogic practices. They can be 64 or 81 in number; however, the general

consensus is that they were all different manifestations of the main Hindu goddess

Devi - also known as Durga - who are subsidiary deity experts in yoga and practice

black sorcery. 1 They are minor deities who are expert Yoga practitioners, who can

therefore attain spiritual enlightenment by awakening the final Muladhara Chakra

through Urdhva Retas – the upward movement of the soul’s seed through the various

chakras or energy centers in the body, and are hence associated with divine powers

and extremely bloody sacrifices propitiated by fear of their followers.2 There are

different stories about how they came into being and different explanations for what

1Wangu, Madhu Bazaz. "Tantric Temples (Yogini Type)." Images of Indian Goddesses: Myths, Meanings,
and Models. New Delhi: Abhinav Publications, 2003. 111. Google Books. Abhinav Publications. Web. 4 Jan.
2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?id=k8y-
vKtqCmIC&pg=PA111&dq=what+are+yoginis&hl=en&sa=X&ei=b3WpVL_gDcSVuASXmYDgCQ&ved=
0CDYQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=what%20are%20yoginis&f=false>.

2 Kempton, Sally. "The Yogini Path." Awakening Shakti: The Transformative Power of the Goddesses of
Yoga. Boulder, CO: Sounds True, 2013. 164. Google Books. Sounds True Copyright. Web. 4 Jan. 2015.
<https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=NZK8BPbz2RcC&pg=PA164&dq=what+are+yoginis&hl=en&sa=X&ei=L3apVKesCtKTuATX9YHoC
Q&ved=0CCUQ6AEwAjgK#v=onepage&q=what%20are%20yoginis&f=false>.
they are and what they stand for. However, the most popular explanation is that all 64

of the Yoginis are born from the Devi’s different body parts and are attendants of the

minor Tantric goddess group Sapta Matrikas (7 Mothers) from the Shakti cult, as

mentioned in the Devi Mahatmya (5th Century AD).3

The concept of Yoginis was first mentioned in the 52nd chapter of the

Agni Purana, dated to around 9th Century AD. Although there are sources that state

that the cult originally started around the 7th Century AD, it is accepted that it grew to

prominence in the 9th Century and remained popular through the 13th and 15th Century

AD. In Hindu texts, there are said to be at least 4 texts, dated between 9th to 13th

Century AD, which mention just the power of the Yoginis: the Chaturvarga

Chintamani (13th Century), Prathista Lakshan Sar Samuchaya, Mattotara Tantra (13th

Century), and Mayadipika which is now lost. Yoginis are also referred to in the

Puranas, in Shaivite stories and Shakti stories explaining their roles in the social deity

hierarchy. Various Tantric texts like the Yogini Tantra, Maya Tantra, and Kamakya

Tantra emphasize the importance of Yogini worship.4 In the Kalika Purana (10th

Century AD), it is stated that a devotee must worship all 64 Yoginis in order to

achieve success in artha and kama - wealth and pleasure, respectively.5 In the Skanda

3 Class notes.

4 Foulston, Lynn, and Stuart Abbott. "Yoginis." Hindu Goddesses: Beliefs and Practices. Brighton: Sussex
Academic, 2009. 192. Google Books. Sussex Academic Press. Web. 4 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/
books?
id=XgwVgPx5G5UC&pg=PA245&lpg=PA245&dq=dehejia+yogini+cult&source=bl&ots=QQCySAqExf&s
ig=1fBkEltRNM7veDnj2Y04i5W1gKE&hl=en&sa=X&ei=bXmnVNj1EtO8uAS9nIDQCQ&ved=0CCQQ6
AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=yogini&f=false>.

5 Foulston, Lynn, and Stuart Abbott. Hindu Goddesses: Beliefs and Practices. Brighton: Sussex Academic,
2009. 114. Google Books. Sussex Academic Press. Web. 4 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=XgwVgPx5G5UC&pg=PA245&lpg=PA245&dq=dehejia+yogini+cult&source=bl&ots=QQCySAqExf&s
ig=1fBkEltRNM7veDnj2Y04i5W1gKE&hl=en&sa=X&ei=bXmnVNj1EtO8uAS9nIDQCQ&ved=0CCQQ6
AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=hirapur&f=false>.
Purana, their various names of ‘Shaktis’, ‘Yoginis’, ‘Bhairavis’ and ‘Dakinis’ are

mentioned, which essentially stem from their supernatural abilities and their practice

of untold Tantras to get the powers. Other names like Bhayankari (Fearsome One),

Narabhojini (Man Eater), Pretavahini (Corpse Rider) and Yamaduti (God of Death’s

Messenger), which are given in Tantric texts, indicate the Yoginis’ fearsome and

bloodthirsty aspects of their character and appearance. In the Mahabhagavata Purana

(10th Century AD), Yoginis are said to be the Devi’s servants; however, in the Chandi

Purana (15th Century AD), they are said to have come from parts of the Devi’s body,

which later got interpreted into Shaktism and Tantric beliefs, which is why the Yogini

worship continued onto the 15th Century.6

The influence of Tantrism and Shaktism in Yogini worship is blatantly

obvious in the iconographic and symbolic representations of the Yoginis. Shaktism,

also known as Goddess worship, rose to prominence in East India, around the 5th

Century AD.7 Prior to this time, male deities held the main roles, whereas during and

after the medieval period, the Goddess Devi’s Supreme Form rose in popularity and

the Shakti Cult was born.8 Shaktas (Shaktism believers) worshipped Shakti or Devi as

the divine energy in all humans, who cared for devotees as the divine Mother.9 They

also believed that Shakti was an abstract concept of the innate power that needs to be

6Choudhury, Janmey, Dr. "Origin of Tantricism and Sixty-Four Yogini Cult in Orissa." Origin of Tantricism
and Sixty-Four Yogini Cult in Orissa (n.d.): 7-9. Orissa. Orissa Review, Oct. 2004. Web. 4 Jan. 2015.
<http://orissa.gov.in/e-magazine/orissareview/oct2004/englishpdf/originoftantricism.pdf>.

7 Class notes.

8Wright, Tennant C. "'Left-Handed' Hindu Tantrism." Religious Studies 6.4 (1970): 345-57. JSTOR. Web. 04
Jan. 2015. <http://www.jstor.org/stable/20004843>.

9"Shaktism | Hindu Sect." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Dec. 2013. Web.
04 Jan. 2015. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/538054/Shaktism>.
aroused so that the intrinsic Kundalini Shakti (seed force) could be awakened through

yogic exercises. 10 Hence, Yoginis, known for their expertise in Yoga and exercising

their Shakti, were involved and affected by the Shakti cult.

Tantrism, on the other hand was similar in the way it searched for

spiritual power and release from the cosmic world, through its auspicious phrases

(mantras), auspicious drawings (mandalas), and auspicious rituals, all compiled in the

Tantra texts. Tantrics worked with knowledge, rituals, religious worship and yoga,

much like the Shaktas, to subjugate mystical cosmic powers and reach the principle

stage of liberation. 11 Moreover, similar to the Puranas, the Tantras contained

information about the Hindu Gods, teaching the devotees how to achieve

enlightenment and spiritual actualization through rituals and yogic practices. On the

grounds of purifying the mind and the body to attain spiritual liberation, Tantrism

fused with Shaktism, to the extent that one of the Tantras – the Shakta Tantra is about

revering the Goddess.12 Hence, in the dead of the night, the Yogini temples were

places where Tantric females could indulge in the Panchamakaras – madya (wine),

mamsa (meat), matsya (fish), mudra (grains) and maithuna (sex) – and call upon the

Yoginis by dancing and reciting mantras. According to Kaula (a sect of Tantric

10
Khanna, Madhu. "A Journey into Cosmic Consciousness: Kundalini Shakti." India International Centre
Quarterly 30.3/4 (2003): 224-38. JSTOR. Web. 04 Jan. 2015. <http://www.jstor.org/stable/23006136>.
11Foulston, Lynn, and Stuart Abbott. "Yoginis." Hindu Goddesses: Beliefs and Practices. Brighton: Sussex
Academic, 2009. 115. Google Books. Sussex Academic Press. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/
books?
id=XgwVgPx5G5UC&pg=PA245&lpg=PA245&dq=dehejia+yogini+cult&source=bl&ots=QQCySAqExf&s
ig=1fBkEltRNM7veDnj2Y04i5W1gKE&hl=en&sa=X&ei=bXmnVNj1EtO8uAS9nIDQCQ&ved=0CCQQ6
AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=kaula&f=false>.

12Gold, Ann G. "Tantrism." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 04 Jan.
2015. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/266312/Hinduism/9017/Tantrism>.
Buddhism) Tantra, the Yoginis would accept their worship, bestow their blessings and

gift the main human dancer with magical powers.13

In addition, the Shakti cult, together with Tantrism, greatly influenced

Buddhism. Vajrayana or Tantric Buddhism moved from the teachings of the Buddha

to incorporating Shakti principles of involving a woman in their pursuit of

enlightenment. They redefined Nirvana to be Mahasukha, or extreme pleasure, which

could be accomplished by uniting with a woman as a yogic ritual.14 They mainly

prayed to Simhamukha, the lion faced Yogini, who not only because part of the Kaula

sect’s pantheon, but also evolved to become the female Buddha with a lion face, to

represent Tantric Buddhism.15

Historically, the concept of Yoginis is supposed to have initially risen

in little villages in order to represent all the negative things that need to be feared and

warded off. Scholars firmly believed that Yogini worship was outside the Brahmanical

norms and traditions. Hence, the tantric nature of Yogini worship grew in rural areas

where farmers and lower castes chose to worship local goddesses (Grama Devatas/

Devis) who were to look after the villages and protect the people from things like

13Shaw, Miranda Eberle. "Roots in Ritual Dance and Shamanic Trance." Buddhist Goddesses of India.
Princeton: Princeton UP, 2006. 426. Google Books. Princeton University Press. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://
books.google.co.in/books?
id=MvDKOK1h3zMC&pg=PA426&lpg=PA426&dq=yogini+iconography&source=bl&ots=Q3Aqfzasci&si
g=uAK1wFywrbdxtsvFw_tS6jXy2u8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=XHKnVMTOIs21uQSSsoLICQ&ved=0CCIQ6AE
wAQ#v=onepage&q=yogini%20iconography&f=false>.
14"Tantric Temples." Tantric Temples. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Jan. 2015. <http://www.spiritualjourneys.net/
Venues/Tantri%20Temples.htm>.

15Shaw, Miranda Eberle. "Chapter 21." Buddhist Goddesses of India. Princeton: Princeton UP, 2006. 428.
Google Books. Princeton University Press. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=MvDKOK1h3zMC&pg=PA426&lpg=PA426&dq=yogini+iconography&source=bl&ots=Q3Aqfzasci&si
g=uAK1wFywrbdxtsvFw_tS6jXy2u8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=XHKnVMTOIs21uQSSsoLICQ&ved=0CCIQ6AE
wAQ#v=onepage&q=yogini%20iconography&f=false>.
diseases to the night’s darkness.16 Once Tantrism set in and women became associated

with divinity, the Grama Devatas evolved to having greater and more fearsome

powers, and reached Yogini status, where they actually prayed for and achieved

supernatural powers. Additionally, from the 9th to 14th Century AD, it was the time of

Bhauma-Kara in Orissa, India, where queens ruled.17 The dynasty of six queens,

which passed from mother to daughter, is also said to have contributed to the rising

status of these female deities, where the Yoginis represent the feminine concepts of

magic, fertility, plant life, disease and death – all personifying the Shakti principles.18

Mythologically, the Yoginis have different origin stories. The first story

of origin is that the Yoginis are all different parts of the Devi’s body. Each Yogini is

said to have emerged from parts of the Devi, like her naval, sweat, voice, arms, and

anger. This story is the Shakti and Tantric adaptation of the Chandi Purana (15th

Century AD), where the 64 Yoginis each represent a specific aspect of Devi, the

Mother Goddess – whether it may be her anger or her cunning nature, which, together

represent the entirety of her power, show how they all stand for the destruction of

16Crooke, W. "The Cults of the Mother Goddesses in India." Folklore 30.4 (1919): 282-308. Jstor. Web. 4
Jan. 2015. <http://www.jstor.org/stable/1255109>.
17Mukherjea, Sushil. Historicity of Lord Jagannatha. Calcutta, India: Minerva Associates (Publications),
1989. 44. Google Books. Minerva Associates. Web. 4 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=zXMcAAAAMAAJ&q=bhauma+kara+dynasty+shaktism&dq=bhauma+kara+dynasty+shaktism&hl=en
&sa=X&ei=vW-pVNbzNdTmuQTen4HQCQ&ved=0CBsQ6AEwAA>.

18Tate, Karen. Sacred Places of Goddess: 108 Destinations. San Francisco, CA, USA: Consortium of
Collective Consciousness, 2006. 198. Google Books. CCC Publishing. Web. 4 Jan. 2015. <https://
books.google.co.in/books?
id=b7KbLLjzuRgC&pg=PA398&lpg=PA398&dq=GAdon+Probing+the+mysteries+of+Hirapur+Yogini&so
urce=bl&ots=US2khZctpc&sig=KLatY4MY7Tila05x9W0Oa5sX0cs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=LmymVIWbJIOTu
ASe64DICQ&ved=0CBwQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Yogini&f=false>.
delusions and liberation through spiritual insight.19 Another version of their

mythological origin is their attending nature to the Sapta Matrikas. The Seven

Mothers, or Sapta Matrikas are seven different manifestations of the Devi. These

mothers are identified as the principle yoginis of Devi, and were named Brahmani,

Maheshwari, Kaumari, Indrani, Vaishavi, Varahi, Yogeshwari. Later, in the

Markandeya Purana, the most violent of them all – Chamunda (the Devi’s wrath) – is

added to the group, summing the Matrikas to 8, instead of 7.20 These Matrikas are

said to be different Shaktis or Devi forms, each representing the Shakti form of male

Gods like Brahma, Shiva, Kartikeya, Varaha, Narasimha, and Indra, which were

manifested by Devi to help her fight and kill demons like Raktabhija and Sumbhu.21

The alternate Vaishnavite belief is that Vishnu created these Goddesses out of his own

body to help him counter and calm his previous ‘fearsome’ Goddess creation, whom

he created to help fight against demons. On another notes, according to the Varaha

Purana, the 8 Matrikas each represent a ‘feminine’ mental quality like Pride, Anger,

Envy, Illusion, Desire, Gossiping, Fault Finding, and Greed.11 Since these Matrikas

were known as the principle Yoginis, they created more subsidiary Yoginis to serve

them as attendants. This is the reason why the Yogini temples are called Chatusathi

Yogini temples (64 Yogini temples). Since there were 8 Matrikas, each Matrika has 8

19 Tiwari, S. K. "Yoginis and Matrikas." Tribal Roots of Hinduism. New Delhi: Sarup & Sons, 2002. 129.
Google Books. Sarup & Sons. Web. 4 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=n0gwfmPFTLgC&pg=PA130&lpg=PA130&dq=names+of+64+yoginis&source=bl&ots=kgnP3zR1VA&
sig=S4qD7ZL8NQcBGokr_It_B7aTQQs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=txyiVNzUOsajugSolYL4Cg&ved=0CEQQ6A
EwBjgU#v=onepage&q=names%20of%2064%20yoginis&f=false>.

20 Class notes.

21Keul, István. "8." Transformations and Transfer of Tantra in Asia and beyond. New York: De Gruyter,
2012. 109. Google Books. Walter De Gruyter. Web. 4 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=38gxbEft3-4C&pg=PA212&lpg=PA212&dq=GAdon+Probing+the+mysteries+of+Hirapur+Yogini&sour
ce=bl&ots=GrCRjUzHBQ&sig=Otl6-
pcHJS6PtucYItGXbTeUdAw&hl=en&sa=X&ei=LmymVIWbJIOTuASe64DICQ&ved=0CDEQ6AEwBQ#v
=snippet&q=sumbhu&f=false>.
attendants each, summing up to a total of 64 yoginis. Inspired by Shiva and his Gana

attendants, the Yoginis were children/attendants of the Matrikas. Hence, a hierarchy

was formed, with Devi at the apex, the Matrikas below, with the other Yoginis serving

them.22

A different version of the same story is that these Yoginis are attendants

of the Devi, the Mother Goddess, which is explained Agni Purana (10th Century AD),

where they are referred to as the “Attributes of the Goddess”. In the text, they were

concerned with the welfare of the villages and the practices of the people. Because of

the connection with Devi and Tantric influences, they are credited with having a

connection to the good and bad world of spirits, which also explains why shamans of

those times were called ‘yogic’.23 The fusion of the first and third origin stories,

where the Yoginis are from the Devi’s body, and live to serve Devi herself, shows the

strength and self-sufficient nature of females. Their essence represented their

independence in existing in the world, which is said to be influenced by Shaktism.15

Iconographically, the Yoginis are portrayed in therianthropomorphic

form: human body with animal heads. Although there are 64 Yoginis, each Yogini has

specific attributes unique to herself. However, in general, depicted with voluptuous

22 Tiwari, S. K. "Matrikas and Yoginis." Tribal Roots of Hinduism. New Delhi: Sarup & Sons, 2002. 130.
Google Books. Sarup & Sons. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=n0gwfmPFTLgC&pg=PA130&lpg=PA130&dq=names+of+64+yoginis&source=bl&ots=kgnP3zR1VA&
sig=S4qD7ZL8NQcBGokr_It_B7aTQQs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=txyiVNzUOsajugSolYL4Cg&ved=0CEQQ6A
EwBjgU#v=onepage&q=names%20of%2064%20yoginis&f=false>.

23Tate, Karen. "The Asian Sub Continent." Sacred Places of Goddess: 108 Destinations. San Francisco, CA,
USA: Consortium of Collective Consciousness, 2006. 203. Google Books. CCC Publishing. Web. 5 Jan.
2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=b7KbLLjzuRgC&pg=PA398&lpg=PA398&dq=GAdon+Probing+the+mysteries+of+Hirapur+Yogini&so
urce=bl&ots=US2khZctpc&sig=KLatY4MY7Tila05x9W0Oa5sX0cs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=LmymVIWbJIOTu
ASe64DICQ&ved=0CBwQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Yogini&f=false>.
bodies and fierce faces, they have multiple arms where they carry human bones and

arms and legs as ornaments. Adorned in human and animal skin for clothes, some

Yoginis even wear garlands made out of skulls or rotting human heads. Common

objects held are weapons like a long pole (kathmandalu) while some carry rosary to

show their patronage to Devi.24 Some even carry a kapala, which is a human skull

used as a bowl for drinking blood, which when coupled with their angry expressions

and protruding fangs and flaming hair and the occasional third eye on the forehead,

brings light to why the locals feared them so much.25 Usually shown standing or

seated on their animal/human vahanas, the background of the carvings of the Yoginis

sometimes show the cremation grounds, with ghouls and predatory animals like

vultures and jackals, to reflect the ferociousness of the Yoginis. Additionally, nude,

ithyphallic men are also in the background to introduce the Tantric principle of

sexuality. 26 Closely connected with animal and nature spirits, Yoginis are supposed to

be the minor form of Yakshis - female tree spirits associated with fertility.27 Hence,

24 Abbasi, A. A.,and S. K. Tiwari. "Zoomorphic Forms." Dimensions of Human Cultures in Central India:
Professor S.K. Tiwari Felicitation Volume. New Delhi: Sarup & Sons, 2001. 203. Google Books. Sarup &
Sons. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=jUwFL3IipK0C&pg=PA202&lpg=PA202&dq=names+of+64+yoginis&source=bl&ots=BeEsHsebvH&si
g=X6DcWKX6JO-
dHDH9dl63-7Wfc80&hl=en&sa=X&ei=txyiVNzUOsajugSolYL4Cg&ved=0CE0Q6AEwCDgU#v=onepag
e&q=names%20of%2064%20yoginis&f=false>.
25Williams, Paul, and Anthony Tribe. "Yogini Tantras." Buddhist Thought: A Complete Introduction to the
Indian Tradition. London: Routledge, 2000. 214. Google Books. Routledge. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://
books.google.co.in/books?
id=IY6EAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA214&lpg=PA214&dq=yogini+appearance&source=bl&ots=XuoLP4rNRQ&si
g=ssrS6p8CLp9yVGatHfXZOxRoCzs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=V_anVIinKsOquQTGhYHwAQ&ved=0CCIQ6A
EwAQ#v=onepage&q=yogini%20appearance&f=false>.
26White, David Gordon. "Power of the Yogini." Kiss of the Yoginī: "Tantric Sex" in Its South Asian Contexts.
Chicago: U of Chicago, 2003. 137. Google Books. University of Chicago Press. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://
books.google.co.in/books?
id=5RwARVMg2_4C&pg=PA153&lpg=PA153&dq=padma+purana+shiva+yogini&source=bl&ots=RhtI37
3rOE&sig=Ic6K3p96P38lOWI5DuibXISny9Y&hl=en&sa=X&ei=MPGnVMG1CM2vuQSQtYCgDQ&ved
=0CE8Q6AEwCA#v=snippet&q=lukhri&f=false>.

27Dempsey, C. "Double Take: Through the Eyes of Yaksis, Yaksas, and Yoginis." Journal of the American
Academy of Religion 73.1 (2005): 3-7. Jstor. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <http://www.jstor.org/stable/4139875>.
they have animal references28 in their appearance. The majority (50%) of the animal

heads were of female mammals like boars, she bears, lionesses, tigresses, closely

followed by avian heads (22%), symbolizing Kali and Bhairava’s retinue in Kaula

Tantrism.29 For example, the Yogini Varahi has a sow’s head, which can be seen

below in the picture taken in the Hirapur temple in Orissa. The vahanas of the Yoginis

also played an important role in Yogini worship. The Yoginis were depicted on birds,

animals like mice, bears, rabbits, elephants, hyenas, goats, and cows. In fact, the

principle Yogini Mahamaya’s vahana was a human corpse, upon which she laid

down.30 The reason why vahanas were important was because tribes and people who

worshipped a particular yogini had her vahana as their totem or emblem. The vahana

encouraged a sense of groupism and camaraderie among the local tribes, so when two

tribes with the same emblem came together, they formed a community due to the lack

of cultural differences in beliefs, which lead to a broader foundation of worship for

the Yoginis.31

28Foulston, Lynn, and Stuart Abbott. "Yoginis." Hindu Goddesses: Beliefs and Practices. Brighton: Sussex
Academic, 2009. 114. Google Books. Sussex Academic Press. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/
books?
id=XgwVgPx5G5UC&pg=PA245&lpg=PA245&dq=dehejia+yogini+cult&source=bl&ots=QQCySAqExf&s
ig=1fBkEltRNM7veDnj2Y04i5W1gKE&hl=en&sa=X&ei=bXmnVNj1EtO8uAS9nIDQCQ&ved=0CCQQ6
AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=hirapur&f=false>.
29Shaw, Miranda Eberle. "Roots in Ritual Dance and Shamanic Trance." Buddhist Goddesses of India.
Princeton: Princeton UP, 2006. 426. Google Books. Princeton University Press. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://
books.google.co.in/books?
id=MvDKOK1h3zMC&pg=PA426&lpg=PA426&dq=yogini+iconography&source=bl&ots=Q3Aqfzasci&si
g=uAK1wFywrbdxtsvFw_tS6jXy2u8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=XHKnVMTOIs21uQSSsoLICQ&ved=0CCIQ6AE
wAQ#v=onepage&q=yogini%20iconography&f=false>.

30 Choudhury, Janmey, Dr. "Origin of Tantricism and Sixty-Four Yogini Cult in Orissa." Origin of Tantricism
and Sixty-Four Yogini Cult in Orissa (n.d.): 7-9. Orissa. Orissa Review, Oct. 2004. Web. 4 Jan. 2015.
<http://orissa.gov.in/e-magazine/orissareview/oct2004/englishpdf/originoftantricism.pdf>.

31 Abbasi, A. A.,and S. K. Tiwari. "Contemporary Tribals and Their Totems." Dimensions of Human
Cultures in Central India: Professor S.K. Tiwari Felicitation Volume. New Delhi: Sarup & Sons, 2001. 206.
Google Books. Sarup & Sons. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=jUwFL3IipK0C&pg=PA202&lpg=PA202&dq=names+of+64+yoginis&source=bl&ots=BeEsHsebvH&si
g=X6DcWKX6JO-
dHDH9dl63-7Wfc80&hl=en&sa=X&ei=txyiVNzUOsajugSolYL4Cg&ved=0CE0Q6AEwCDgU#v=onepag
e&q=names%20of%2064%20yoginis&f=false>.
 !

Varahi Yogini 32

Even though there are other numerical groupings of Yoginis, as there

are stories that state that there are 60, 64, or 81 Yoginis, the most common Yogini

grouping is 64, which elevates them to a higher ranking, because of a number of

reasons. Since the Yoginis are divided into groups of 8, each group member is said to

be associated and attributed with the characteristic of the main Yogini served, with a

specific characteristic of Devi. Additionally, new theories about the number 64 also

add to the local beliefs associated with Yogini myths. The number 64 is said to

correspond to the ‘spiritual winds of the body’, and is hence, widely used in

32Varahi Yogini. Digital image. India Mike. N.p., 27 July 2013. Web. 6 Jan. 2015. <http://
www.indiamike.com/india/odisha-orissa-f33/trip-report-bhubaneswar-puri-and-konark-during-rath-
yatra-t200860/>.
numerology traditions and Tantric rituals. Additionally, the manner is which the 64

Yoginis are placed in the temple also corresponds to the eight-petaled-lotus, where

each petal is ascribed to a particular Matrika, who is ascribed to a particular

direction.33 Hence, Kaumari is assigned South, Brahmani is East, Maheshwari is

South East, Vaishnavi is South West, Varahi is West, Chamunda is North, Indrani is

North West and Yogeshwari is North East. Each petal/direction/Matrika has eight

forms of Yoginis, totaling to 64 yoginis in most Yogini temples, stressing that despite

the different forms and directions, all are different forms of the Goddess Devi.34

Furthermore, the number 8 is very auspicious in Hinduism,

symbolizing the division of space and divinities.35 The number 8 can be found in all

aspects of Hinduism and its history: the 8 ears of Brahma, 8 qualities of being a

Brahman, 8 methods of worship, 8 types of sexual pleasure, etc. Hence, the square of

which (64) further elevates the potency of the number, hinting at the true power of the

Yoginis.36 Furthermore, there are also 64 spokes in the chakra: a famous tantric

symbol symbolizing the rotation of the Shakti. Each spoke represents a yogini, while

all the spokes and the wheel itself represents the Wheel of Emanation or the Navel

33Keul, István. Transformations and Transfer of Tantra in Asia and beyond. New York: De Gruyter, 2012.
108. Google Books. Walter De Gruyter. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=38gxbEft3-4C&pg=PA212&lpg=PA212&dq=GAdon+Probing+the+mysteries+of+Hirapur+Yogini&sour
ce=bl&ots=GrCRjUzHBQ&sig=Otl6-
pcHJS6PtucYItGXbTeUdAw&hl=en&sa=X&ei=LmymVIWbJIOTuASe64DICQ&ved=0CDEQ6AEwBQ#v
=snippet&q=Yogini&f=false>.

34 Class notes.

35V, Jayaram. "The Symbolic Significance of Numbers in Hinduism." Symbolic Significance of Numbers in
Hinduism. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Jan. 2015. <http://www.hinduwebsite.com/numbers.asp>.

Natarajan, Padmini. "SIGNIFICANCE OF NUMBER 8 IN HINDUISM." GURU. N.p., 24 Oct. 2012.

36
Web. 04 Jan. 2015. <http://spiritualsoul.net/profiles/blogs/significance-of-number-8-in-hinduism>.
Chakra in Buddhist Tantrism, hence, showing the link between Yogini worship and

the fusion of Shaktism and Tantrism.

In the later period, around the 13th – 14th Century AD, Yoginis were no

longer worshipped as Shakti divinities. Their image had evolved to one of great and

fearsome spiritual power, which could open a devotee’s eyes and increase his

knowledge exponentially. Through their yogic practices, the Yoginis had supernatural

powers, which contributed to their image of being destructive forces. Some of the

powers that some Yoginis had were the power to become small (anima), the power to

become big (mahima), the power to control others’ mind (istiva), the power to control

the 5 elements of earth, fire, water, wind, and ether (vasitva), etc.37 Instead of being

seen as good deities who helped their worshippers, the locals saw them as destructive

forces, feared them and performed sacrifices to placate them just so that their wrath

may not turn to them.38

Yoginis are said to have fluid identities. In addition to being born from

the Devi’s body, being her servants, and the 8 Matrikas’ attendants, Yoginis were also

known to serve the Goddess of the Kaula sect of Tantrism. Acting as patrons of the

Kaula version of Goddess Devi, they stood for the fundamental concepts of the Kaula,

namely: Purity, Sacrifice, Freedom, Guru, and Heart. Yoginis were the tantric way to

Dehejia, Vidya. "Tantric Influences." Yoginī, Cult and Temples: A Tantric Tradition. New Delhi: National
37
Museum, 1986. 53. Print.

38Brighenti, Francesco. "Yoginis." Śakti Cult in Orissa. New Delhi: D.K. Printworld, 2001. 294. Google
Books. D.K. Printworld. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?ei=x-
enVNXkFNSKuAS7zYDYCQ&id=rnnXAAAAMAAJ&dq=donaldson+tantra+and+sakta+sect+of+orissa&f
ocus=searchwithinvolume&q=yogini.>.
achieve illuminated consciousness. Through Yoginivarta, the yogini’s mouth was to

awaken the consciousness and make the devotee see her as a lover and a Guru – both

core concepts of Kaula Tantrism. Thus, despite the discrepancies on the higher power

in all the myths, the common thread is that Yoginis were the minor, subsidiary deities

who just aided the more powerful Shakti, Tantric and Matrika manifestations of the

Devi.39

However, not all stories concerned with Yoginis are about their service

to the different versions of the Devi. They are also mentioned in texts for having

flown around and taught different Tantras to different people, to help spread the world

of Tantrism. For example, a yogini from the Nagas is said to have accounted for the

spread of Tantrism from North to South, by overhearing the Guhyasamaja Tantra

from the King of the North ‘Indrabhuti’ and teaching it to the King of the South

‘Visukalpa’.40 Yoginis also helped Shiva out in his battles by consuming demon flesh.

According to one story in the Shiva Purana, the Yoginis helped in killing the demon

Andhaka by drinking his blood and consuming his flesh. Andhaka was a demon who

fell in love with Parvati and tried to abduct her while Shiva was meditating. He also

possessed a boon from Brahma, where if even one drop of his blood fell to the

ground, more copies of himself would be created, rendering his opponent

39Muller-Ortega, Paul Eduardo. "The Kaula Lineage." The Triadic Heart of Śiva: Kaula Tantricism of
Abhinavagupta in the Non-dual Shaivism of Kashmir. Albany: State U of New York, 1989. 55. Google
Books. University. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=vTBSM1zjDggC&pg=PA56&dq=yogini+kaula+tantrism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=h4iqVKe5AsaJuATMx4Lg
CQ&ved=0CCoQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=yogini%20kaula%20tantrism&f=false>.

40Donaldson, Thomas E. "Bolangir District." Iconography of the Buddhist Sculpture of Orissa. New Delhi:
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, 2001. 38. Google Books. Indira Gandhi National Centre for the
Arts. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=DbxE8zOuRbUC&pg=PA38&dq=donaldson+tantra+and+sakta+orissa&hl=en&sa=X&ei=9fGnVJq0LIS
9ugSzu4DoAw&ved=0CCUQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=yogini&f=false>.
outnumbered and useless. He wanted to be invincible. Thus, when Andhaka tried to

abduct Parvati, Shiva called on the 8 Matrikas and their respective Yogini attendants

to drink the blood of Andhaka before it touches the ground. Since Andhaka had no

backup or clones, he had his head sliced off by Shiva, and his body consumed by the

Yoginis and Matrikas. A similar version of this story is in the Markandeya Purana,

where the Goddess Durga called on these Yoginis to help her defeat the demon

Raktavirya, who had the same boon as Andhaka.

Scholars believe that Tantrism is following the teachings of Shiva.

Since Yogini worship was so heavily involved with Shaktism and Tantrism, Shaivites

believe that Shiva played a big role in presenting the power to Yoginis and elevating

them to the status they have today. 41 Yoginis are also associated with Shiva,

considering that he was the founder of Yoga and passed on his knowledge about the

yogic force to the Yoginis through his consort, Shakti, also known as Devi. Shaivite

stories state that uniting Shiva with the Shakti force encouraged him to create. The

popular Shaivite belief that ‘there is no Shiva without Shakti’ shows the union

between the two sects of Hinduism, symbolizes the union of all matter in the

universe.42 Hence, Tantric Shaivism dominates the field of Yogini worship, after

Tantrism and Shaktism, because of the constant presence of Shiva in Yogini temples

and Yogini worship: from chanting Shiva Tantras, to having Shiva’s Bhairava

41Behera, Karuna Sagar., and Thomas E. Donaldson. Sculpture Masterpieces from Orissa: Style and
Iconography. New Delhi: Aryan International, 1998. 30. Google Books. Aryan Books International. Web. 5
Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?ei=x-
enVNXkFNSKuAS7zYDYCQ&id=JmzqAAAAMAAJ&dq=donaldson+tantra+and+sakta+sect+of+orissa&
focus=searchwithinvolume&q=siva%20.>.

42Donaldson, Thomas E. Hindu Temple Art of Orissa. Leiden: New York, 1985. 1432. Google Books. New
York. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?ei=x-
enVNXkFNSKuAS7zYDYCQ&id=D8kLAQAAMAAJ&dq=donaldson+tantra+and+sakta+sect+of+orissa&
focus=searchwithinvolume&q=yogini>.
(violent) forms in Yogini temples themselves, to acting as a counterpart to his

sculptural lingam identity. 43

While there are some discrepancies in the different variations of the

names of the 64 Yoginis, the generalized group of names are: Bahurupa, Tara,

Yamuna, Narmada, Varuni, Indrani, Kshemankaru, Varahi, Ranveera, Vaishani,

Nanara-Mukhi, Kalaratri, Charchika, Vaidyaroopa, Betali, Chinnamastika, Ghatvara,

Vrishabhana, Jwala Kamini, Karakali, Saraswati, Bhaluka, Kaveri, Birupa, Viktanna,

Biraja, Narasimhi, Mahalakshmi, Kumari, rati, Karkari, Sarpashya, Mahamaya,

Yashini, Aghora, Kamiyani, Ambika, Maheshwari, Vindya Balini, Veera Kumari,

Vinayaki, Bhadrakali, Agneyani, Jawla Mukhi, Sarva, Gandhari, Brahmini, Samudra,

Ganga, Dhumavati, Murati, Chamunda, Narayani, Uma, Kali, Stuti, Ghatabri, Aditi,

Chandrakanti, Vayubeega, Mangala, Vayu Veena, Surya Putri, and Ajita. 44

Out of all 64 Yoginis, the most important Yogini is guessed to be

Mahamaya, described to be the Mother of the Universe, which can be seen in her

sheer size compared to the other 63 Yoginis. The Orissan popular Vaishnavite belief is

that Mahamaya is the yoginidra of Vishnu, which is why she is directly opposite the

entrance of the Hirapur temple so that the first yogini seen by any visitor is she. She

was the main proprietor of Shava Chhedan: the tradition of beheading a dead body.

43Williams, Paul, and Anthony Tribe. "Yogini Tantras." Buddhist Thought: A Complete Introduction to the
Indian Tradition. London: Routledge, 2000. 214. Google Books. Walter De Gruyter. Web. 5 Jan. 2015.
<https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=IY6EAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA214&lpg=PA214&dq=yogini+appearance&source=bl&ots=XuoLP4rNRQ&si
g=ssrS6p8CLp9yVGatHfXZOxRoCzs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=V_anVIinKsOquQTGhYHwAQ&ved=0CCIQ6A
EwAQ#v=onepage&q=yogini%20appearance&f=false>.

44 Choudhury, Janmey, Dr. "Origin of Tantricism and Sixty-Four Yogini Cult in Orissa." Origin of Tantricism
and Sixty-Four Yogini Cult in Orissa (n.d.): 7-9. Orissa. Orissa Review, Oct. 2004. Web. 4 Jan. 2015.
<http://orissa.gov.in/e-magazine/orissareview/oct2004/englishpdf/originoftantricism.pdf>.
Symbolic of detachment from earthly desires, this beheading was done solely in

Yogini worship, which is the main reason why people refuse to go near Yogini

temples today because of the superstitious beliefs of the temples being haunted by the

dead people’s spirits. Sculpturally, she is depicted as she is described in the Kalika

Purana (14th Century AD): ten armed, larger than the rest of the Yoginis, and standing

on a lotus. Still worshipped by the locals as a Grama Devi because of her

identification with the Maya principle of Vishnu’s cosmic power, Mahamaya is the

only one in front of which blood sacrifices were done, inferred by the spout in front of

her depiction for the run off blood from the sacrifices.45 Dehejia, author of Yogini Cult

and Temples: A Tantric Tradition, maintains that the yoginis of the temples are still

local Goddesses who are worshipped independently today. For example, Narayani,

one of the Yoginis, has her own temple near Chilika Lake, Orissa where she is shown

killing a buffalo demon with her trident.46

According to Professor S. K. Tiwari, author of Tribal Roots of

Hinduism, Yogini temples are primarily located in a triangle across India, with apexes

as Baroch (Gujurat), Delhi (Yoginipur), and Hirapur (Orissa). These temples are

speculated to be found in places like Khauroha, Shahdol, Mitauli, Naresar, Satna,

45Keul, István. "Date of the Site." 'Yogini' in South Asia: Interdisciplinary Approaches. N.p.: Routledge, n.d.
229. Google Books. Walter De Gruyter. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=fd4dAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA229&lpg=PA229&dq=bhanja+dynasty+yogini&source=bl&ots=8k6RpiZ-
mW&sig=-Cc0FX-
LotFdvSDcTAKAIdtISC8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=GxqoVJXqOoPnuQTprILoCQ&ved=0CBwQ6AEwAA#v=on
epage&q=bhanja%20dynasty%20yogini&f=false>.

46Keul, István. "Vaisnavism and Shaktism." 'Yogini' in South Asia: Interdisciplinary Approaches. N.p.:
Routledge, n.d. 230. Google Books. Walter De Gruyter. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/
books?
id=fd4dAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA229&lpg=PA229&dq=bhanja+dynasty+yogini&source=bl&ots=8k6RpiZ-
mW&sig=-Cc0FX-
LotFdvSDcTAKAIdtISC8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=GxqoVJXqOoPnuQTprILoCQ&ved=0CBwQ6AEwAA#v=on
epage&q=bhanja%20dynasty%20yogini&f=false>.
Suradar in Madhya Pradesh, Hirapur and Rajnipur-Jharial in Orissa, Rikhiya,

Tindwali and Lukhri in Uttar Pradesh, and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, where ruins

can be found dated back to 9th - 12th Century AD.47 14th Century sources of Jain origin

stated that Yoginipur, Ajmer, Bhrgukaccha and Ujjain are the four Great

‘Pithas’ (places of great cosmic power) of Yoginis, even though there are no Yogini

temples at the said sites.48 The region of prominence for Yogini temples is mostly in

the north and north-western region of the Indian Peninsula. Scholars believe that this

is because of the popularity of Shakti and Tantric worship among the kings ruling

over the north western lands. There were more temples built than there are surviving

today, since most were built by the Pratiharas, Paramaras, Chandelas, and

Kalachuris, around the central and north-west India. Although connections to these

kingdoms cannot be found in the construction and design of the temples, these

temples are assumed to be the kings’ because of the time in which they were built in.

It is, however, definite that the Hirapur temple was built by the Bhanja dynasty as

they were known to be devout Shakti followers.49

47 Tiwari, S. K. "Durga and Yoginis." Tribal Roots of Hinduism. New Delhi: Sarup & Sons, 2002. 131.
Google Books. Sarup & Sons. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=n0gwfmPFTLgC&pg=PA130&lpg=PA130&dq=names+of+64+yoginis&source=bl&ots=kgnP3zR1VA&
sig=S4qD7ZL8NQcBGokr_It_B7aTQQs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=txyiVNzUOsajugSolYL4Cg&ved=0CEQQ6A
EwBjgU#v=onepage&q=names%20of%2064%20yoginis&f=false>.

48 White, David Gordon. "Power of the Yogini." Kiss of the Yoginī: "Tantric Sex" in Its South Asian
Contexts. Chicago: U of Chicago, 2003. 137. Google Books. University of Chicago Press. Web. 5 Jan. 2015.
<https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=5RwARVMg2_4C&pg=PA153&lpg=PA153&dq=padma+purana+shiva+yogini&source=bl&ots=RhtI37
3rOE&sig=Ic6K3p96P38lOWI5DuibXISny9Y&hl=en&sa=X&ei=MPGnVMG1CM2vuQSQtYCgDQ&ved
=0CE8Q6AEwCA#v=snippet&q=lukhri&f=false>.

49 Keul, István. "Date of the Site." 'Yogini' in South Asia: Interdisciplinary Approaches. N.p.: Routledge, n.d.
229. Google Books. Walter De Gruyter. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=fd4dAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA229&lpg=PA229&dq=bhanja+dynasty+yogini&source=bl&ots=8k6RpiZ-
mW&sig=-Cc0FX-
LotFdvSDcTAKAIdtISC8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=GxqoVJXqOoPnuQTprILoCQ&ved=0CBwQ6AEwAA#v=on
epage&q=bhanja%20dynasty%20yogini&f=false>.
 Yogini temples were built for the sole reason of Chakrapuja, which is a

ritual centered around Tantric worship.45 Essentially, all Yogini temples shared the

same aspects of being built in remote places, open roofed and being circular in shape.

Most of the temples are built far away from central city locations so that one must be

dedicated to find them. The remote nature of the temple locations is said to be

metaphorical for the great difficulty one must take in order to attain yogic

enlightenment and achieve their goals of nirvana and/or supernatural powers. 50

Additionally, the desertion in and around the Yogini temples today because of local

superstitions and beliefs, also shows how the path to enlightenment is unknown and

can only be taken by sheer will of one person alone. The temple wall is lined with the

Yogini representations, with a four-sided structure in the center, which depict Shiva’s

Bhairava images.51

Tantric roots can also be seen in the shape of the temples built – the

circular walls, lack of roof, and arrangement of each set of Yoginis on the walls is to

replicate the female ‘seat’ of the Self, implying that the concept of ‘self’ was actually

situated in the yoni, the female counterpart of the linga – a phallic symbol dedicated

to Shiva. The circle of the 64 Yoginis is also supposed to transmit power and

50Kaimal, Padma. "Learning to See the Goddess Once Again: Male and Female in Balance at the
Kailāsanāth Temple in Kāñcīpuram." Journal of the American Academy of Religion 73.1 (2005): 45-87.
JSTOR. Web. 04 Jan. 2015. <http://www.jstor.org/stable/4139877>.

51Keul, István. "One." 'Yogini' in South Asia: Interdisciplinary Approaches. N.p.: Routledge, n.d. 1. Google
Books. Walter De Gruyter. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=fd4dAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA229&lpg=PA229&dq=bhanja+dynasty+yogini&source=bl&ots=8k6RpiZ-
mW&sig=-Cc0FX-
LotFdvSDcTAKAIdtISC8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=GxqoVJXqOoPnuQTprILoCQ&ved=0CBwQ6AEwAA#v=on
epage&q&f=true>.
potency.52 Another source mentions that the Yogini temples were circular in shape to

symbolize the never-ending, cyclic, harmony of the Mandala – a spiritual symbol in

Hinduism that represents the Universe. Furthermore, the circular shape is also

supposed to reflect the 64 Yogini Chakras – the Khecari Chakra and the Yogini

Chakra, as mentioned in the Tantric Sri Matottara Tantra, for auspicious ritual

circles.53 As mentioned above, Shiva plays a role in Yogini origin. Hence, the central

Shiva statue situated in the middle with the 64 yoginis around, embedded in the walls

conceptualizes the Shivalinga being put into the Yoni, the stone representation of

Shakti, symbolic of one of the Tantric principles. 54 This particular structure can be

seen in the Hirapur temple in Orissa, as pictured below:

52Wangu, Madhu Bazaz. "Tantric Temples (Yogini Type)." Images of Indian Goddesses: Myths, Meanings,
and Models. New Delhi: Abhinav Publications, 2003. 110. Google Books. Abhinav Publications. Web. 5 Jan.
2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?id=k8y-
vKtqCmIC&pg=PA110&lpg=PA110&dq=dehejia+yogini+cult&source=bl&ots=d9YgsQhMSJ&sig=fKm_L
vhVhUCRx42UJsmMSLMiBXM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=bXmnVNj1EtO8uAS9nIDQCQ&ved=0CC4Q6AEwA
w#v=onepage&q=dehejia%20yogini%20cult&f=true>.
53Dehejia, Vidya. "Yogini Cult." Preface. Yoginī, Cult and Temples: A Tantric Tradition. New Delhi:
National Museum, 1986. Ix. Exotic Indian Art. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <http://www.exoticindiaart.com/book/
details/yogini-cult-and-temples-tantric-tradition-IDE937/>.

54Brighenti, Francesco. Śakti Cult in Orissa. New Delhi: D.K. Printworld, 2001. 107. Google Books. D.K.
Printworld. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?ei=x-
enVNXkFNSKuAS7zYDYCQ&id=rnnXAAAAMAAJ&dq=donaldson+tantra+and+sakta+sect+of+orissa&f
ocus=searchwithinvolume&q=yogini>.
!

Interior of Hirapur Temple55

Out of all the temples, there are 4 major existing temples in India. Two

of these temples are in Orissa (now known as Odisha), and two are in Madhya

Pradesh. In Madhya Pradesh, the Chaunsath Yogini temples are in Khajuraho (dated

to 9th Century AD), in the Chhatarpur District, and in Bhedaghat (dated to 10th

Century AD), in the Jabalpur District. The other two notable Chaunsath Yogini

temples are in Haripur (dated to 9th Century AD) in the Khurda District and Ranipur

Jharial, in the Balangir District.56 In Orissa, the most well known Yogini temple

would have to be the Hirapur temple of Orissa, as it’s the temple that still has tourists

visiting every year and hence, has the most mentions in Hindu worship books and

55Interior of the 64 Yogini Temple. Digital image. Outlook Traveller. Outlook, 1 Nov. 2013. Web. 6
Jan. 2015. <http://www.outlooktraveller.com/trips/Tantric-tales-1004881#2973>.

56 Choudhury, Janmey, Dr. "Origin of Tantricism and Sixty-Four Yogini Cult in Orissa." Origin of Tantricism
and Sixty-Four Yogini Cult in Orissa (n.d.): 7-9. Orissa. Orissa Review, Oct. 2004. Web. 4 Jan. 2015.
<http://orissa.gov.in/e-magazine/orissareview/oct2004/englishpdf/originoftantricism.pdf>.
papers.57 Hirapur itself is known as a yoginipitha- a place of great cosmic Yogini

power.58 Discovered in 1953, a few kilometers away from the state capital

Bhubaneshwar, the temple itself is a famous tourist spot because of its well-preserved

sandstone sculptures of the Yoginis, including the Matrikas, Mahavidyas (10 Great

Revelations), and the other famous genial goddesses that normally are ignored, carved

into black chlorite. The bodies of the Yoginis are still beautifully carved and are rich

with symbolism in everything – from what the animal heads represent to what they

stand on. Despite being a once feared place, the Hirapur temple has now become a

hotspot for tourist action where new tourists are blessed every time they bring

offerings of bangles and coconuts.59

57Patel, C. B. "Tantra Manuscripts in the Collection of State Museum." Orissa Review (2004): 34-39.
Orissa. Nov. 2004. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <http://orissa.gov.in/e-magazine/Orissareview/nov2004/englishPdf/
tantramanuscriptsinthecollectionofstate.pdf>.

58 Keul, István. "Date of the Site." 'Yogini' in South Asia: Interdisciplinary Approaches. N.p.: Routledge, n.d.
229. Google Books. Walter De Gruyter. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=fd4dAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA229&lpg=PA229&dq=bhanja+dynasty+yogini&source=bl&ots=8k6RpiZ-
mW&sig=-Cc0FX-
LotFdvSDcTAKAIdtISC8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=GxqoVJXqOoPnuQTprILoCQ&ved=0CBwQ6AEwAA#v=on
epage&q=bhanja%20dynasty%20yogini&f=false>.

59Foulston, Lynn, and Stuart Abbott. "Yogini Temple." Hindu Goddesses: Beliefs and Practices. Brighton:
Sussex Academic, 2009. N. pag. Google Books. Sussex Academic Press. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://
books.google.co.in/books?
id=XgwVgPx5G5UC&pg=PA245&lpg=PA245&dq=dehejia+yogini+cult&source=bl&ots=QQCySAqExf&s
ig=1fBkEltRNM7veDnj2Y04i5W1gKE&hl=en&sa=X&ei=bXmnVNj1EtO8uAS9nIDQCQ&ved=0CCQQ6
AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=hiarpur&f=true>.
 !

Chausath Yogini Temple, Khajuraho 60

On the other hand, in Madhya Pradesh, the earliest temple found in

Khajuraho is the Chaunsath Yogini temple, dated back to the 8th Century AD. Locals

mention a total of 85 temples once existing, but only 25 are left standing today, all in

different phases of preservation. The 25 current temples are equally divided between

Vaishnavite, Shaivite and Jain temples, which shows Khajuraho’s tolerance of other

religions in the Hindu and Jain traditions, since all such temples were built and used

around the same time from the 10th Century AD. 61 All the temples are built in fine-

grained sandstone, apart from the Mahadeva, Brahma and Chaunsath Yogini temple

60Chausath Yogini Temple. Digital image. Archealogical Survey of India. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.asibhopal.nic.in/monument/chhatarpur_khajuraho_chausathyoginitemple.html>.

61Durant, Will. Our Oriental Heritage: The Story of Civilization. Rockefeller Center, 630 Fifth Avenue,
New York, New York 10020: Simon and Schuster, 1935. Google Books. Simon and Schuster. Web. 5 Jan.
2015. <http://books.google.co.in/books/about/Our_Oriental_Heritage.html?
id=ru4LPyMAxxkC&redir_esc=y>.
which are built in granite. 62 All temples – Hindu, Jain and Buddhist – are similar in

architecture – elevated base, heavily decorated walls, covered with panels and

pictures, crowned by sikharas (mountain peak designed roof). Built by the Chandella

dynasty that promoted Tantrism by building various temples depicting Tantric

principles63, the Chaunsath Yogini temple is different from the rest of the Yogini

temples. While it is open roofed, the Yogini shrines are in tiny cells in the walls,

which can be seen in the picture above. The temple is actually quadrangular in shape

where, unfortunately, 35 shrines survived. Some of the recognizable Yoginis are

Maheshwari, Brahmani and Hingalaja. Each Yogini shrine can be entered through a

little doorway and is covered by a simple sikara. The walls themselves exude a sense

of power because of their primitive shape and firm standing.64 The shape and presence

of the shrines are indicators of the importance of Hindu Tantrism in Khajuroha.

Almost all the bodies are nude – another marked sign of Tantrism in Art.65 Other

indicators are the various sculptures in other temples - mostly in the Hindu temples -

62 "Group of Temples, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh." Archaeological Survey of India. Government of India,
1 Jan. 2011. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_khajuraho.asp>.

63 "Khajuraho Group of Monuments." UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <http://
whc.unesco.org/en/list/240>.

64 "Chausath Yogini Temple Monument." ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA BHOPAL.

Government of India, 1 Jan. 2010. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <http://www.asibhopal.nic.in/monument/
chhatarpur_khajuraho_chausathyoginitemple.html>.
65 Banerji, Sures Chandra. "Tantra, Art and Architecture." A Companion to Tantra. New Delhi: Abhinav
Publications, 2007. 70. Google Books. Abhinav Publications. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/
books?
id=pmpwLdmvcggC&pg=PA70&lpg=PA70&dq=tantric+influences+around+khajuraho&source=bl&ots=Ng
yrReCoK4&sig=NOENPPjuISHG577kaFtmEE9-
swk&hl=en&sa=X&ei=GGCqVMSgJIqyuATRqYD4AQ&ved=0CC4Q6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=tantric%20
influences%20around%20khajuraho&f=false>.
depicting various Tantric sexual practices in the temple walls,66 which can be seen in

the picture below:

Tantric Sexual Symbols 67

There are no specific pilgrimages for Yoginis specifically, apart from

the usual tourists who travel from temple to temple to see the variations in design.

Although there is no official ‘Yogini Festival,’ an unofficial celebration occurs in

Orissa, outside the Haripur temple, in the month of December to show off the local

66Schellinger, Paul E., and Robert M. Salkin. "Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh, India)." International
Dictionary of Historic Places: Asia and Oceania. Singapore: Toppan, 1996. 470. Google Books. Toppan
Co. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=vWLRxJEU49EC&pg=PA470&dq=khajuraho+temple+yogini&hl=en&sa=X&ei=E1-
qVLflOMaRuASg7YDYCQ&ved=0CC0Q6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=khajuraho%20temple%20yogini
&f=false>.

67 "Group of Temples, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh." Archaeological Survey of India. Government of India,
1 Jan. 2011. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_khajuraho.asp>.
culture to the tourists that frequent the place. Cultural programs like Odissi Dance,

Sambalpuri Dance, Mahari Nritya, Gotipura Nritya take place in this festival where

dancers from all across India can participate and perform.68

The sole reason for the decline of the Yogini worship is because of the

automatic fear instilled in the average person’s heart the minute it is mentioned. The

general ignorance of the origins and principles of the Yogini cult and the secrecy of

the locations of the Yogini shrines have now led to complete avoidance of the Yogini

‘regions’ by the locals, which is why the less frequented Yogini temples of India are

hotspots for dacoit action, especially near the Yogini shrine in Dudahi, Uttar Pradesh.

Local villagers or even priests refuse to talk about the Yogini phenomenon, much less

take people to the temple itself. This fear is thought to have originated from the

Puranas, where the curse of the Yoginis is supposedly worse than death. In the

Brahmanda Purana, it says that if one imparts the knowledge of the poem Lalita

Sahasranama to a non-initiated devotee, he would be cursed by the Yoginis and go

mad. A similar curse in the Jnanarnava Tantra, except the person would be eaten by

the Yoginis rather than just be cursed. This explains the lack of spread of knowledge

about the Yoginis, which has now finally led to the decline of the cult. 69

68 Hauser, Beatrix. "Travelling through the Night: Living Mothers and Divine Daughters at an Orissan
Goddess Festival." Paideuma Bd. 51 (2005): 221-33. JSTOR. Web. 04 Jan. 2015. <http://www.jstor.org/
stable/40341896>.

69 Dehejia, Vidya. "Yogini Cult." Preface. Yoginī, Cult and Temples: A Tantric Tradition. New Delhi:
National Museum, 1986. Ix. Exotic Indian Art. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <http://www.exoticindiaart.com/book/
details/yogini-cult-and-temples-tantric-tradition-IDE937/>.
 Works Cited

Abbasi, A. A., and S. K. Tiwari. "Contemporary Tribals and Their

Totems." Dimensions of Human Cultures in Central India: Professor S.K. Tiwari

Felicitation Volume. New Delhi: Sarup & Sons, 2001. 206. Google Books. Sarup &

Sons. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?

id=jUwFL3IipK0C&pg=PA202&lpg=PA202&dq=names+of+64+yoginis&source=bl

&ots=BeEsHsebvH&sig=X6DcWKX6JO-

dHDH9dl63-7Wfc80&hl=en&sa=X&ei=txyiVNzUOsajugSolYL4Cg&ved=0CE0Q6

AEwCDgU#v=onepage&q=names%20of%2064%20yoginis&f=false>.

Abbasi, A. A., and S. K. Tiwari. "Zoomorphic Forms." Dimensions of Human

Cultures in Central India: Professor S.K. Tiwari Felicitation Volume. New Delhi:

Sarup & Sons, 2001. 203. Google Books. Sarup & Sons. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://

books.google.co.in/books?

id=jUwFL3IipK0C&pg=PA202&lpg=PA202&dq=names+of+64+yoginis&source=bl

&ots=BeEsHsebvH&sig=X6DcWKX6JO-

dHDH9dl63-7Wfc80&hl=en&sa=X&ei=txyiVNzUOsajugSolYL4Cg&ved=0CE0Q6

AEwCDgU#v=onepage&q=names%20of%2064%20yoginis&f=false>.

Banerji, Sures Chandra. "Tantra, Art and Architecture." A Companion to Tantra. New

Delhi: Abhinav Publications, 2007. 70. Google Books. Abhinav Publications. Web. 5

Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?

id=pmpwLdmvcggC&pg=PA70&lpg=PA70&dq=tantric+influences+around+khajura

ho&source=bl&ots=NgyrReCoK4&sig=NOENPPjuISHG577kaFtmEE9-

swk&hl=en&sa=X&ei=GGCqVMSgJIqyuATRqYD4AQ&ved=0CC4Q6AEwAg#v=

onepage&q=tantric%20influences%20around%20khajuraho&f=false>.
Behera, Karuna Sagar., and Thomas E. Donaldson. Sculpture Masterpieces from

Orissa: Style and Iconography. New Delhi: Aryan International, 1998. 30. Google

Books. Aryan Books International. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/

books?ei=x-

enVNXkFNSKuAS7zYDYCQ&id=JmzqAAAAMAAJ&dq=donaldson+tantra+and+s

akta+sect+of+orissa&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=siva%20.>.

Brighenti, Francesco. Śakti Cult in Orissa. New Delhi: D.K. Printworld, 2001.

107. Google Books. D.K. Printworld. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/

books?ei=x-

enVNXkFNSKuAS7zYDYCQ&id=rnnXAAAAMAAJ&dq=donaldson+tantra+and+s

akta+sect+of+orissa&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=yogini>.

Brighenti, Francesco. "Yoginis." Śakti Cult in Orissa. New Delhi: D.K. Printworld,

2001. 294. Google Books. D.K. Printworld. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://

books.google.co.in/books?ei=x-

enVNXkFNSKuAS7zYDYCQ&id=rnnXAAAAMAAJ&dq=donaldson+tantra+and+s

akta+sect+of+orissa&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=yogini.>.

Chausath Yogini Temple. Digital image. Archealogical Survey of India. N.p., n.d.

Web. 6 Jan. 2015. <http://www.asibhopal.nic.in/monument/

chhatarpur_khajuraho_chausathyoginitemple.html>.

"Chausath Yogini Temple Monument." ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

BHOPAL. Government of India, 1 Jan. 2010. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <http://

www.asibhopal.nic.in/monument/chhatarpur_khajuraho_chausathyoginitemple.html>.

Choudhury, Janmey, Dr. "Origin of Tantricism and Sixty-Four Yogini Cult in

Orissa." Origin of Tantricism and Sixty-Four Yogini Cult in Orissa (n.d.): 7-9. Orissa.
Orissa Review, Oct. 2004. Web. 4 Jan. 2015. <http://orissa.gov.in/e-magazine/

orissareview/oct2004/englishpdf/originoftantricism.pdf>.

Crooke, W. "The Cults of the Mother Goddesses in India." Folklore 30.4 (1919):

282-308. Jstor. Web. 4 Jan. 2015. <http://www.jstor.org/stable/1255109>.

Dehejia, Vidya. "Tantric Influences." Yoginī, Cult and Temples: A Tantric Tradition.

New Delhi: National Museum, 1986. 53. Print.

Dehejia, Vidya. "Yogini Cult." Preface. Yoginī, Cult and Temples: A Tantric Tradition.

New Delhi: National Museum, 1986. Ix. Exotic Indian Art. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <http://

www.exoticindiaart.com/book/details/yogini-cult-and-temples-tantric-tradition-

IDE937/>.

Dempsey, C. "Double Take: Through the Eyes of Yaksis, Yaksas, and

Yoginis." Journal of the American Academy of Religion 73.1 (2005): 3-7. Jstor. Web.

5 Jan. 2015. <http://www.jstor.org/stable/4139875>.

Donaldson, Thomas E. "Bolangir District." Iconography of the Buddhist Sculpture of

Orissa. New Delhi: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, 2001. 38. Google

Books. Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://

books.google.co.in/books?

id=DbxE8zOuRbUC&pg=PA38&dq=donaldson+tantra+and+sakta+orissa&hl=en&sa

=X&ei=9fGnVJq0LIS9ugSzu4DoAw&ved=0CCUQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=yogini

&f=false>.

Donaldson, Thomas E. Hindu Temple Art of Orissa. Leiden: New York, 1985.

1432. Google Books. New York. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/

books?ei=x-
enVNXkFNSKuAS7zYDYCQ&id=D8kLAQAAMAAJ&dq=donaldson+tantra+and+

sakta+sect+of+orissa&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=yogini>.

Durant, Will. Our Oriental Heritage: The Story of Civilization. Rockefeller Center,

630 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10020: Simon and Schuster, 1935. Google

Books. Simon and Schuster. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <http://books.google.co.in/books/

about/Our_Oriental_Heritage.html?id=ru4LPyMAxxkC&redir_esc=y>.

Foulston, Lynn, and Stuart Abbott. Hindu Goddesses: Beliefs and Practices. Brighton:

Sussex Academic, 2009. 114. Google Books. Sussex Academic Press. Web. 4 Jan.

2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?

id=XgwVgPx5G5UC&pg=PA245&lpg=PA245&dq=dehejia+yogini+cult&source=bl

&ots=QQCySAqExf&sig=1fBkEltRNM7veDnj2Y04i5W1gKE&hl=en&sa=X&ei=b

XmnVNj1EtO8uAS9nIDQCQ&ved=0CCQQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=hirapur&f=fa

lse>.

Foulston, Lynn, and Stuart Abbott. "Yogini Temple." Hindu Goddesses: Beliefs and

Practices. Brighton: Sussex Academic, 2009. N. pag. Google Books. Sussex

Academic Press. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?

id=XgwVgPx5G5UC&pg=PA245&lpg=PA245&dq=dehejia+yogini+cult&source=bl

&ots=QQCySAqExf&sig=1fBkEltRNM7veDnj2Y04i5W1gKE&hl=en&sa=X&ei=b

XmnVNj1EtO8uAS9nIDQCQ&ved=0CCQQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=hiarpur&f=tr

ue>.

Foulston, Lynn, and Stuart Abbott. "Yoginis." Hindu Goddesses: Beliefs and

Practices. Brighton: Sussex Academic, 2009. 114. Google Books. Sussex Academic

Press. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?

id=XgwVgPx5G5UC&pg=PA245&lpg=PA245&dq=dehejia+yogini+cult&source=bl

&ots=QQCySAqExf&sig=1fBkEltRNM7veDnj2Y04i5W1gKE&hl=en&sa=X&ei=b
XmnVNj1EtO8uAS9nIDQCQ&ved=0CCQQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=hirapur&f=fa

lse>.

Foulston, Lynn, and Stuart Abbott. "Yoginis." Hindu Goddesses: Beliefs and

Practices. Brighton: Sussex Academic, 2009. 115. Google Books. Sussex Academic

Press. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?

id=XgwVgPx5G5UC&pg=PA245&lpg=PA245&dq=dehejia+yogini+cult&source=bl

&ots=QQCySAqExf&sig=1fBkEltRNM7veDnj2Y04i5W1gKE&hl=en&sa=X&ei=b

XmnVNj1EtO8uAS9nIDQCQ&ved=0CCQQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=kaula&f=fals

e>.

Foulston, Lynn, and Stuart Abbott. "Yoginis." Hindu Goddesses: Beliefs and

Practices. Brighton: Sussex Academic, 2009. 192. Google Books. Sussex Academic

Press. Web. 4 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?

id=XgwVgPx5G5UC&pg=PA245&lpg=PA245&dq=dehejia+yogini+cult&source=bl

&ots=QQCySAqExf&sig=1fBkEltRNM7veDnj2Y04i5W1gKE&hl=en&sa=X&ei=b

XmnVNj1EtO8uAS9nIDQCQ&ved=0CCQQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=yogini&f=fal

se>.

Gold, Ann G. "Tantrism." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica,

n.d. Web. 04 Jan. 2015. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/266312/

Hinduism/9017/Tantrism>.

"Group of Temples, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh." Archaeological Survey of India.

Government of India, 1 Jan. 2011. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <http://asi.nic.in/

asi_monu_whs_khajuraho.asp>.
Hauser, Beatrix. "Travelling through the Night: Living Mothers and Divine Daughters

at an Orissan Goddess Festival." Paideuma Bd. 51 (2005): 221-33. JSTOR. Web. 04

Jan. 2015. <http://www.jstor.org/stable/40341896>.

Interior of the 64 Yogini Temple. Digital image. Outlook Traveller. Outlook, 1 Nov.

2013. Web. 6 Jan. 2015. <http://www.outlooktraveller.com/trips/Tantric-

tales-1004881#2973>.

Kaimal, Padma. "Learning to See the Goddess Once Again: Male and Female in

Balance at the Kailāsanāth Temple in Kāñcīpuram." Journal of the American

Academy of Religion 73.1 (2005): 45-87. JSTOR. Web. 04 Jan. 2015. <http://

www.jstor.org/stable/4139877>.

Kempton, Sally. "The Yogini Path." Awakening Shakti: The Transformative Power of

the Goddesses of Yoga. Boulder, CO: Sounds True, 2013. 164. Google Books. Sounds

True Copyright. Web. 4 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?

id=NZK8BPbz2RcC&pg=PA164&dq=what+are+yoginis&hl=en&sa=X&ei=L3apVK

esCtKTuATX9YHoCQ&ved=0CCUQ6AEwAjgK#v=onepage&q=what%20are%20y

oginis&f=false>.

Keul, István. "8." Transformations and Transfer of Tantra in Asia and beyond. New

York: De Gruyter, 2012. 109. Google Books. Walter De Gruyter. Web. 4 Jan. 2015.

<https://books.google.co.in/books?

id=38gxbEft3-4C&pg=PA212&lpg=PA212&dq=GAdon+Probing+the+mysteries+of+

Hirapur+Yogini&source=bl&ots=GrCRjUzHBQ&sig=Otl6-

pcHJS6PtucYItGXbTeUdAw&hl=en&sa=X&ei=LmymVIWbJIOTuASe64DICQ&ve

d=0CDEQ6AEwBQ#v=snippet&q=sumbhu&f=false>.
Keul, István. "Date of the Site." 'Yogini' in South Asia: Interdisciplinary Approaches.

N.p.: Routledge, n.d. 229. Google Books. Walter De Gruyter. Web. 5 Jan. 2015.

<https://books.google.co.in/books?

id=fd4dAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA229&lpg=PA229&dq=bhanja+dynasty+yogini&source

=bl&ots=8k6RpiZ-mW&sig=-Cc0FX-

LotFdvSDcTAKAIdtISC8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=GxqoVJXqOoPnuQTprILoCQ&ved=0

CBwQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=bhanja%20dynasty%20yogini&f=false>.

Keul, István. "One." 'Yogini' in South Asia: Interdisciplinary Approaches. N.p.:

Routledge, n.d. 1. Google Books. Walter De Gruyter. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://

books.google.co.in/books?

id=fd4dAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA229&lpg=PA229&dq=bhanja+dynasty+yogini&source

=bl&ots=8k6RpiZ-mW&sig=-Cc0FX-

LotFdvSDcTAKAIdtISC8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=GxqoVJXqOoPnuQTprILoCQ&ved=0

CBwQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=true>.

Keul, István. Transformations and Transfer of Tantra in Asia and beyond. New York:

De Gruyter, 2012. 108. Google Books. Walter De Gruyter. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://

books.google.co.in/books?

id=38gxbEft3-4C&pg=PA212&lpg=PA212&dq=GAdon+Probing+the+mysteries+of+

Hirapur+Yogini&source=bl&ots=GrCRjUzHBQ&sig=Otl6-

pcHJS6PtucYItGXbTeUdAw&hl=en&sa=X&ei=LmymVIWbJIOTuASe64DICQ&ve

d=0CDEQ6AEwBQ#v=snippet&q=Yogini&f=false>.

Keul, István. Transformations and Transfer of Tantra in Asia and beyond. New York:

De Gruyter, 2012. 108. Google Books. Walter De Gruyter. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://

books.google.co.in/books?

id=38gxbEft3-4C&pg=PA212&lpg=PA212&dq=GAdon+Probing+the+mysteries+of+

Hirapur+Yogini&source=bl&ots=GrCRjUzHBQ&sig=Otl6-
pcHJS6PtucYItGXbTeUdAw&hl=en&sa=X&ei=LmymVIWbJIOTuASe64DICQ&ve

d=0CDEQ6AEwBQ#v=snippet&q=Yogini&f=false>.

Keul, István. "Vaisnavism and Shaktism." 'Yogini' in South Asia: Interdisciplinary

Approaches. N.p.: Routledge, n.d. 230. Google Books. Walter De Gruyter. Web. 5 Jan.

2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?

id=fd4dAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA229&lpg=PA229&dq=bhanja+dynasty+yogini&source

=bl&ots=8k6RpiZ-mW&sig=-Cc0FX-

LotFdvSDcTAKAIdtISC8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=GxqoVJXqOoPnuQTprILoCQ&ved=0

CBwQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=bhanja%20dynasty%20yogini&f=false>.

"Khajuraho Group of Monuments." UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Web. 5 Jan.

2015. <http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/240>.

Khanna, Madhu. "A Journey into Cosmic Consciousness: Kundalini Shakti." India

International Centre Quarterly 30.3/4 (2003): 224-38. JSTOR. Web. 04 Jan. 2015.

<http://www.jstor.org/stable/23006136>.

Mukherjea, Sushil. Historicity of Lord Jagannatha. Calcutta, India: Minerva

Associates (Publications), 1989. 44. Google Books. Minerva Associates. Web. 4 Jan.

2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?

id=zXMcAAAAMAAJ&q=bhauma+kara+dynasty+shaktism&dq=bhauma+kara+dyn

asty+shaktism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=vW-

pVNbzNdTmuQTen4HQCQ&ved=0CBsQ6AEwAA>.

Muller-Ortega, Paul Eduardo. "The Kaula Lineage." The Triadic Heart of Śiva: Kaula

Tantricism of Abhinavagupta in the Non-dual Shaivism of Kashmir. Albany: State U

of New York, 1989. 55. Google Books. University. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://
books.google.co.in/books?

id=vTBSM1zjDggC&pg=PA56&dq=yogini+kaula+tantrism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=h4iq

VKe5AsaJuATMx4LgCQ&ved=0CCoQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=yogini%20kaula%

20tantrism&f=false>.

Natarajan, Padmini. "SIGNIFICANCE OF NUMBER 8 IN HINDUISM." GURU.

N.p., 24 Oct. 2012. Web. 04 Jan. 2015. <http://spiritualsoul.net/profiles/blogs/

significance-of-number-8-in-hinduism>.

Patel, C. B. "Tantra Manuscripts in the Collection of State Museum." Orissa

Review (2004): 34-39. Orissa. Nov. 2004. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <http://orissa.gov.in/e-

magazine/Orissareview/nov2004/englishPdf/

tantramanuscriptsinthecollectionofstate.pdf>.

"Shaktism | Hindu Sect." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica,

12 Dec. 2013. Web. 04 Jan. 2015. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/

538054/Shaktism>.

Shaw, Miranda Eberle. "Chapter 21." Buddhist Goddesses of India. Princeton:

Princeton UP, 2006. 428. Google Books. Princeton University Press. Web. 5 Jan.

2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?

id=MvDKOK1h3zMC&pg=PA426&lpg=PA426&dq=yogini+iconography&source=b

l&ots=Q3Aqfzasci&sig=uAK1wFywrbdxtsvFw_tS6jXy2u8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=XHK

nVMTOIs21uQSSsoLICQ&ved=0CCIQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=yogini%20iconogr

aphy&f=false>.

Shaw, Miranda Eberle. "Roots in Ritual Dance and Shamanic Trance." Buddhist

Goddesses of India. Princeton: Princeton UP, 2006. 426. Google Books. Princeton

University Press. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?

id=MvDKOK1h3zMC&pg=PA426&lpg=PA426&dq=yogini+iconography&source=b

l&ots=Q3Aqfzasci&sig=uAK1wFywrbdxtsvFw_tS6jXy2u8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=XHK

nVMTOIs21uQSSsoLICQ&ved=0CCIQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=yogini%20iconogr

aphy&f=false>.

Shaw, Miranda Eberle. "Roots in Ritual Dance and Shamanic Trance." Buddhist

Goddesses of India. Princeton: Princeton UP, 2006. 426. Google Books. Princeton

University Press. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?

id=MvDKOK1h3zMC&pg=PA426&lpg=PA426&dq=yogini+iconography&source=b

l&ots=Q3Aqfzasci&sig=uAK1wFywrbdxtsvFw_tS6jXy2u8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=XHK

nVMTOIs21uQSSsoLICQ&ved=0CCIQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=yogini%20iconogr

aphy&f=false>.

Schellinger, Paul E., and Robert M. Salkin. "Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh, India)."

International Dictionary of Historic Places: Asia and Oceania. Singapore: Toppan,

1996. 470. Google Books. Toppan Co. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/

books?

id=vWLRxJEU49EC&pg=PA470&dq=khajuraho+temple+yogini&hl=en&sa=X&ei=

E1-

qVLflOMaRuASg7YDYCQ&ved=0CC0Q6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=khajuraho%20te

mple%20yogini&f=false>.

"Tantric Temples." Tantric Temples. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Jan. 2015. <http://

www.spiritualjourneys.net/Venues/Tantri%20Temples.htm>.

Tate, Karen. "The Asian Sub Continent." Sacred Places of Goddess: 108 Destinations.

San Francisco, CA, USA: Consortium of Collective Consciousness, 2006.

203. Google Books. CCC Publishing. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/

books?
id=b7KbLLjzuRgC&pg=PA398&lpg=PA398&dq=GAdon+Probing+the+mysteries+o

f+Hirapur+Yogini&source=bl&ots=US2khZctpc&sig=KLatY4MY7Tila05x9W0Oa5s

X0cs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=LmymVIWbJIOTuASe64DICQ&ved=0CBwQ6AEwAA#v=

onepage&q=Yogini&f=false>.

Tate, Karen. Sacred Places of Goddess: 108 Destinations. San Francisco, CA, USA:

Consortium of Collective Consciousness, 2006. 198. Google Books. CCC Publishing.

Web. 4 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?

id=b7KbLLjzuRgC&pg=PA398&lpg=PA398&dq=GAdon+Probing+the+mysteries+o

f+Hirapur+Yogini&source=bl&ots=US2khZctpc&sig=KLatY4MY7Tila05x9W0Oa5s

X0cs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=LmymVIWbJIOTuASe64DICQ&ved=0CBwQ6AEwAA#v=

onepage&q=Yogini&f=false>.

Tiwari, S. K. "Durga and Yoginis." Tribal Roots of Hinduism. New Delhi: Sarup &

Sons, 2002. 131. Google Books. Sarup & Sons. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://

books.google.co.in/books?

id=n0gwfmPFTLgC&pg=PA130&lpg=PA130&dq=names+of+64+yoginis&source=b

l&ots=kgnP3zR1VA&sig=S4qD7ZL8NQcBGokr_It_B7aTQQs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=tx

yiVNzUOsajugSolYL4Cg&ved=0CEQQ6AEwBjgU#v=onepage&q=names%20of%2

064%20yoginis&f=false>.

Tiwari, S. K. "Matrikas and Yoginis." Tribal Roots of Hinduism. New Delhi: Sarup &

Sons, 2002. 130. Google Books. Sarup & Sons. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://

books.google.co.in/books?

id=n0gwfmPFTLgC&pg=PA130&lpg=PA130&dq=names+of+64+yoginis&source=b

l&ots=kgnP3zR1VA&sig=S4qD7ZL8NQcBGokr_It_B7aTQQs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=tx

yiVNzUOsajugSolYL4Cg&ved=0CEQQ6AEwBjgU#v=onepage&q=names%20of%2

064%20yoginis&f=false>.
Tiwari, S. K. "Yoginis and Matrikas." Tribal Roots of Hinduism. New Delhi: Sarup &

Sons, 2002. 129. Google Books. Sarup & Sons. Web. 4 Jan. 2015. <https://

books.google.co.in/books?

id=n0gwfmPFTLgC&pg=PA130&lpg=PA130&dq=names+of+64+yoginis&source=b

l&ots=kgnP3zR1VA&sig=S4qD7ZL8NQcBGokr_It_B7aTQQs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=tx

yiVNzUOsajugSolYL4Cg&ved=0CEQQ6AEwBjgU#v=onepage&q=names%20of%2

064%20yoginis&f=false>.

V, Jayaram. "The Symbolic Significance of Numbers in Hinduism." Symbolic

Significance of Numbers in Hinduism. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Jan. 2015. <http://

www.hinduwebsite.com/numbers.asp>.

Varahi Yogini. Digital image. India Mike. N.p., 27 July 2013. Web. 6 Jan. 2015.

<http://www.indiamike.com/india/odisha-orissa-f33/trip-report-bhubaneswar-puri-

and-konark-during-rath-yatra-t200860/>.

Wangu, Madhu Bazaz. "Tantric Temples (Yogini Type)." Images of Indian Goddesses:

Myths, Meanings, and Models. New Delhi: Abhinav Publications, 2003. 110. Google

Books. Abhinav Publications. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?

id=k8y-

vKtqCmIC&pg=PA110&lpg=PA110&dq=dehejia+yogini+cult&source=bl&ots=d9Yg

sQhMSJ&sig=fKm_LvhVhUCRx42UJsmMSLMiBXM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=bXmnVN

j1EtO8uAS9nIDQCQ&ved=0CC4Q6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=dehejia%20yogini%20

cult&f=true>.

Wangu, Madhu Bazaz. "Tantric Temples (Yogini Type)." Images of Indian Goddesses:

Myths, Meanings, and Models. New Delhi: Abhinav Publications, 2003. 111. Google

Books. Abhinav Publications. Web. 4 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?

id=k8y-
vKtqCmIC&pg=PA111&dq=what+are+yoginis&hl=en&sa=X&ei=b3WpVL_gDcSV

uASXmYDgCQ&ved=0CDYQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=what%20are%20yoginis&f

=false>.

White, David Gordon. "Power of the Yogini." Kiss of the Yoginī: "Tantric Sex" in Its

South Asian Contexts. Chicago: U of Chicago, 2003. 137. Google Books. University

of Chicago Press. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?

id=5RwARVMg2_4C&pg=PA153&lpg=PA153&dq=padma+purana+shiva+yogini&s

ource=bl&ots=RhtI373rOE&sig=Ic6K3p96P38lOWI5DuibXISny9Y&hl=en&sa=X&

ei=MPGnVMG1CM2vuQSQtYCgDQ&ved=0CE8Q6AEwCA#v=snippet&q=lukhri

&f=false>.

Williams, Paul, and Anthony Tribe. "Yogini Tantras." Buddhist Thought: A Complete

Introduction to the Indian Tradition. London: Routledge, 2000. 214. Google Books.

Routledge. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?

id=IY6EAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA214&lpg=PA214&dq=yogini+appearance&source=bl&

ots=XuoLP4rNRQ&sig=ssrS6p8CLp9yVGatHfXZOxRoCzs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=V_a

nVIinKsOquQTGhYHwAQ&ved=0CCIQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=yogini%20appea

rance&f=false>.

Williams, Paul, and Anthony Tribe. "Yogini Tantras." Buddhist Thought: A Complete

Introduction to the Indian Tradition. London: Routledge, 2000. 214. Google Books.

Walter De Gruyter. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <https://books.google.co.in/books?

id=IY6EAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA214&lpg=PA214&dq=yogini+appearance&source=bl&

ots=XuoLP4rNRQ&sig=ssrS6p8CLp9yVGatHfXZOxRoCzs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=V_a

nVIinKsOquQTGhYHwAQ&ved=0CCIQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=yogini%20appea

rance&f=false>.
Wright, Tennant C. "'Left-Handed' Hindu Tantrism." Religious Studies 6.4 (1970):

345-57. JSTOR. Web. 04 Jan. 2015. <http://www.jstor.org/stable/20004843>.