History, Importance, Mystery, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Chausath Jogini Mandir, Hirapur, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
Mysterious Chausath Jogini Mandir is situated in a Hamlet called Hirapur at a distance of 20 kms from Bhubaneshwar in Odisha. The temple is also called Mahamaya Temple and one of the four Chausath Yogini temples of India, two in Odisha and other two in Madhya Pradesh. The Temple is believed to be built by the Queen Hiradevi mother of King Subhakar Dev II of Brahma Dynasty in 9th Century. The temple is dedicated to Durga Maa who took the form of 64 demi Goddess in order to kill the demons. The prayer of the temple also involves the worshipping of bhumandala that is the five elements of nature – fire, water, earth, sky and ether. The yogini cult practiced yoga along with Tantrik practice. The object of worship was usually a Chakra or Wheel which had sixty four spokes, thus famous as Chausath means 64 Jogini Mandir. It is believed that Yogini temple has extra ordinary powers and can fulfil any.
The temple is built in a circular open air fashion by putting together the sandstones and having just thirty feet in diameter and eight feet in height, thus smallest in such kind of temple. The entrance has two Dwarpals Kaal and Akaal on either side. The entrance is of low height and one has to lean down in order to visit the shrine. The idols of the 64 Jogini are a female deity which are standing on an animal, the head of the demon which depicts the Shakti and group of demi-goddesses who always live and work together. All the 64 Jogini are being dressed with different ornaments like bangles, necklaces, anklets, earrings etc. some of the Jogini are also being portrayed as huntresses with bows and arrows. Some of the Jogini are on a pair of a wheels or playing a drum. The locals of Hirapur are worshipping the Deities on a regular basis and performing all the rituals of the temple. The interior walls of the temple contains 60 niches, one each for the Yogini statues, two feet tall. Three yoginis adorn the central pillar or Chandi Mandap along with four Bhairavas. Where three of the Bhairavas are sculpted in sitting posture and one is standing and is called as Ekapada Bhairav.
The Chausathi Yogini Mahotsav – annual fair held every year between 23-25 Dec. The three day cultural program is organised by city-based organization, Nrutya Prativa and supported by Odisha Tourism. Chandi Path or Devi Mahatmay is primarily used to worship the goddesses here in temple campus. The small Shiva temple popular as Sankateshwar is located near the entrance of the temple complex and small water tank called as Pushkarni, another attraction outside the temple premise.
How to reach Chausath Jogini Temple, Hirapur, near Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
the main city near to Hirapur is Bhubaneshwar at a distance of 20 kms. One can reach Bhubaneshwar by various means of transport. You can hire private vehicles from Bhubaneshwar to reach the temple. The nearest Railway Station is Bhubaneshwar Railway Station at a distance of 20 kms. The nearest Airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport at a distance of 10 kms.
