About Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur
The Chausath Yogini Temple stands among paddy fields at Hirapur village, about 15 km south-east of Bhubaneswar in Odisha. Also known as the Mahamaya Temple, it is dedicated to the sixty-four Yoginis, powerful goddesses of the tantric Shakta tradition. Temples to the Yoginis are very rare in India, and the Hirapur shrine is among the smallest, oldest and best preserved of them. It is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, and local worship of the goddess continues.
The temple is generally dated to the 9th century. Local tradition credits its building to a queen named Hiradevi of the Bhauma-Kara dynasty, though this cannot be confirmed with certainty. A legend told by local priests says that Goddess Durga took sixty-four forms to defeat a demon, and afterwards these forms asked to be honoured in a temple. The roofless design is explained by tantric belief: worship here was meant to be open to the sky and the elements, and the Yoginis were believed to be able to fly. Some of the images were damaged in later centuries, and a few are lost.
The temple is a small circle of sandstone blocks, only about 25 feet across, entered through a narrow doorway. On the inside of the circular wall are niches, each holding a black chlorite figure of a Yogini, most standing on an animal, a demon or a human head, and each in a different pose and mood. Around 56 of the original 64 images survive. A central platform, the Chandi Mandapa, has further images on its sides. The outer wall carries figures of female guardians. The closeness of the space and the quality of the carving make this a deeply atmospheric place.
Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur timings & aarti
Usually open from about sunrise to sunset. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Morning (approx.) |
| Evening puja | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur
By air
Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, is about 15 km away.
By train
Bhubaneswar railway station is about 15 km away.
By road
Hirapur is reached by a village road off the Bhubaneswar–Puri route. A taxi or auto from Bhubaneswar is the easiest way; public transport to the village is limited.
Festivals at Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur
- Durga PujaSep/Oct
- Kali PujaOct/Nov
- Chaitra NavaratriMar/Apr
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is recommended; footwear is removed before entering the shrine.
- Entry
- Free entry. The temple is an ASI-protected monument.
- Hire a taxi or auto for the round trip, as public transport is scarce.
- Photography rules may vary; ask the caretaker before taking pictures of the images.
- Visit in the morning for soft light and cooler air.
- Combine with Dhauli and the Bhubaneswar temples on the same day.
- Treat the images with respect; this is a living shrine as well as a monument.
Places to visit near Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur
- Dhauli Shanti StupaPeace pagoda near the Ashokan rock edicts, about 10 km away
- Lingaraja TempleGreat 11th-century Shiva temple of Bhubaneswar, about 15 km away
- PipiliVillage famous for colourful appliqué craft, about 15 km away
- Jagannath Temple, PuriOne of the Char Dham, about 55 km away
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Chausath Yogini Temple roofless?
According to tantric belief, worship of the Yoginis was meant to be open to the sky and the elements, and the Yoginis were believed to be able to fly.
How many Yogini idols survive at Hirapur?
Around 56 of the original 64 Yogini images survive in the niches of the circular wall.
How far is Hirapur from Bhubaneswar?
Hirapur is about 15 km from Bhubaneswar, about a 30-minute drive.
When was the Hirapur Yogini temple built?
It is generally dated to the 9th century; local tradition links it with a queen named Hiradevi.
What is the aarti time at Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur?
Morning puja: Morning (approx.); Evening puja: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur timings?
Usually open from about sunrise to sunset. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur?
Modest clothing is recommended; footwear is removed before entering the shrine.
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