Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur

About Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur

This distinctive temple, believed built by Queen Hiradevi of the Bhauma-Kara dynasty in the 9th century CE, represents one of only four surviving Chausath Yogini temples in India. The shrine features a roofless circular design intentionally constructed to maintain connection with the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—essential to tantric practice. Standing just eight feet tall with a thirty-foot diameter, the temple requires visitors to lower their heads upon entry. The interior wall contains approximately 60 niches, each housing a uniquely carved black chlorite yogini idol depicted in different poses and adorned with ornaments, some shown playing instruments or standing upon animal vehicles and mythological figures. The central sanctum features the Chandi Mandap pavilion with a sculpture of Goddess Kali. Though damaged by Kalapahad in the 16th century, the temple was rediscovered and restored by historian Kedarnath Mohapatra in 1953 and now remains under Archaeological Survey of India supervision.

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