64 Yoginis of Maa Durga: Myth, Magic, or Lost Science?
Priyanshi | Mar 06, 2025, 18:48 IST
The 64 Yoginis, or Chausath Yoginis, are a series of fierce female goddesses related to Shakti (divine feminine power) and Tantra in Hindu mythology. Depicted as goddesses who were like warriors, they were attendants or manifestations of Maa Durga and were said to have supernatural powers. Their practice was once widespread throughout India, but now their temples are hidden from the outside world, mostly connected with old rituals, occult knowledge, and even speculations about flying beings.Are these Yoginis simply symbolic characters in Hinduism, or is there more to their legend than it seems? Let's delve into the intriguing world of these goddesses.
Hindu scriptures describe Yoginis as celestial beings created by Maa Durga, Kali, or Parvati to assist in battles against demons. In the Markandeya Purana and Skanda Purana, Yoginis appear as fierce warriors who help the goddess annihilate powerful Asuras (demons).
One legend states that when Mahishasura, Raktabija, and other demons threatened cosmic balance, Durga created 64 Yoginis from her divine energy. Each Yogini carried distinct powers, making them undefeatable in battle. After their victory, these Yoginis were granted immortality and tasked with maintaining universal harmony.
The Secretive
Unlike Hindu temples, Yogini temples are uniquely designed—many are circular with open roofs, which speaks to their association with secretive tantric rituals.
Hirapur (Odisha) – The best-preserved Yogini temple, dated to the 9th century. The Yoginis here are shown in varied postures, carrying weapons and animals, symbolizing power and change.
Bhedaghat (Madhya Pradesh) – This temple situated in the Jabalpur district is associated with ancient tantric rituals. Researchers think that it was also used for calculating things astronomically.
Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh) – This erotic sculpture temple reflects the intense connection between Yoginis and Tantric tradition.
Ranipur-Jharial (Odisha) – It is a complex of Shaiva, Shakta, and Vaishnav traditions, and there is varied influence of the Yoginis here.
Every Yogini has a special power (Shakti) and is thus greatly respected in Tantra. Some of the well-known Yoginis are:
Rakta Yogini – The red goddess who is related to blood and energy.
Vajra Yogini – Goddess of lightning and destruction.
Charchika Yogini – The guardian of knowledge and wisdom.
Bhadrakali Yogini – The fierce warrior against evil forces.
Yogini worship is mainly associated with Tantric traditions, whose concern is the transformation of energy, mysticism, and moksha or liberation. A few rituals were thought to give one supernatural ability, such as siddhis (spiritual accomplishments) such as becoming invisible, controlling minds, and even the power to fly.
Traditionally, these rituals were conducted in secrecy, usually using strong mantras, yantras (mystical diagrams), and meditations. With the passage of time, as orthodox Hinduism progressed towards more organized temple worship, Yogini worship was repressed, being referred to as occult or forbidden.
One of the most fascinating features of the Yogini myths is the fact that they were said to be able to fly. British colonial sources refer to local customs in Odisha and Madhya Pradesh as talking about the Yoginis as "flying women" who moved through the air with supernatural powers.
There are theories that the open-roofed circular Yogini temples were built for aerial rituals, in which initiates would be able to call forth divine energies or even attain altered states of consciousness. Modern science may reject such assertions, but ancient writings such as the Vaimanika Shastra (a Sanskrit treatise on flying machines) feed speculation about lost advanced knowledge.
Despite their decline in mainstream worship, the 64 Yoginis still hold significance for spiritual seekers, historians, and feminists. Their stories highlight the power of divine feminine energy, breaking the stereotype of goddesses as merely gentle or nurturing figures.
In an age where feminine empowerment is gaining global recognition, the Yoginis stand as a testament to the strength, wisdom, and mystical potential of women. Modern scholars and yogis are revisiting these ancient practices to uncover their deeper meanings.
The 64 Yoginis of Maa Durga remain one of Hinduism’s most enigmatic spiritual traditions. Were they celestial warriors, tantric goddesses, or ancient beings with advanced knowledge? While much of their legacy is hidden in the ruins of forgotten temples, their presence continues to intrigue those drawn to the mysteries of the divine feminine.
As more people seek alternative spiritual traditions beyond mainstream religion, the Yoginis are re-emerging from the shadows—inviting us to explore their ancient wisdom, power, and secrets.
Would you dare to step into a Yogini temple and uncover their lost knowledge?
One legend states that when Mahishasura, Raktabija, and other demons threatened cosmic balance, Durga created 64 Yoginis from her divine energy. Each Yogini carried distinct powers, making them undefeatable in battle. After their victory, these Yoginis were granted immortality and tasked with maintaining universal harmony.
The Secretive Chausath Yogini Temples of India
secret of 64 yoginis
Unlike Hindu temples, Yogini temples are uniquely designed—many are circular with open roofs, which speaks to their association with secretive tantric rituals.
Legendary 64 Yogini Temples:
Bhedaghat (Madhya Pradesh) – This temple situated in the Jabalpur district is associated with ancient tantric rituals. Researchers think that it was also used for calculating things astronomically.
Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh) – This erotic sculpture temple reflects the intense connection between Yoginis and Tantric tradition.
Ranipur-Jharial (Odisha) – It is a complex of Shaiva, Shakta, and Vaishnav traditions, and there is varied influence of the Yoginis here.
The 64 Yoginis and Their Powers
Rakta Yogini – The red goddess who is related to blood and energy.
Vajra Yogini – Goddess of lightning and destruction.
Charchika Yogini – The guardian of knowledge and wisdom.
Bhadrakali Yogini – The fierce warrior against evil forces.
Yogini worship is mainly associated with Tantric traditions, whose concern is the transformation of energy, mysticism, and moksha or liberation. A few rituals were thought to give one supernatural ability, such as siddhis (spiritual accomplishments) such as becoming invisible, controlling minds, and even the power to fly.
Traditionally, these rituals were conducted in secrecy, usually using strong mantras, yantras (mystical diagrams), and meditations. With the passage of time, as orthodox Hinduism progressed towards more organized temple worship, Yogini worship was repressed, being referred to as occult or forbidden.
One of the most fascinating features of the Yogini myths is the fact that they were said to be able to fly. British colonial sources refer to local customs in Odisha and Madhya Pradesh as talking about the Yoginis as "flying women" who moved through the air with supernatural powers.
There are theories that the open-roofed circular Yogini temples were built for aerial rituals, in which initiates would be able to call forth divine energies or even attain altered states of consciousness. Modern science may reject such assertions, but ancient writings such as the Vaimanika Shastra (a Sanskrit treatise on flying machines) feed speculation about lost advanced knowledge.
Despite their decline in mainstream worship, the 64 Yoginis still hold significance for spiritual seekers, historians, and feminists. Their stories highlight the power of divine feminine energy, breaking the stereotype of goddesses as merely gentle or nurturing figures.
In an age where feminine empowerment is gaining global recognition, the Yoginis stand as a testament to the strength, wisdom, and mystical potential of women. Modern scholars and yogis are revisiting these ancient practices to uncover their deeper meanings.
The 64 Yoginis of Maa Durga remain one of Hinduism’s most enigmatic spiritual traditions. Were they celestial warriors, tantric goddesses, or ancient beings with advanced knowledge? While much of their legacy is hidden in the ruins of forgotten temples, their presence continues to intrigue those drawn to the mysteries of the divine feminine.
As more people seek alternative spiritual traditions beyond mainstream religion, the Yoginis are re-emerging from the shadows—inviting us to explore their ancient wisdom, power, and secrets.
Would you dare to step into a Yogini temple and uncover their lost knowledge?