I think I would do anything for a one way ticket out of here

In the medieval times (‪800 – 1300‬ AD) in certain parts of India, Goddess was worshipped in sixty four (64) forms known as Yoginis whose reference has also been found in various Puranic literature.

The 64 Yoginis are:

1.Chhaya, 2. Maya, 3. Narayani, 4. Brahmayani, 5. Bhairavi, 6. Maheswari,7. Rudrayani, 8. Baseli,9. Tripura,10. Ugratara, 11. Charchika, 12. Tarini,13. Ambika Kumari, 14. Bhagabati, 15. Nila,16. Kamala, 17. Santi, 18. Kanti, 19. Ghatabari,20. Chamunda, 21. Chandrakanti, 22. Madhavi,23. Kachikeswari, 24. Anala, 25. Rupa,26. Barahi , 27. Nagari , 28. Khechari ,29. Bhuchari, 30. Betali, 31. Kalinjari,32. Sankha, 33. Rudrakali, 34. Kalavati, 35. Kankali, 36. Bukuchai, 37. Bali, 38. Dohini,39. Dwarini, 40. Sohini, 41. Sankata Tarini, 42. Kotalai, 43. Anuchhaya, 44. Kechamukhi Samuha, 45. Ullaka, 46. Samasila, 47. Mudha, 48 Dakhinai, 49. Gopali, 50. Mohini,51. Kamasena, 52. Kapali, 53. Uttarayani,54. Trailokya Byapini, 55. Trilochana,56. Nimai , 57. Dakeswari , 58. Kamala ,59. Ramayani, 60. Anadi Shakti,61. Balakshatrayani, 62. Brahmani, 63. Dharani 64. Matangi.

The 64 Yogini Temple in Hirapur, Odisha, also known as the “Mahamaya Temple”, has an ambiance that is quite charged. The temple emits overwhelming energies that can be realised by those to whom She chooses to grant. Mahamaya, the dark and the most beautiful with eyes that sees the soul in you, is the presiding deity of this open sky circular temple. In many such temples, an open shrine in the center of the circle dedicated to either Shiva or Bhairava. At the 64 Hirapur, the center is the Chandi Mandappa where the Chandi path is recited to please the Yoginis.

In Yogini worship, the Tantrik symbol is a chakra with 64 spokes in the wheel. Each spoke represents one Yogini a form of Shakti. In most of the well-conserved temples, the sculptures of Yoginis are intact and none of them are erotic as in other temples. This is because this cult did not believe in sexual union as a path to self discovery.

When you see them close these bejewelled women look so alive and completely immersed in themselves enjoying the music, the dance, the sringaar, the life to it’s core. And then there are some who are the warriors drinking the blood of asuras in human skulls.

A pleasant reminder to us women on the way we need to live our lives. Be Bold, Be Beautiful, Be True, Be Fearless, Be a Protector, Be The 64…..Be YOU!