The Chausath Yogini Temple in Hirapur, approximately 20 km from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is the earliest extant yogini temple, dating back to the ninth century CE. Its inner diameter measures 7.6 meters (25 feet), while its outer circumference is 27 meters (88 feet 7 inches). In the center of the enclosure is a rectangular open mandapa, measuring 2.8 meters by 2.4 meters (9 feet 2 inches by 7 feet 10 inches). The niches in the inner enclosure feature images of yoginis, while the outer surface displays nine images of Katyayani, one of the nine forms of the Hindu goddess Parvati.
The Chausath Yogini Temple in Hirapur, approximately 20 km from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is the earliest extant yogini temple, dating back to the ninth century CE. Its inner diameter measures 7.6 meters (25 feet), while its outer circumference is 27 meters (88 feet 7 inches). In the center of the enclosure is a rectangular open mandapa, measuring 2.8 meters by 2.4 meters (9 feet 2 inches by 7 feet 10 inches). The niches in the inner enclosure feature images of yoginis, while the outer surface displays nine images of Katyayani, one of the nine forms of the Hindu goddess Parvati.
Local authorities are working to enhance the temple’s accessibility and amenities to attract visitors. This includes improving infrastructure and providing information about the temple’s history and architectural uniqueness.
