Those familiar with Hindu mythology might have an idea of the importance of the 64 yoginis in shaping events by the sheer force of their magical power and moral uprightness. 

The term ‘yogini’ means ‘lady ascetic’, the 64 yoginis are supposed to be followers of Devi or Durga, the epitome of female austerity and power. It is believed that they hold the power to confer the title of 'Chakravarti', 'king of kings' to king, provided he answers their difficult riddles.

Strangely, despite their importance in the Hindu tradition, there are only few temples (the count is said to be 9 across the states of Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and Assam) where the 64 yoginis are worshipped. 

Perhaps the most famous of such temples is at Hirapur, a small village on the outskirts of Bhubaneshwar, Orissa. Also known as 'Mahamaya Mandir', this temple is believed to have been used as a centre for tantric practices. Stories abound on the power of the yoginis in this temple and and on those who have been blessed or cursed by them. 

Discovered in the year 1953 by Kedarnath Mahapatra who was then working for the State Museum of Orissa, this hypaethral temple is unique in its architecture. The shrine is circular and only about two and half metres high. Made of coarse sandstone, common in the area, it harbours images of the yoginis standing on different animals (tortoises, boars, parrots) and in different postures on the inner side of the circular wall. 

The figurines of the yoginis themselves are made from black chlorite that is not available locally. While some of the yoginis have animal heads (from elephants, to snakes and lions) others have intriguing hairdos. There is a square column at the centre of the courtyard that houses eight yoginis in different mudras (dance postures). The idol of the presiding deity goddess, Mahamaya, is taller than the other yoginis' and has a distinct ten-armed figure. 

Supposedly built in the 9th century AD, this temple has an enigmatic mystery surrounding it. Locals swear by Mahamaya and to this day the temple is regarded as a high ground of tantric rites. Whether or not the yoginis and their followers are relevant in today's world, the 64 yogini temple stands as a vibrant testimony to the beliefs and practices of the times when kings harboured the ambition of becoming chakravartis.