64 Yoginis

64 Yoginis, The number 64 is significant in Hindu cosmology and symbolizes completeness and the full cycle of cosmic creation. Each Yogini within the group of 64 yoginis represents a specific aspect of the divine feminine energy, which is believed to govern the universe. They are known to possess extraordinary powers, including the ability to change. The 64 Yoginis are not just deities but are considered powerful entities that straddle the line between the human and the divine. They are often depicted as fierce and autonomous, embodying the raw, untamed aspects of the sacred feminine force.

In the practice of tantra, the 64 Yoginis are seen as both guides and protectors, offering wisdom and supernatural abilities to their devotees. These abilities include anima (becoming minuscule), laghima (levitation), garima (increasing weight), mahima (enlarging oneself), and several others that allow control over the natural and supernatural worlds. The 64 Yoginis are masters of yoga, adept in the esoteric practices of tantra, and are broadly equated with goddesses, particularly with forms of the Goddess Parvati.

The 64 Yoginis cult is believed to have originated in rural and tribal traditions, and has strong connections with the worship of local village deities (Grama Devatas). There are Yogini temples, dating from the 9th to the 12th century, dedicated to these divine figures. These temples are open to the sky, a design that reflects the Yoginis’ connection with the cosmos and their role as intermediaries between the earthly and the ethereal realms. The Yogini temples, scattered across India, invite us to step into a world where the divine dances freely under the open sky, where the sacred is palpable, and where the mysteries of the universe are waiting to be discovered.

Over time, the Yoginis were incorporated into the broader Hindu practises, becoming an integral part of the Goddess worship and the Mahavidya, the ten aspects of the divine feminine principle.

The Yoginis are also associated with the clan of the 8 Mothers (Matrikas). These clans are linked to the Bhairava cult, where the Yoginis are depicted carrying skulls and other tantric symbols, practicing in cremation grounds and other liminal spaces. They are revered for their power to both protect and disseminate esoteric tantric knowledge.

The 64 Yoginis are a testament to the enduring legacy of the divine feminine in Indian spirituality. They represent the many facets of life, from creation to destruction, from nurturing to transformation. The Yoginis challenge us to embrace the full spectrum of existence, to recognize the power of the feminine, and to acknowledge the divine that resides within and all around us.