The Chausathi Yoginis of Hirapur : from tantra to tourism
Adyasha Das (Author)
Based on the author's research and information collected from museums, this books seeks to demystify the relatively unknown Chausathi Yoginis of Hirapur. The Yogini Cult, Tantric in nature and tantra itself, projecting the efficacy of magical rituals and spell, sounds and gestures, is intertwined deeply with rural and tribal traditions. There is a diverse range of attitudes toward the tantric traditions, ranging from viewing it as a path to liberation to the relatively widespread associations of the tantric traditions with sorcery and libertine sexuality. In Hinduism, the tantra tradition is most often associated with its goddess tradition called Shaktism, followed by Shaivism and Vaishnavism. In this temple, every male deity except Shiva are replaced by a female counterpart including Ganesh all of them representing varied qualities. Das discusses the various powers the Chausathi Yoginis are believed to impart to their followers, as well as the significance of the Hirapur site as a potential cultural tourism destination
Print Book, English, 2019
First international edition
Black Eagle Books, Dublin, OH, 2019