Who Are the 64 Yoginis
The 64 Yoginis, or Chausath Yoginis, are a group of powerful feminine spirits or goddess forms in Hindu tradition, considered manifestations of Devi's own shakti who assist and accompany her. They are often described as attendants of the Saptamatrikas, the seven mother goddesses, each of the seven said to have expanded into a group of eight yoginis, making the total of sixty-four.
Devotees regard the yoginis as guardian energies, fierce yet protective, associated with the mysteries of Shakti worship.
Origin Story
Various traditions describe the yoginis as having emerged during the great battles between Devi and the asuras, when the goddess's shakti multiplied into many forms to overpower the demon armies more completely. Others connect their origin closely to the Saptamatrikas, since Brahmani, Vaishnavi, Maheshwari, Indrani, Kaumari, Varahi and Narasimhi are each said to have a group of yoginis under them.
Whatever the exact telling, the underlying idea is consistent, that Devi's shakti is vast enough to take countless forms when protecting dharma.
Classification of the Yoginis
Texts describing the yoginis vary somewhat in their exact names and groupings, but a common tradition organises them as eight groups of eight, each group associated with one of the Saptamatrikas as their leader. Some yoginis are described with animal faces, others in fully human form, each carrying her own weapon and vahana.
This classification reflects the idea of Shakti as infinitely varied yet unified, sixty-four distinct expressions of one underlying divine feminine energy.
Significance of the Yoginis
The yoginis are considered guardians of directions, thresholds and sacred spaces, which is why their temples are built as circular enclosures with the yoginis' niches facing inward toward a central shrine, symbolically surrounding and protecting it.
In tantric tradition, the yoginis are also associated with siddhis, spiritual attainments, and are approached with deep respect and discipline, since their worship is considered powerful and is traditionally reserved for those guided by a qualified teacher.
How the Yoginis Are Honoured Today
Direct worship of the 64 Yoginis today survives mainly at the handful of surviving circular temples such as Hirapur, Mitawali and Bhedaghat, where devotees walk the circular path around the courtyard as a form of pradakshina, honouring the collective feminine energy the shrine represents.
Many devotees also honour the yoginis indirectly through Saptamatrika worship and the recitation of the Devi Mahatmya during Navratri, since the seven mothers are considered their source and leaders.
The Devotional Takeaway
The 64 Yoginis remind devotees that the divine feminine cannot be confined to a single form, that Shakti expresses itself in countless ways, fierce and gentle, human and animal faced, always ultimately protective of dharma and devotees. Approaching their memory, as per tradition, calls for humility and respect rather than curiosity alone.
Worship connected to the yoginis, like all devotion to Devi, is an act of faith and love, not a transaction.
Quick Answers
How many Yoginis are there and where does the number come from?+
There are 64 Yoginis in tradition, commonly explained as eight groups of eight, each group linked to one of the seven Saptamatrikas as their leader.
Are the 64 Yoginis the same as the Saptamatrikas?+
No, the Saptamatrikas are seven senior mother goddesses, while the 64 Yoginis are described in many traditions as their attendants or expanded forms.
Where can devotees see 64 Yogini shrines today?+
A handful of circular Chausath Yogini temples survive today, most notably at Hirapur in Odisha, Mitawali in Madhya Pradesh, and near Bhedaghat by the Narmada river.
About the author
Anjali Mehta · Editor, M.A. Religious Studies
Anjali is the managing editor for Vandnaa and oversees the festival and vrat coverage. She holds an M.A. in Religious Studies and reviews every published article for accuracy, accessibility, and tradition-fidelity.
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