Chaunsath Yogini

Yogini, the Divine Energy

A Yogini can be described as a divine feminine energy that has descended as an aspect of Parashakti, the Supreme Goddess. Sacred texts and mythologies often refer to a group of 64 Yoginis who are also revered in temples and worship. 'Chaunsath' is the term for the number 64, and 'Chaunsath Yogini'- the 64 Yoginis- refer to these divine feminine incarnations.

Origin of Yoginis

According to mythology, in ancient times, there emerged from the soul of the primary deities, 8 Shaktis, the powerful Goddesses, and they came together to form Kali Durga, the Universal Power. These Ashta Matrikas were the source (or the grandmothers) of the Yoginis that emerged subsequently. As each of these 8 feminine energies manifested further as 8 Shaktis, the Sacred energies, there emerged a total of 64 such powers, known as Tantric Yoginis. These 64 potent Goddess forms possess unique characteristics and powers that can ward off negative energies, such as fears, protect against misfortune, fulfill sincere wishes, and bestow auspiciousness, knowledge, prosperity, peace, and the blessing of good progeny.

The significance of 8 & 64

Number 8, known as 'Ashta' in Sanskrit, holds immense significance in our spiritual and tantric traditions. There are- Ashta Siddhis, the 8 yogic powers; Ashtanga, the 8 yogic limbs; Ashta Aishwarya, the 8 types of wealth; Ashta Disha, the 8 directions; Ashta Mudras, the 8 mystic symbols, and Ashta Matrikas, the 8 divine Mother aspects.

The square of this powerful number 8 is 64 (82 = 64), which is all the more potent in the tantric realm. And the Yoginis identify themselves with this tantric powerhouse of 64, as 'Chaunsath Yogini,' the 64 Yoginis.

Chaunsath Yogini in Legends

Sacred texts such as the Lalita Sahasranama and the Bhagavata Purana, as well as the Yogini Sahasranama, revere the Mother Goddess Shakti as the Great Ascetic, 'Maha Yogini.'

There are also numerous references in the Puranas, ancient scriptures including the Brahmananda Purana, Skanda Purana, and Agni Purana, regarding the 64 Yoginis and their powers. Historical accounts and literature that emerged in and around the 10th Century CE also contain mythological stories or particulars about these Yoginis and their eminence.

The 64 Yoginis

The 64 Yoginis are-

Divyayoginī, Mahāyoginī, Siddhayoginī, Gaṇeśvarī, Pretākṣī, Dākinī, Kālī, Kālarātri, Niśācarī, jhaṃkārī, Urdvavetālī, Kharparī, Bhūtayāminī, Urdvakeśī, Virupākṣī Suṣkaṃgī, Māṃsabhojanī, Phetkārī, Vīrabhadrākṣī, Dhūmrākṣī, Kalahapriyā, Raktā, Ghoraraktākṣī, Piśacī, Bhayaṃkarī, Chaurikā, Mārikā, Chaṇḍī, Vārāhī, Muṇḍadhariṇī, Bhairavī, Chakriṇī, Krodhā, Durmukhī, Pretavāhinī, Kaṇṭakī, Dīrghalaṃbauṣṭhī, Mālinī, Mantrayoginī, Kālāgnī, Mohinī, Chakrī, Kapālī, Bhuvaneśvarī, Kuṇḍalākṣhī, Juhī, Lakṣhmī, Yamadūtī, Karālinī, Kauśhikī, Bhakṣhiṇī, Yakṣhī, Kaumārī, Yantravahinī, Viśhālā, Kāmukī, Vyāghrī, Yākṣini, Pretabhavanī, Dhūrjaṭā, Vikatā, Ghorā, Kapālā, and Laṅgalī.

Chaunsath Yogini Yantra Worship

A Yantra is a geometrical design, usually engraved on a metallic sheet, believed to possess the spiritual powers of various deities. Worshipping them can earn the grace of the deity concerned and bestow many benefits.

Chaunsath Yogini Yantra is also a powerful tantric device, possessing the powers of the 64 Yoginis. Performing Pooja and offering worship to the Yantra, chanting the following Mantra, can please the Yoginis and bestow their protection and beneficial blessings upon us.

Oṁ Aiṃ Klīṃ Srīṃ Hsauḥ Chatuḥṣaṣṭayoginebhyo Namaḥ