http://www.yoginiashram.net/html/yogini s.html Yoginis “Sixty and four are the instruments of enjoyments that tempt the individual soul (jiva). Sixty and four are the divisions (kalas) within jiva; Sixty and four are the chambers of jiva’s chakras; Sixty and four; where Shiva-Shakti are.†Thirumandiram V. 1418 In very ancient days, eight great Female Goddesses Shaktis emerged from the cosmic soul of the Principle Dieties and formed Kali Durga, the Universal Shakti Power, These were the grand Mothers (Ashta Matrikas) of all subsequent Yoginis. According to Kaula Tantra, these eight manifested each in turn into eight Divine Shaktis, thus resulting in the 64 Tantric Yoginis. Eight Great Mothers (Ashta Matrikas), Halebid, Karnataka An examination of the ancient Tantric tradition reveals a particular sanctity assigned to the number eight. The eight mother faculties (tatvas) of the manifested universe, the eight directions with four cardinal and four intermediate points (digbandahs), the eight miraculous yogic powers (siddhis), eight "limbs" of Yoga (astanga) eight forms of the Divine Mother (matrikas) and eight primary mystic symbols (mudras) are just a few examples. The square of eight, or sixty-four, occupies an even more profound position in the field of Tantra which, from the point of view of the practitioner, first and foremost identifies the sixty-four Tantric Yoginis. what need is there for pilgrimage. yoga and the revealed texts? My mystery is grand and broad and expansive beyond the consciousness of humanity. kriya. pretending to be limited as a human incarnation. Love. austerities and even sadhana itself? If I am revealed. and Power that are all the hallmarks of my essence.The Matrikas are found in inscriptions uncovered from the Indus Valley Civilization of 5000 years ago. I am the polarities and the forces of creation. I become intoxicated with all aspects of life. In doing so I provide an avenue for humanity to taste the nectar of immortality through my Kaula Tantra. Light. yet I am ever accessible as the cosmic lover beyond the thinking mind and it is I who is the source of the Peace. I take on human incarnation in order that all of his less conscious manifestations might discover their divinity though relationship with me. my true nature still remains secret.†Chatuhsasthi Yogini Mantra 64 Kali Yogini Namavali . Manifesting in both celestial and terrestrial planes. “O Great Ones. if I am known. of what use is puja. promoting the elevation of consciousness for those who seek it through me. with whom I always seek oneness. the Divine feminine in union with her Lord. Even given this. tantra. in order to know Shiva as my intimate lover. I live hidden in the bodies of human lovers. Kurukulla Rasanatha Ruler of physical pleasure 5. Vipracitta Rakta Priya Who loves passion 7. Ugra Rakta Bhoga Rupa Enjoyer of passion in the form 8. Kula Devi Svarnadeha Of golden body 4. 1.Recitation of the following sacred mantras will bring about transformation of consciousness and a closer personal relationship with the aspects of Maha Kali. Ugraprabha Sukranatha Ruler of the seminal essence . Virodhini Vilasini Residing within Self 6. Kali Nitya Siddhamata Mother of the Siddhas 2. Kapalini Nagalakshmi Lakshmi of Naga 3. Each Mantra is preceeded by "Om" and is concluded with "Svahaa". Mudra Poorna Rajatkripa Who completely radiates compassion 15. Bhagamalini Tarini . Dipa Muktih Rakta Deha Liberation through the body of passion 10. Mita Tantra Kaula Diksha Initiatress of the Tantric Kaula Path 16. Balaka Kama Sevita Attended by the God of Love 13. Ghana MahaJagadamba Great Mother of the world 12. Matra Devi Atma Vidya The Goddess with knowledge of Self 14. Kameshvari Sarvashakti Shakti of All 18. Nila Bhukti Rakta Sparsha Who receives pleasure from the touch of passion 11.9. Maha Kali Siddhesvari Queen of the Siddhas 17. Kulasundari Kamini Desire Itself 26. Tvarita Urdvaretada Giver of the Upward Ecstasy 25. Nilapataka Siddhida Giver of perfection .Who delivers from calamity 19. Shivaduti Adi Shakti Origional Feminie Energy 24. Vahnivasini Sasini Radiance of the moon 22. Bherunda Tatva Uttama Essence of Sexual Fluid 21. Mahavajreshvari Rakta Devi Senuous Goddess 23. Nityaklinna Tantraprita Fond of Tantra 20. Nitya Jnana Svarupini The Great form of Wisdom 27. Vijaya Devi Vasuda Goddess who is Giver of wealth 29. Sarvamangala Tantrada Who Bestows Tantra 30.28. Sakini Mitrarupini . Lalita Kanya Sukrada Pure Maiden 33. Lakini Sarvatantresi Ruler of all tantras 36. Jvalamalini Nagini Snake Goddess 31. Dakini Madasalini Shining with rapture 34. Chitra Devi Rakta Puja Goddess who is worshipped with passion 32. Kakini Naganartaki Who dances with Nagaraj 37. Rakini Papa Rasini Destroyer of sin 35. Tara Yoga Rakta Poorna Who in union bestows complete passion 40. Shodashi Latika Devi Creeper Goddess 41.Friend 38. Chinamasta Yoni Vega With dripping yoni 43. Hakini Manoharini Mind Stealer 39. Bhuvaneshwari Mantrini Energy of all mantras 42. Matangi Kanta Yuvati Youthful beauty enhanced by Love . Bhairavi Satya Sukrini Supreme Purity 44. Bagla Muki Guru Moorthi Form of the guru 46. Dhumavati Kundalini Primordial energy of self 45. Narasimhi Vamadevi Beloved Goddess 54. Camunda Parianganatha Ruler of sacred erection .47. Prakriti Brahmandri Devi Goddess residing in the crown 49. Ganga Yoni Svarupini Energy of the Yoni 55. Aprajita Samaptida Who Bestows Orgasm 56. Annapoorni Shiva Samgi With Shiva 53. Gayatri Nitya Chitrini Eternal core of the energy of Self 50. Mohini Matta Yogini Intoxicated 51. Kamala Sukla Samsthita Residing in the Semen 48. Saraswathi Svarga Devi Goddess of Heaven 52. Mahesvari Para Shakti Transcendental energy 63. Vaishnavi Satya Rupini Form of truth 62. Indrani Mukti Niyantri Guide to bliss 60. Varahi Satya Ekakini Oneness of Truth 58. Durga Satchitananda Truth consciousness and bliss . Kaumari Kriya Shaktini Energy of dedicated action 59.57. Lakshmi Monoramayoni With beautiful yoni 64. Brahmani Ananda Moorthi Image of bliss 61. D e s t r u c t i o n .Origin of Tantricism and Sixty-Four Yogini Cult in Orissa Dr. Saraswata Damara. Damaras are of six types . Siva's pasupata weapon proved futile. Mahavira. Yamalas tantra were designed to mean the worship of united deities. The r e a r e thr e e t r ends of t ant r a s : Dakshina. who had the power of creating numerous demons from his oozed blood touching the ground. Yamala and Damara. Shaktisangama tantra records Saiva. Like this tantra has a vast mass of literature covering wide range of heterogenous systems. Tantra is Sadhana. Vaisnava. deals with c o s m o l o g y .C o s m o l o g y . They were yoginis. The same story is recorded in the Mahabhagavata Purana to kill Andhaka demon. Tantra is a science of religion and philosophy of science. whereas Nigama refers to tantra spoken by Parvati to Lord Siva. In order to understand Tantra. In accordance with the sects the Tantras are classified. And we have really works known as tantras belonging to various sects like the Saivas. (of eleven types) and Savara of (eleven types). Janmejay Choudhury Tantricism in some form or other evolved in almost all the countries of the world. Ganapatya.M. own system of ritual practice and deity etc. An eminent . we have to touch upon the ancient civilisations. To subdue them Nrusimha created thirty-two mothers more powerful than the earlier one. Tantra is generally categorised into Agama. when the early men derived the magical power from the natural phenomena. But in India it has a speciality forming a significant part of the country's religious system in points of time and space. Sakha. Agamas are Vedic or nonVedic. viz." Really it is difficult to state the nons of tantras. yogadharma etc. the six block rites and four-fold m e d i t a t i o n . the ally of Sumbha. The markendeya Purana relates that the gods created goddesses from their own Shaktis to assist Durga in killing the demon Raktavirya.Yoga Damara. Visnukranta. The term Agam is explained as that class of tantra which is addressed to Parvati by Lord Siva. who drank blood of the demon before felling on the grounds. After Andhaka was killed the new goddesses moved in a campaign of destruction in the Universe. The word is traced from the term 't a n' ( t o spread) and 'tat r i' (to explain). The Tantrikas consider tantra as the fifth Veda. It is divided into Tantra. S a d h a n a . Worship of God. Through the process of transformation the cult came into existence and exerted an important niche in the Saktatantric pantheon. Haraprasad Sastri it means shortening of abbreviation like algebraic forms of formula. In the Vamadeva Tantra Parvati said to Lord Siva 'you have explained to me crores of tantras each of which has a special features of its own. the Sauras etc. Having no alternative Siva propitiated Nrusimha to come to his rescuse. The ancient and modern scholars have stated different derivative meanings of the word 'T a n t r a' . but never sixty-four manifestations together. The earlier mothers out of fear took refuge in Nrusimha who asked all the created mothers to look after the living beings of the Universe as mothers. who had the power to multiply himself into demons of the same stature and prowess from the drops of blood oozing out of his wonds and touching the ground.D. the Ganapatyas. Nigama and Yamala. Thus the original connotation of the term is scientific. its antiquity. on the other hand. Varahi tantra says Agamas deal with seven topics . who are basically the mothergoddesses. Purascharana. Vama and Madhyama. a s t r o n o m y . It is true that this literature is generally known among the followers of various sects as 'Agama' as well. The vedic and post-vedic literature mention the names of some individual yoginis. Pasupata etc. Rathakranta and Asvakranta. the tantras deal with the worship of not only female deities but with various male deities as well. when the occult and esoteric Sadhana reached the highest peak. The puranas and Upa-purans which are the source of different cults are referred to find out the origin of sixty-four yoginis. The culture of sixty-four Yoginis was the exuberant expression of extreme form of tantricism in about 8th century A. Lord Nrusimha created hundred and eight terrible goddess to help Ambika to kill Andhaka demon. Geographical conditions are also responsible in classification of Tantra. significance etc in the religious system of India. Yamala tantra. Brahma Damara and Gandharva Damara. Each tantra has its philosophy. Durga Damara. Siva Damara. As a matter of fact. division of castes. Bhaskar Ray in his book 'Setubandha' describes the 'Chausathi Mahamayavi Tantras' or '64 Yogini' as Veda. Origin of sixty-four yoginis is shrouded in mystery. Agamas are of various types. the Vaisnavas.According to M. Saura. sixty-four yoginis are associated with sixty-four kalas. Chhaya. Name of these sixtyfour yoginis – 1. Khe cha r i . Skanda purana. Naga r i 28. the principal seven or eight are known as mother goddesses such as Brahmani. Ba r ahi 27.modern scholar opined that yoginis were originally women or priestesses. Maheswari. 23. Anala 25. It is probable that these eight principal mother goddesses who are evidently the yoginis were multified into sixty-four. 64 and more angles of the centre of which there is Siva. Various sources have furnished different numbers of yoginis. chandi purana of Sarala Das. Maheswari. Kamala. Ambika Kumari 14. Kulatirna Yogini. . Kulaja and Antyeja. Guptatara Yogini. Kachikeswari 24. 22. The Yoginis are sixty-four in number and are classified as Sahaja. The Kalika purana. 4. Indrani etc. Brihadnandikeswara Purana. 8. Varabi. Bhuchari. Durgapuja. 19. Bhagabati. sixtyfour Ratibandhas. the yogojas are propitiated with yogic practices and the mantrajas with Mantras. Bhairavi. 16. 17. Yogaja and Mantraja based on different principles. Another list enumerates as many as sixty-nine yoginis in eight categories. 10. sixtyfour Bhairava. Tripura. such as Gupta Yoginis. 12. Kanti. Maya 3. Of these sixty-four yoginies. but ultimately the number sixty-four appears to have been accepted by all the authorities. Baseli 9. Ugratara 11. cansatha yogini namavali. Omnipresent. Vaisnavi. Brahmayani. 26. Nigarva Yogini. Ghatabari. who being possessed by the spirit of goddesses became yoginis. The circle thus forms a 'Lotus' reminding us of the famous Tantric Sricakra. Charchika 12. 5. This theory of Matsyendra holds good when we analyse the extant yogini temples. furish seventy-fine images. Rupa. The yogini kaula of Matsyendranath also refers to the worship of mystic circles made up of 4. Rahasya Yogini. Bata Avakasa of Balaram Das and other texts containlist of sixty-four yoginis. Madhavi. 20. Chandrakanti. Santi. names and rituals attached to them. The yoginis have been classified in different texts according to their functions. immovable and undualified. 30. 7. 6. 13. Vaisnavi. Narayani. That the cult of sixty-four yoginis was widely prevalent is evident from several lists of sixty-four yoginis recorded in different texts. The number of yogini is really perplexing. The first two groups of the second classification have association with the sacred pithas. 15. the inscribed images in the sixty-four yogini temple of Bheraghal of M. are classified as yoginis.P. 29. Besides. Tarini. Sampradaya Yogini. Kaumari. The mother goddesses such as Brahmani. Rudrayani 8. 18. Nila. The sixty-four yoginis are most probably so many angles representing the equal number of manifestations of the Shakti embracing Siva. Another text states sixty-nine yoginis in eight categories. sixty-four Nayika and sixty-four emotion of human-being. Brihndla Tantra. who according to the Puranic stories were created to drink blood of the demons. Atirahasya Yogini. Another text divides yoginis into Ksetraja. Indrani and Chamunda. Pithaja. Maheswari. Chamunda 21. 2. Betali. gov. 34. 52. 58. Balakshatrayani. Kapali. 36. Kama l a . 60.pdf http://www. http://orissa. In Hirapur Yogini temple the images are all standing associated their Vahana. Gopali. Sohini. 53. 32. Nima i . Sankata Tarini. Bukuchai. Dohini. 62. 63. Bali. 40. 45. 43. Dharani 64 Matangi. 44. Anadi Shakti. Kalinjari. Kotalai. Anuchhaya. Mohini. The images of Bheraghat temple of Madhya Pradesh are seated in Lalitasana. 47. 59. 57. Uttarayani. Kamasena. 41.shivashakti. Ramayani. 46. Twelve lists of sixty-four yoginis collected so far do not confirm to each other. 38. Brahmani.31. 51. Sankha. 42. 49. 35. 37. 48 Dakhinai . Dake swa r i . Kechamukhi Samuha. Trailokya Byapini. Samasila. Dwarini. Rudrakali. Mudha. The extant yogini temples do not show uniformity in iconography. Trilochana.com/ for detailed tantra . Ullaka. 39. 50. whereas at Ranipur Jharial they are in dancing poses. 61. 56.in/e-magazine/Orissareview/oct2004/englishPdf/originoftantricism. 55. Kankali. Kalavati. 33. All these names of sixty-four yoginis are described in Chandi Purana of Sarala Das. 54.