Odisha’s Chausath Yogini Temples at Hirapur & Ranipur-Jharial Added to UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage Sites

Chausathi Yogini Temple, Hirapur © Kevin Standage

Bhubaneswar, Odisha — In a major boost to India’s heritage conservation and global recognition, the Chausath Yogini Temples at Hirapur and Ranipur-Jharial in Odisha have officially been included in UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. This milestone marks the first step toward full World Heritage status for these rare shrines dedicated to the worship of 64 Yoginis, a unique and esoteric tradition of Tantric Hinduism.

Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur, Bhubaneswar

Located just 20 km from Bhubaneswar, the Hirapur Yogini Temple is believed to have been built in the 9th century CE by Queen Hiradevi of the Bhouma dynasty. Unlike most Hindu temples, it is circular and hypaethral (open to the sky), symbolising a direct connection with the cosmos.

Chausathi Yogini Temple © Odisha Tourism

The temple houses intricately carved sculptures of 64 Yoginis, each standing on animals, demons, or symbolic figures—showcasing the supremacy of Shakti (divine feminine power). Hirapur is considered the best-preserved Yogini temple in India, drawing researchers, pilgrims, and tourists alike.

Ranipur-Jharial, Balangir, Odisha

The Ranipur-Jharial Yogini Temple, located in Balangir district, is another rare circular shrine dedicated to the Yoginis. Built around the 9th–10th century CE, it originally contained 64 sculptures, of which 62 survive today. Notably, many Yoginis here have animal heads, such as cats, antelopes, or birds—making it distinct from Hirapur.

Ranipur-Jharial, also called the “Somatirtha” (sacred confluence of the Soma river), is home to over 50 temples, including a shrine to Nateshwar (Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer). This makes it an extraordinary cultural and spiritual hub of Odisha.

Why UNESCO Recognition Matters

Inclusion in the UNESCO Tentative List is the first step toward achieving the prestigious World Heritage Site tag. This recognition brings several benefits:

• Global visibility of Odisha’s heritage.

• Boost to cultural tourism in Bhubaneswar, Balangir, and Odisha as a whole.

• International funding and conservation support for preservation of the temples.

• Greater academic and cultural interest in Tantric traditions and Yogini worship.

The nomination is part of the “Serial Nomination of Chausath Yogini Temples”, which includes Hirapur, Ranipur-Jharial, and similar temples across India.

Cultural and Architectural Significance of Yogini Temples

• Rare open-air design: Unlike enclosed Hindu shrines, these temples are circular and roofless, symbolising cosmic union.

• Esoteric rituals: Yogini worship is linked to Tantric practices, emphasising feminine divinity.

• Unique iconography:

  • Hirapur features Yoginis standing on symbolic creatures.

  • Ranipur-Jharial is known for its animal-headed Yoginis.

• Historical legacy: These temples date back over 1,000 years, representing Odisha’s role as a centre of Tantric philosophy and art.

The Road Ahead for Odisha’s Chausath Yogini Temples

For full UNESCO inscription, Odisha’s heritage authorities and the Government of India must submit a detailed nomination dossier, including:

1. Historical authenticity & integrity reports.

2. Conservation strategies to protect sculptures from weathering.

3. Visitor management & tourism infrastructure plans.

4. Community engagement to preserve living traditions and rituals.

The inclusion of Hirapur and Ranipur-Jharial Yogini Temples in UNESCO’s Tentative List is a historic recognition of Odisha’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Once granted full World Heritage status, these sites will join India’s prestigious heritage landmarks like Konark Sun Temple, Khajuraho Temples, and Hampi—further elevating Odisha as a global cultural tourism destination.