Beena Unnikrishnan’s desire to create a portrait of her mother Tripura Sundari inspired her to learn more about the 64 Yoginis. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
In the Hindu pantheon of gods and goddesses, the idea of sixty-four (64) Yoginis holds a distinct and somewhat mysterious place. Yoginis are a group of 64 female deities, primarily associated with Shakta and Tantric practices between the 9th and 12th centuries. Unlike the deities of mainstream temples located within closed sanctums, Yogini temples were often circular and open to the sky, as seen at historical sites such as Hirapur in Odisha and Bhedaghat in Madhya Pradesh. Scholars interpret this architectural form – which symbolizes cosmic totality – as a space that easily allows moonlight rituals to be conducted.
It is this legacy that artist Beena Unnikrishnan incorporates in her project ‘Eka: The One’. Over a decade, he has created an entire painted series visualizing all 64 Yoginis through their contemporary interpretation. The works are not copies of temple sculptures, nor are they academic reconstructions, but rather artistic reflections inspired by the idea of feminine energy as understood within Hindu philosophy.
“It all started with the desire to portray Maa Tripura Sundari, and that led me to learn about the 64 Yoginis or her 64 manifestations. As I started portraying these feminine powers, their different aspects started getting highlighted,” says Beena, who has been traveling with the show and has showcased her creations in eight cities so far. His current base is Delhi, where his works are displayed at the Visual Art Gallery, India Habitat Centre. The project is on an 81-day road trip across India, and after Delhi goes to Gwalior. Each stop is a three-day exhibition.
Beena Unnikrishnan’s paintings of 64 yoginis are inspired by the idea of feminine energy within Hindu philosophy. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Yoginis are manifestations of Shakti, the primordial feminine power that sits at the core of creation in Hindu philosophy. They represent the dynamic energies of nature, consciousness, protection, transformation and wisdom. Some are benevolent, others are fierce and together they reflect many dimensions of the feminine divine. Over time, Yogini worship has declined due to various social factors, but the concept of 64 Yoginis remains an important part of sacred feminine traditions in India.
We find their mention in texts like Durga Aarti. Bahurupa, Tara, Narmada, Yamuna, Shanti, Varuni, Kshemankari, Aindri, Varahi, Ranveera, Vanarmukhi, Vaishnavi, Kalratri, Vaidyarupa are the names of some Yoginis.
Beena, a self-taught artist and founder of the Kankali Trust for Arts and Cultural Economic Development, describes the project as a creative and personal journey.
One of the Yogini paintings is currently on display at the Visual Art Gallery, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The exhibition brings together paintings, narrative context and interactive elements to introduce viewers to the philosophical idea of power. To enable the common man to relate to it, the artist has avoided giving detailed captions. She simply called them ‘motherhood’, ‘resilience’ etc. “I have not formally studied art, nor am I a spiritual practitioner, and this has given me the freedom to experiment with form, color and concept,” she says.
By providing a contemporary visual vocabulary to the yoginis, ‘Eka: The One’ seeks to reconnect audiences with a lesser-known aspect of India’s spiritual heritage.
(This exhibition will be held at India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi from 21-24 February. The next stop will be in Gwalior on 27 and 28 February.)
published – February 21, 2026 04:37 PM IST