Yogini

Yoginis ( Sanskrit: योगिनी, Yogini ) are female yogis or rishis who have quasi- divine or semi- god -like powers. Even their human followers are called yoginis.

Origin and Meaning

On the Origin of yoginis is widely ambiguity - they seem closely with rural tantrististischen ideas of thought and fertility cults, and thus also with the group of "seven", "eight" or even " Nine Mothers" ( Matrikas ) to be related, in some cases, - but not consistently - especially in the numerically larger group of yoginis (42, 64, or 81) were integrated. Therefore, it is sometimes assumed that the " mothers " according to (8 × 8 = 64/9 × 9 = 81) have multiplied. In ancient Indian texts ( Kathasaritsagara, Harivamsa ) they are mentioned as attendants or followers of Kali or Durga. Most of the Hindus yoginis are considered unheilbringend and frightening and associated with disease and death; but can be effectively their magical powers in a positive way (fertility, growth).

Representation

Outside of their temples yoginis are iconographically difficult to identify - sometimes they have names that identify them as Yogini; but often is a female character who is not a goddess by attributes, mount, etc. clearly visible, alternatively called Yogini. Yoginis are - two or four arms - presented in two ways: sitting in meditation posture or standing on the back of a human figure, which usually embodies evil and sinister forces; Animals are interpreted as riding or companion animal ( vahana ). Most of them are young, beautiful and seductive, but there are also curiosities: Very rarely occurs yogini, which seems to be modeled with her old emaciated body of the goddess Chamunda and also a yogini named Vinayaki ( Vinayak = another name for Ganesh ) is sometimes seen; most remarkable is a hermaphrodite named Yogini Ekapada (the " One-legged "), which carries an erect penis on display.

Yogini Ekapada ( Hirapur )

Yogini in front of their cottage in an idyllic landscape, Brooklyn Museum (18th century)

Cult

Among the yoginis none is highlighted by their size or their attributes - this fact seems to rural beliefs and practices to be adequate as the emergence of high deities. No Yogini seems to have excellent strength; only in its entirety, they are strong. Today it is predominantly women who visit as part of puja ceremonies, the Yogini Temple. To what extent this can be transferred to the worship practices of earlier centuries, is unclear.