International Women’s Day | Tour by Filmmaker-Painter to Highlight Yoginis and Their Temples

A filmmaker and painter is planning a nationwide tour to bring attention to the government’s need for the resuscitation and rebuilding of temples devoted to Yoginis, while Ayodhya and Gyanvapi take center stage.

S. Beena Unnikrishnan is about to launch a one-of-a-kind exhibition of her paintings of 64 Yoginis throughout the nation in an effort to draw attention to the temples that are in ruins.

Yoginis, according to Beena, are embodiments of holy feminine energy. In order to document her spiritual journey by painting the 64 Yoginis and her quest for awareness of feminine energy, she will produce a book titled Whispers of the Unseen. Old Parliament, according to Unnikrishnan, is likewise based on the typical Yogini temple architecture.

“I would want to bring the government’s attention to the current state of Yogini temples. Beena expressed her desire for the complete restoration of at least one Yogini temple.

In his preface to the book, Bibek Debroy, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, also brought attention to the current condition of the destruction of the temples devoted to Yogini. “There are sixty-four Yogini temples, all in varying levels of neglect and abandonment.Numerous temples have been stolen and pillaged throughout the years, according to Debroy.

Beena said that she will release a documentary and have painting exhibits of her 64 Yogini paintings around the nation. “More people ought to visit these temples and become aware of the Yoginis.”In this manner, the government will consider giving them back their original forms. According to Unnikrishnan, these temples lack adequate amenities for both the populace and themselves.

Beena is a painter and filmmaker who has had painting shows at many international venues. In addition, she serves as the president of the WICCI Arts Leadership Council, the global chair of the global network G100 Art Leadership and Films, and the curator of “Economically Independent Women Artists.”

Additionally, the director has said that she wants to debunk myths about Yoginis. There are false beliefs about Yoginis in the public consciousness. The holy force manifests itself in many ways in yoginis. The idea that Yoginis are only interested in Tantra cults is false. Added Unnikrishnan.

She made the case that people cling to terrifying tales about Yoginis, and she is working to dispel this widespread misconception. “There are terrifying legends about Yoginis. These stories are from the “Ugra (ferocious)” Yogini forms. However, the public has to be aware that these are manifestations of divine feminine energy. Beena said, “They also have sympathetic looks.

She intends to raise public knowledge of the Yogini temples, and her book will soon be released throughout the nation. Debroy said in the book’s preface that two locations in Odisha—Hirapur and Ranipur-Jharial—are in superior preservation status. It is also worthwhile to highlight the one at Mitaoli, Morena (Madhya Pradesh), even if the statue of the sixty-four yoginis is not there. Furthermore, there are Bhedaghat and Khajuraho.

Beena expressed her hope that someone will be inspired to devise a strategy for the revitalization and restoration of the Yogini temples by the book, her planned exhibits, and the documentary. She contends that even when the goddess “Kali” appears in her “Ugra (ferocious)” form, people shouldn’t be alarmed if they have done nothing wrong. The filmmaker said that, via painting 64 Yoginis, “Bhakti (complete surrender)” was her method of pursuing the realization of the feminine divine force.