Vidya Dehejia on the Yoginis: goddesses of Tantra

Join Professor Vidya Dehejia, one of the world’s leading figures in the public understanding of Indian art, for an exploration of ancient representations of the Yoginis.
In this online event, Professor Vidya Dehejia examined the divine goddesses of Tantra and the visually stunning temple complexes that were built in their honour across India.
Following a 30-minute illustrated presentation, Professor Dehejia was joined by playwright, critic and former British Museum Trustee, Bonnie Greer OBE, for an exploration of the importance of the Yoginis within South Asian philosophy and belief.
Part of the public programme accompanying the special exhibition Tantra: enlightenment to revolution (24 September 2020 - 24 January 2021).
More information about the past exhibition can be found here: www.britishmuseum.org/exhibit...
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[@michaelm.3602]

This is such a great lecture. What an excellent presenter. The hostess' questions were somewhat frustrating as they had little to do with the presentation and more to do with herself personally, and she monopolized the q and a portion. Other than that, illuminating and fascinating.

[@katieh6444]

Vidya Dehejia, I am in awe of how wonderfully you communicated these ideas, concepts and explanations!

[@SatuSusanna]

This was absolutely fascinating. Vidya Dehejia's book on the Yogini cult is incredible, and the Hirapur temple is very very special.

[@Altruismisreal27]

There are many Yogini temples (i.e. Taleju bhawani) in Nepal in many places, including Kathmandu. The medieval Kathmandu was obsessed with tantric practices, especially by the Malla Kings. I am surprised to hear that she did not find any, if I heard her correctly.

[@stefaniaponitz5738]

Thank you for adding this.

[@taidelek9994]

Ironically many of these vajrayana yoginis are transformed into hindu dieties in ktm.

[@charliedarejackson108]

What a fascinating lecture. Thank you xx

[@geonrose]

Truly amazing and fabulous presentation. Outstanding research. Very impressed. Many thanks.

[@izzyyoga4143]

Wonderful insights - thank you for sharing them.

[@irenehigginbotham6392]

Thank you. Enjoyed the lecture very much.

[@egshurr]

Wonderful scholarship, wonderful scholars, compelling discussion. Thank you for making this presentation public and sharing this rare but timely knowledge.

[@tarenmauga9582]

Tremendous work. Eye opening.

[@MyPersonalViews]

Excellent Talk. She is so well studied in this topic.

[@CatherineAuman]

Wonderful, thank you.

[@noushierutherford2085]

Amazing...thank you so much.

[@Rosabella33]

Fascinating.

[@athangdhotre607]

Great findings thankyou for sharing

[@khadejaglobalkrazmaticcult8742]

THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@Adrito7]

Great lecture and lecturer, thank u.

[@mikkisen8092]

Thoroughly enjoyed

[@nilimachitgopekar592]

Very interesting especially when Prof Dehejia talks about her own experience while she was researching the yoginis .

[@balakrishnanraghavan1524]

Great lecture.

[@anilkrishnan4894]

Thank you❤

[@brianfernandez3138]

I learnt a lot, thanks

[@priyal7687]

Amazing lecture and such fascinating images!! Thank you Prof. Vidya for sharing your intensive research.

[@pyewackett5]

Preferred prof Vidya over the sixth former

[@yuvrajsinghrajput921]

Great knowledge

[@mariondapsance7803]

Excellent.

[@AlkanandaMohapatra]

Thanks for sharing

[@kanchder]

Amazing,Outstanding and captivating talk Prof Vidya Daheja.Thanks

[@yuvrajsinghrajput921]

Thankyou.. .so much... This knowledge is very rare and difficult to find...even here in India

[@oneleftshoe21]

I love Yoginis :-) Devine emanations

[@jobroadcommunityimpact6494]

Oh look it’s my professor

[@DemeterTelphousia-Erinyes]

Fascinating lecture. I’ve never heard of the Yogini and it’s expanded my knowledge. I also enjoyed Bonnie’s observations.

[@varshalikhite]

Beautiful work Dr. Dehejia! I loved hearing about your project where you went around India to look for these temples and your experiences. Was looking for your book but its not available in print or in digital version.

[@serviustullus7204]

I feel your power and femininity

[@observer2333]

Yes, Yogini temple has been built in New Zealand in 2022

[@antarachoudhuri4149]

Again, in contrast to the Judeo-Christian arc, where the supreme god is seen as "all rainbow and sunshine", the Hindu Godhead is rather all encompassing. Death, decay, sex - these are all part of the natural discourse and thus holy. So it's not a fascination, rather it's more like embracing the truth.

[@omysoulblessthelord4578]

I beg to disagree about your understanding of the Judaeo-Christian 'supreme god' as 'all rainbow and sunshine'. You may want to look further into it.

[@sagarshetty3175]

jesus was a jew and virgin birth was a way to hide the fact that mary shared beds @@omysoulblessthelord4578

[@arunaravind4038]

In depth research, excellent communication. Great and excellent effort by Vidya Dehejia

[@nyakwarObat]

Nah I refute your claim. In depth would have required her to be initiated, learn the secret and never reveal. She wanted a story to tell. Yogis don't do story telling. They do initiations which they probably prefer they didn't have to. Half baked story full of assumptions is what she's ended up with

[@arunaravind4038]

@@nyakwarObat Not all talking about Dasha Mahavidya will be initiated. If only initiated people will talk about the topic seems to extension of a brahminical thinking with due respects.

[@nyakwarObat]

@arunaravind4038 talking only if you want a story to tell so you can sound smart. On the other hand if you really want to know, no one is stopping you. Go there follow the process, achieve the know and adhere to the principles. You choose to break the oath then it's on you. Leave out the brahmin chat, nothing to do with it 🙄

[@arunaravind4038]

@@nyakwarObat Okay.

[@stefaniaponitz5738]

Wonderful lecture. Beautifully closed out with the answer to the final question. Very valuable. Thank you for sharing this.

[@taidelek9994]

Vajrayana tradition of Bhudism is reviving back into life .

[@jalepezo]

May Ma Tara send Yoginis and Dakhins, ONLY BOUND BY HER, to protect and teach Her devotees, Om Namah Shivah

[@lauramuralist]

The question about why the obsession with skulls, decay, death.. the main dakini is also queen of tge channel grounds. in places in the east the bodies decay and are fed to the animals as the last way of giving to others. The channel grounds have been use for centuries for buddhist monks to meditate in death. Why? because for them tge most important part of life us death, as death is not pleasant and it will definitely come, and is believed that if you keep your mind under control at these moment of death you will be able to stop coming back over and over to this world < samsara. this can only be done in one moment of tge transition of death.. on " the clear light of death". The yoguini is holding a knife to kill attachments, desires, and defilements that keeps you trapped in tge cicke of birth and rebirth. she is the killer of our ow n internal demonds, but she is wrathful towards not humans but our human delusions ..All the items and icons have a deep meaning ...is not what you see with common eyes.

[@dancedivine6950]

😍😍😍

[@drseemabhandari2698]

They r beautiful powerful astral goddess contacting the worshiper telepathically sending messages and helping them with money .war . knowledge.thanks to them

[@msblusky]

What is TARTAKI in the yogini drink recipe?

[@peterfulop2849]

What kind of blossom in the Yogini wine recipe ??I was writing it down but I could not get the name for it !!Is Just any blossom ? Incredible lecture!

[@xhallab]

Hi! I il really interested too ! Did you try to make it? It seems to me the recipe it saturated in sugar ? I’d be glad to hear your feedback !

[@sefora805]

Yes the Muslim sultans would have hated yoginis. Even the temples survived bcos they were remote.,

[@rikkerthoffmann4680]

The yoginis must have been some amazing, extraordinary and influential women in their time. :)

[@Abhay..D_GR8_1]

Why? They actually represent each later of earlier sanskrit. From them the "words have power" , mantra etc comes. These yoginis are divided in three sectors , Satva pure , rajas medium royal & tamas the aggressive. We never think them as some previous humans rather a natural power vibrating in universe. All power in universe is Shakti , the sound aspect is Yogini which humans can harvest far easily. As people later realized siddhis or magical power distract humans from moksha indian sages opposed any lesser worship than 5 liberating deities aspect of Parabrahm. Yoginis now a days are worshipped highly but as individual base for small assist in life & no siddhis. KZbin is back on making it famous specially with youth who wants to get women & wealth & getting cheated for money which is a good news.. On 38 min I see someone adding racism & feminism.. Why ? We don't believe in equality as per Hinduism. Women are always higher than man , it's easy for a women to gain higher dimensions. Its just that modern day advantages are counted on different measures & not in terms of longer rebirths. The simple message of tantra is Shiva dancing in all directions while holding his tongue & undergarments... The one who is truthful in his speech & control of senses can be joyful in every direction. That's that .

[@rikkerthoffmann4680]

@@Abhay..D_GR8_1 Well put. Thank you.

[@nooraslindawati]

Tq for the sharing from Malaysian! I am still can't figure out about the (sex) craving on the monument what actually (them) want us to understand/ figured out / the mystery.. please if any of yu have any idea what it's is about pls share ur knowledge.. TQ in advance

[@flowwoman102]

Vielen Dank, für die Bilder, auch wenn ich kein Englisch verstehe.

[@BritishMuseumEvents]

KZbin bietet automatische Übersetzung ins Deutsche, klicken Sie auf das Einstellungsrad unten rechts auf dem Bildschirm, Untertitel, automatische Übersetzung.

[@pravinchandrapanchal1423]

Would like to add insights on Question which is not answer in all it's authenticity, on why head & recently passed away body is used & their are specific days & time & place to worship as well. Those Mystic Master , who worship Yogini as mother & seek their love & compassionate blessing in sacred circled space with specific strict rituals & rules & principles, generally used recently passed away body only ,less then 48 hours of death if be specific. Seeker will used this body to experience & travel to astral energy plain noumena & try to connect with other already astral plain energy of spirit , if passed away body is used within 48 hours of death for rituals then one can easily used ritual to create connection & open channel of communication with Astral Energy ~ spirit of dead body,it is possible only for those , who is expert & mastering in opening his own astral energy plain connection as well through body/mind/emotion synchronicity & perfect rooted grounding with constant state of "BEing Alert & BEing Aware" & Totally Accept & "seeing the thing as it is & not as we wanted it to be" , (jus like both mobile bluetooth should be ON & paired to create connection & transfer of data from A to B). only & only then in that dead body Astral energy plain can possibly make connection with open & ready astral energy plain of Seeker on the path , then only opening the channel/connection is possible, but here one need to be really ready to literally ready for one own death as well coz , As here one is trying to practicing in which you are trying to create connection with Astral Energy - spirit of deceased body & catch hold of Astral connection, it is generally observed that within 48 hours of death of anybody , it is also called pre - transference state as per Mystic Tibetian Master shared in their highest wisdom of mystical & magical noumena as well before 1200 years ,namely Tilopa , Naropa, Marpa , Milerepa & their continuous lineage till dates & by 84 Mahasiddha from Ancient india before 1200 years in their mystic poetry of Sandhya bhasa , with hints of such Astral energy connections as well. Generally Asyral Energy spirit try to revolve around that body in astral plain for 48 hours only after death , thereafter it is very difficult to create connection or contact with astral plain of free spirit. That's the reason that in certain belief system & those people's community, generally as soon as any body dies , it is ensure to burn the body as early as possible within same day mostly or before 48 hours only most of the times & generally body is given sacred fire rituals mostly , so in such creamation ground it is not that easy to find free spirit in astral energy plain freely available easily rather then at those places where dead body were not given sacred fire, their it is easy for true seeker of mystic noumena to create very easy connections for channeling with astral energy plain free spirit possibly for obvious reasons , as body is still available for Astral Energy spirit to cling to & Astral Energy- spirit is obviously bound & most likely to hang around as much as possible. Here their is inbuilt risk for seeker as well , those who are successful in returning to own body , only those can survive or else one who is experimenting such process may even die their & then as well if one really don't know precise nature of dimensions & it's depth & details of working crystal clearly. Head is used for making alm baul for wandering seeker of true self life, who always moves alongwith his sacred fire all the time till one own death & it's says that these Known2unknown2unknowable noumena can't be understood or experience with jus verbal circus or simply mind~spegetti but need die hard passion & pyas ( thristiness) to realised the existence with self life. At any & all the cost , even with at cost of self life as well. Here already dead body is only to be used but never ever try to hurt or injured any living person to do those rituals that the very strict , basic & fundamental thumb rule of Master's. Head is metaphor & symbolic to be hand over to mother goddess's hand so to cut our die hard ego(subtle ego as well ) & give away of our total mind in hands of goddess so as one is really ready & ripe to be totally surrender & allow it & let go of all that it's on the ways as hurdles on path to get blessing & love & compassion from mother goddess to realised with exploration , expression & experience the authentic path of no~mind & open heart, true mystic master from divine & compassionate mother goddess.

[@stefaniaponitz5738]

This makes a lot of sense. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@pravinchandrapanchal1423]

@@stefaniaponitz5738 Welcome to connect on insta at pravia777.. Ok...beautiful heart & soul healer & seeker on the path ....

[@maxm.s2654]

why are this holy yoginis in British museum, where the original mandirs are empty of the yoginis and matrikas, they should give us back without conditions.

[@sefora805]

Fascinating lecture! Why did the cult just dissappear?

[@smg4956]

❄️18:36 ⚛️⭐

[@michaelwinkler7841]

is yogini a synonym for dakini?

[@manikroy7768]

Yogini dictates a list of adjectives and the sculptors are to build an statue which will signifies those adjectives. Sculptors to imagine and create such sculptures.

[@spirallydv8]

As a practitioner and scholar on this subject, let me reanswer some of the questions asked by the moderator: "who created these images?" - answer: Shiva himself and the yoginis (scholars will scoff at this but true practitioners know what i mean). "why the explicit sexual imagery?" -answer: because the same kundalini energy that is the source of sexuality is the also the source of enlightenment consciousness; the yoginis are masters of all aspects of the kundalini shakti -> they are the ultimate students of Shiva (the ultimate guru) as Parvati (Aparna) is famous for being the most powerful yogini / tapasvini ever

[@Abhay..D_GR8_1]

Yogini actually represent each latter of earlier sanskrit. From them the "words have power" , mantra etc comes. These yoginis are divided in three sectors , Satva pure , rajas medium royal & tamas the aggressive. We never think them as some previous humans rather a natural power vibrating in universe. All power in universe is Shakti , the sound aspect is Yogini which humans can harvest far easily. As people later realized siddhis or magical power distract humans from moksha indian sages opposed any lesser worship than 5 liberating deities aspect of Parabrahm. Yoginis now a days are worshipped highly but as individual base for small assist in life & no siddhis. KZbin is back on making it famous specially with youth who wants to get women & wealth & getting cheated for money which is a good news.. On 38 min I see someone adding racism & feminism.. Why ? We don't believe in equality as per Hinduism. Women are always higher than man , it's easy for a women to gain higher dimensions. Its just that modern day advantages are counted on different measures & not in terms of longer rebirths. The simple message of tantra is Shiva dancing in all directions while holding his tongue & undergarments... The one who is truthful in his speech & control of senses can be joyful in every direction. That's that .

[@anuvanshkshatriya7268]

Hello bhai ,i want some guidance from you if you wouldn't mind how and where we can connect and talk ?

[@brajkishorjha2729]

Although i respect bonnie greer's reverence for the yoginis . But at the same time it seems as if she didn't get to know the core of it. Yoginis don't cover their bodies because there is no need to do so(same holds for other women) . But that's it ,that is not the main aspect the main thing is spirituality (which is way more fascinating) .the former is a subsidiary thing by giving it main focus she is only disclosing her ignorance

[@vibs99]

You need a Guru to practice Tantra because it gives immense power. You should know whats your capacity and how far you can go without harming. Anybody would start practicing without understanding the seriousness if its written and made available to anybody. It could harm them and others. Other black powers can pretend to be the deity you are worshipping and use you for wrong things. Guru not only teaches you but monitors you and protects you.

[@SajiSNairNair-tu9dk]

🕵️😂😊

[@rikkerthoffmann4680]

Powerpuff girls (women)!! :)

[@kumarmenon2382]

Tantra at one point of time was at par with the Vedic system and equally important in India It has connection with yoga and ashta 8siddhis are part of it Jesus is NOT part of Vishnu avatar Astrological connection is completely left out

[@jasperdrak]

Fascinating lecture. But it's a shame that Bonnie doesn't see the importance of the female body in Christian art - with the Virgin Mary being one of the most important aspects of Catholicism, for example. It is true that her female sexuality is sublimated into a sublime form (as virginity), but a similar process happens in Tantra when the 'explicit', physical aspects of female sex and sexuality are themselves transformed into implicit gateways to non-dual enlightenment. It is naive to binarise aspects of these spiritual practices or religions in such a way. Also, I don't think it's useful to compare esoteric tantric practices with mainstream religion either. That aside - great lecture!

[@yoginijujnaniyoga9584]

The yogini scriptures are sacred...and are deliberately kept secret. When you understand the deepness of it, through yr own inner knowledge and self realisation...you atain the wisdom. The power is so deep...it needs to stay unknown by some, as power in the wrong hands.. is dangerous. The question on the darkness and death of the detailed yogini depicted in temples is what life is about too..as well as the beauty. The skulls around the neck are symbolizing many lifes. Reincarnation of the godesses. Severed head is about opening the consciousness more, leaving the old head as it were, behind. I will definitely build a yogini temple in india as this important aspect of the indian feminine power needs to emerge again... the femine has been so suppressed, not allowed to flourish over thousands of years sadly. Why...because of the power. Masculine has feared it. The question on where did the money come from for building the temples.. the kings and queens of ancient india would pay...but they would ask for the yogini's advice in battle and with running their empires. 🙏 thanks Vidya. Would live to meet you.

[@crisolive6954]

Why does she call the women yoginis? Do tehy practice yoga?

[@IAMSHAKTI333]

Yes, they are the original Yogis.

[@spirallydv8]

Also there's no evidence that the marxist viewpoint of "wealthy people must have funded the temples" applies here- while the big south indian temples were clearly built by kings, these yogini temples are so ancient there's no evidence of wealthy people building them. the agamas clearly describe these temples being built according to the guidance of Shiva himself, and what these scholars need to realize is that Shiva is the origin of all of this stuff- he isn't a "mythical figure" as he is the most verbose being in Indian history - more syllables have come out of Shiva's mouth than any other being. He has been seen by countless sages, rishis, and siddhas. He's the source of this

[@yashdixit3645]

I believe ,cult of yogini sprang out of tantric Buddhism

[@ptaquatics3101]

That is not correct. It was first found in markandeya Purana of Hinduism. Buddhist Yoginis are completely different.

[@vardasarnat]

Seriously - who built the temples? have a close look at the details of the sculptures. The surface is smooth (no marks of hand tools) the curly hair the jewels etc. all point at high technology, electric tools or 3D printing. No professionals nor workshops nor even tools were found. This is alien technology made by sky people who knew each deity each role or symbol and built it to explain the ancient texts they left in India. The whole deities story is not man made (they tell about gods anyway) and the temples were built by the same gods (or his people) according to the text. Doesn’t make sense that Indians all of a sudden became such De Vinchi’es thousands of supper creative people all over India building master pieces- these sculptures are too sophisticated even for today - and there are no remains of this talent in India anymore. The same goes for the pyramids in Giza and the ancient culture - it’s enough to see the current civilization of Egypt today (in term of technology sophistication innovation) to understand the devolution of civilization. Religions are a convenient tool for mind control and collecting money for some invented forgiveness. Blackmail galore in practice

[@spirallydv8]

"Belief" has nothing to do with yoga; in fact, undiscerning belief is an obstacle in the path of yoga. We're talking about yoginis for fck sake. When are we going to get scholars who aren't colonized to opine in such forums?

[@kaceobrwa7039]

calling indian art as south asian art is the most disgusting thing I've ever heard

[@subbaramjayaram6862]

Sorry madam . Your pronounciation is difficult to understand.