Meese, R: Magic, Mythology and Maya

This monograph examines the origins and development of the Yogini cult; a little-studied medieval Hindu sect. It examines the influence of Sakta theology upon the development of the cult, establishing the origins of the Yogini goddesses and their apparent metamorphosis from numerous puranical sources, including the literary personification of goddess worship, the Devi Mahatmya. The Tantric heritage of the cult and its unorthodox and occult practices are also explored and some of the existing assumptions that previous scholars have made, regarding the cult‘s use of human sacrifice and corpse rituals in pursuit of supernatural powers, are challenged. The study makes frequent reference to the oldest known Yogini temple at Hirapur in the Indian state of Orissa, where research was undertaken by the author. The culmination of this study centres on contemporary practices and worship at the Hirapur temple and assesses how the cult, in pursuit of Sankritisation, has eventually acquiesced with mainstream Hindu religious practices.