Ekaa – The One The 64 Yoginis Trail Sparks Power
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The 64 Yoginis Trail Empowers Modern Women Boldly
Ahmedabad’s art lovers are witnessing something rare this week. At the Hutheesing Visual Art Gallery, Beena S Unnikrishnan’s travelling exhibition “Ekaa – The One: The 64 Yoginis Trail” has opened its doors. The gallery itself is a respected cultural space in the city. It often hosts exhibitions that connect modern art with India’s heritage, so this show feels like a natural fit for Ahmedabad’s thoughtful audience.
The idea of the 64 Yoginis goes back more than a thousand years. Across parts of India, especially in Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, there are circular, open-air temples dedicated to these powerful female deities. These temples are quite unusual. They do not have roofs in many cases. Historians believe they were linked to tantric practices, where the divine feminine energy, or Shakti, was central. The Yoginis were not just worshipped as gods. They were seen as forces of nature, knowledge and cosmic power.
Beena S Unnikrishnan’s project brings this ancient idea into the present. Instead of copying the old stone sculptures, she paints her own vision of each Yogini. This is important. Many of the original Yogini temples, such as Hirapur in Odisha and Bhedaghat in Madhya Pradesh, have weathered carvings that show the Yoginis in dynamic poses, often with animals or symbolic objects. By choosing not to replicate them, the artist allows today’s viewers to connect with the energy rather than just the form.
Her journey began in 2015 and lasted nearly a decade. Travelling to sites like Morena near Gwalior and Khajuraho gave her a chance to study not only the art but also the atmosphere of these sacred spaces. Scholars often describe Yogini temples as places of deep silence and mystery. The circular layout symbolises completeness and unity. In some traditions, the number 64 represents the many skills and forms of knowledge in life. This makes the title “Ekaa – The One” meaningful. It suggests that while there are 64 forms, they all come from one source.
The exhibition opened earlier in New Delhi in December 2025 and has travelled through cities like Kochi, Coimbatore, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Bhopal. Each city has its own cultural identity. Kochi is known for its strong contemporary art scene, especially after the Kochi-Muziris Biennale brought global attention to Indian artists. Mumbai has a long tradition of modern Indian art. Bhopal is close to important Yogini temple sites, which adds another layer of meaning. By taking the exhibition across 16 states and covering nearly 10,000 kilometres, the project becomes more than an art show. It becomes a cultural conversation. This travelling exhibition will last for 81 days, as per Beena Unnikrishnan.
Ahmedabad’s connection to heritage and spirituality also plays a role here. Gujarat has a strong tradition of temple architecture and devotional art. The city has long supported artists, writers and thinkers. Placing the 64 canvases together in one immersive space allows viewers to walk through the circle of Yoginis, almost as if they are entering a symbolic temple.
The exhibition is not only about paintings. Beena S Unnikrishnan has also written a book titled “Whispers of the Unseen: The Quest for Sixty-Four Yoginis”. The book blends mythology with her personal reflections. In recent years, many artists have begun to document their creative journeys, as readers are eager to understand the story behind the art. By sharing her travels and thoughts, she invites readers into her inner world.
Visitors can also watch previews of the 65-minute documentary “Y64 – Whispers of the Unseen”, directed by Jain Joseph. Documentary films about artists are becoming more popular in India. They help people see the hard work, research and emotion behind each canvas. In this case, the film captures her pilgrimages, temple visits and moments of inspiration. It adds depth to what viewers see on the gallery walls.
The show will soon move on to Jaipur, Delhi, Gwalior and finally Chennai in April. Each stop adds a new audience and new interpretations. At a time when conversations about women’s voices, heritage and identity are strong across the country, “Ekaa – The One” feels timely.
By reimagining the Yoginis as symbols of inner strength and balance, Beena S Unnikrishnan bridges past and present. She reminds us that ancient ideas can still speak clearly today. In a quiet gallery space in Ahmedabad, history, art and personal reflection meet, offering visitors not just paintings, but a thoughtful experience of India’s enduring feminine power.
