Mitawali's 64 Yogini Heritage Reaches Global Audience Through MIFF Documentary

Bhopal June 22, 2026

A documentary inspired by the historic 64 Yogini Temple at Mitawali (Morena district) in Madhya Pradesh was showcased before an international audience at the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026. Titled “Y64 – Whispers of the Unseen”, the film traces the artistic and spiritual journey of artist and seeker Dr. Beena Unnikrishnan. The documentary, produced with the support of the Madhya Pradesh Culture Department and Kali Trust, received its first international screening at the prestigious festival in Mumbai.

MIFF, recognised as South Asia’s oldest and largest festival dedicated to documentary, short fiction and animation films, provided a global platform for the project. During the event, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Prabhat honoured Dr. Unnikrishnan and her team for their contribution. Senior officials, filmmakers and cultural personalities attended the screening.

The documentary centres on the 64 Yogini tradition and the iconic circular temple at Mitawali in Morena district. It also highlights the wider legacy of the 64 Yogini temples located in Mitawali, Jabalpur and Khajuraho. These temples are considered important examples of India’s ancient architectural and spiritual heritage.

Additional Chief Secretary, Culture, Religious Trusts and Endowments, and General Administration, Sheo Shekhar Shukla said the 64 Yogini temples of Madhya Pradesh represent some of the finest examples of ancient Indian architecture. He noted that the Mitawali temple, believed to have inspired the design of India’s old Parliament building, is also included in UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. According to him, projects such as “Y64 – Whispers of the Unseen” help introduce this unique heritage to younger generations while connecting them with India’s cultural roots.

The film emerged from a long artistic journey undertaken by Dr. Unnikrishnan. She said the project began nearly twelve-and-a-half years ago as an attempt to document paintings based on the 64 Yoginis. Over time, it evolved into a larger story of dedication, self-discovery and transformation.

Earlier this year, she travelled nearly 15,000 kilometres across 14 Indian cities carrying 64 original paintings inspired by the Yoginis. The road journey helped introduce thousands of people to the Yogini tradition and encouraged discussions on art, culture and spirituality. Dr. Unnikrishnan said she had initially started the journey as an artist searching for answers but never imagined it would eventually lead to a book, exhibitions, a nationwide tour and a documentary film.

She described the documentary as more than a film about the history and mysteries of Yogini temples. According to her, it is also a story about courage, faith and the commitment needed to follow a deeper spiritual calling. She acknowledged the support received from the Madhya Pradesh Tourism and Culture Department in completing the project.

The documentary brings together heritage, spirituality, art and personal transformation in a single narrative. Produced with the support of Kali Trust and the Madhya Pradesh government, it seeks to celebrate the rich cultural and spiritual legacy associated with India’s Yogini temples while presenting it to contemporary audiences.

With its successful screening at MIFF 2026, “Y64 – Whispers of the Unseen” has opened a new platform for showcasing Madhya Pradesh’s lesser-known heritage traditions to national and international viewers. The film is expected to continue its outreach through future screenings and cultural engagements in the coming months.