Hyderabad, March 28, 2026 — Art enthusiasts in the city witnessed a unique cultural experience as Ekaa: The One – The 64 Yogini Trail, a national travelling exhibition by Dr. Beena Unnikrishnan, was showcased in Hyderabad from March 26 to 28, 2026. The exhibition took place at Gallery 78, near HITEX.
The exhibition brought together, for the first time, a complete collection of 64 Yogini artworks created by a single artist, offering visitors a rare opportunity to engage with India’s ancient spiritual traditions through a contemporary artistic lens. Rooted in the philosophy of Shakti, or primordial feminine energy, the works explored themes of balance, transformation, consciousness, and feminine power.
Rather than serving as reproduction tradition s or academic reconstructions, Ekaa: The One presented a modern reinterpretation of the Yogini. Each artwork reflected a distinct archetype, symbolizing qualities such as intuition, courage, healing, and renewal, while collectively forming a cohesive narrative relevant to contemporary cultural and social discourse.
Developed over five years, the exhibition represented an intensive process of research and artistic exploration. Conceived as a non-commercial public initiative, it remained open to all, with none of the artworks available for sale, reinforcing its focus on cultural engagement over commerce.
The showcase formed part of a larger national journey spanning 16 states over 81 days and covering more than 10,000 kilometres. Having begun in Kochi earlier in the year, the exhibition travelled across multiple cities before arriving in Hyderabad, contributing to a broader pan-India narrative around the Yogini tradition.
Drawing inspiration from Yogini temples dating back to the 9th–12th centuries—known for their circular, open-air architecture and progressive interpretations of power and gender—the exhibition reimagined these philosophies for modern audiences. A distinctive aspect of Dr. Unnikrishnan’s process involved beginning each painting with the eyes, establishing an emotional connection that gave each Yogini a strong individual presence.
In addition to the artworks, visitors also engaged with screenings of the documentary Y64: Whispers of the Unseen, which traced the journey of India’s Yogini temples and explored their relevance in the present day.
Overall, Ekaa: The One offered audiences in Hyderabad a compelling exploration of sacred feminine narratives and their enduring significance in contemporary society.
