Baglamukhi Temple
One of the Ten Mahavidays (Wisdom Goddesses) in Hinduism, the Baglamukhi temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Baglamukhi. Also known as Pitambara Maa, she is considered the goddess of power, victory, and control. Devotees believe that she has the ability to paralyse enemies and protect devotees from misfortune, evil spirits, and adversaries. In the temple she is depicted holding a club in one hand and silencing a demon by pulling his tongue with the other.
Mythology
The history of the Baglamukhi Temple dates back to the Mahabharata period. According to legend, Raksha once stole the book of Brahma (the creator of the universe) and hid it in Pataal. Baglamukhi Mata was born to find the book and kill the rakshasa.
Another story says that Goddess Baglamukhi appeared when a cosmic storm arose to threaten the universe. She defeated the demon Mandansaura, who was causing such a disturbance and restored the cosmic balance.
Role in Tantra
Baglamukhi is worshipped in Tantric rituals and practices. Anyone who is seeking to defeat enemies, resolve legal disputes, and achieve success in life pays a visit to the temple.
Devotees believed that she has the power to paralyse enemies and neutralise their speech and actions.
Rituals and Worship
Devotees perform Baglamukhi Havan and Mantra Sadhana for protection, victory in court cases, success in competitions, and resolving conflicts.
The Baglamukhi Mantra, “ॐ ह्लीं बगलामुखि सर्वदुष्टानां वाचं मुखं पदं स्तंभय जिव्हां कीलय बुद्धिं विनाशय ह्लीं ॐ स्वाहा” (Om Hleem Baglamukhi Sarvadushtanam Vacham Mukham Padam Stambhay Jivham Keelay Buddhim Vinashay Hleem Om Swaha), is chanted to seek her blessings.
Yellow Colour
Goddess Baglamukhi is associated with the colour yellow. You will see devotees wearing yellow attire and offering yellow-coloured items during worship.The whole temple is adorned with yellow flowers and decorations.
Festivals and Celebrations
During Navaratri, the temple witnesses a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her manifestation. Special tantrik rituals are performed at the temple during this time.
Thursdays are considered auspicious for the worship of Goddess Baglamukhi. Devotees visit in large numbers to offer prayers on that day.
Best Time to Visit
Navratri (March-April and September-October).
During these months, the temple is vibrant with festivities and rituals.
Yellow Thursday (Vasant Panchami).
Considered highly auspicious to worship Goddess Baglamukhi.
Location of Famous Baglamukhi Temples
Madhya Pradesh (Pitambara Peeth, Datia)
The most famous Baglamukhi Temple is located in Datia, Madhya Pradesh, also known as Pitambara Peeth.Other temples dedicated to Baglamukhi can be found in various parts of India, including Haridwar and Guwahati.
Ravana
Ravana was an ardent devotee of Baglamukhi Devi. When Ram went to conquer Sri Lanka, he also worshipped Baglamukhi Devi to get victory over Ravana.
Architecture
The entire temple has been painted yellow. Everything, from the clothes of the mother to the food offered, is yellow in color. When visitors visit the temple for darshan, they often wear yellow clothes. Mata Baglamukhi Devi sits on a golden throne decorated with a variety of jewels.
How to reach Baglamukhi Temple
By Road: The most convenient way to reach Baglamukhi Temple is by road. There are regular bus services available from nearby cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, and Jalandhar. One can also hire a taxi or drive to the temple by car.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Kangra is Pathankot Junction, which is around 90 km from the temple. From Pathankot, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple.
By Air: The nearest airport to Kangra is the Gaggal Airport, also known as the Kangra Airport, which is about 20 km from the temple. From the airport, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple.