Baglamukhi Temple

Introduction to the Baglamukhi Temple

The Baglamukhi Temple is a Siddha Peeth located in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. It is close to Jwala Ji and Chintpurni Devi Temple. The Baglamukhi Temple has a great mythological history. 'Bagla' denotes a bride, and 'Mukhi' means face. It lies amidst the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. Baglamukhi Temple, Kangra, is one of the 108 ancient temples of Mata Baglamukhi.

Legend of the Baglamukhi Temple

According to the legend, a heavy storm lashed the earth in Satya Yuga. Vishnu was worried and went to Shiva for a solution. Shiva advised him to approach Shakti. Hence, Vishnu performed austerities to please Parvati at the boundary of Haridra Sarovar, the lake of turmeric. Impressed by the devotion of Vishnu, Mother Shakti arose from the lake of turmeric in the form of Mata Baglamukhi. She calmed the storm and restored peace in the universe.

It is believed that the Baglamukhi Temple was built in the Dwapara Yuga by the Pandavas during Agyaat Vaas. They built the temple in one night. Bhima and Arjuna worshipped Mata Baglamukhi to receive blessings and power from her.

The Architecture of the Baglamukhi Temple

The Baglamukhi Temple is a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist styles of architecture. It is dedicated to Mata Baglamukhi, the eighth of ten Mahavidyas as per Shaktism. Pitambara Devi and Brahmastra Roopini are the other names of Mata Baglamukhi. She is the destroyer of all evils. As yellow is her favorite color, the temple is painted in this color. Devotees also wear yellow attire and offer yellow-colored desserts like laddoo to the deity.

A huge stone idol of Mata Baglamukhi is in the temple. It is believed to be over 800 years old. The Baglamukhi Temple features a distinctive dome-shaped roof supported by four pillars. Many intricate sculptures and carvings depict Mata Baglamukhi and other deities.

Bhairava and Hanuman idols have separate shrines before the sanctum. Shiva graces devotees from his shrine in the form of Shiva linga. After worshipping Mata Baglamukhi, devotees offer water to Shiva. Furthermore, there are idols of Ganesha and Durga

A huge hawan kund is seen inside a tiered dome. The sanctum enshrines the idol of Mata Baglamukhi, adorned in yellow garments, ornaments, and flowers. The unique feature of the Baglamukhi Temple is that Mata Baglamukhi is in the middle, accompanied by Lakshmi and Saraswati on either side as an aspect of Parvati. The deity in the Baglamukhi Temple has a dark face with shimmering golden eyes, a crown, and a nose ring. She is in a seated position. There is a mace and a club on her back.

Festivals in the Baglamukhi Temple

Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali are grandly celebrated in the Baglamukhi Temple. People across the state visit and participate in the festivals with great zeal.

Devotees perform Navgraha Pooja, Vaksiddhi Pooja, and Havan (Homa) here. The Baglamukhi Temple is famous for fire sacrifices that take place every day. Havan is performed to please the deity continuously. It is believed that Havan performed at night can bring favorable results in 36 days. There are 136 types of Havan and ceremonies in the Baglamukhi Temple.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Baglamukhi Temple

Devotees visit the Baglamukhi Temple with hopes of getting their wishes fulfilled. It is believed that Mata Baglamukhi can grant the devotees' wishes if they perform Yagna here. People believe that worshipping Mata Baglamukhi can help them eliminate negative energy and obstacles. It is also believed that the deity can disarm enemies and control them.