What Is Name Of The Shakti Peeth In Balochistan?

Hinglaj Mata: The Sacred Shakti Peetha of Goddess Sati

Introduction

Hinglaj Mata, also known as Hinglaj Devi or Hingula Devi, is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and a highly revered Hindu pilgrimage site. Located in the Balochistan province of Pakistan, this temple is nestled in the Hingol National Park along the banks of the Hingol River. Hinglaj Mata is considered a powerful manifestation of Adi Shakti (the primordial energy of the universe) and is worshipped by Hindus, especially devotees from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Sindh.

Despite being situated in Pakistan, Hinglaj Mata remains one of the most significant Shakti Peethas for Hindus worldwide. The temple holds immense historical, religious, and mythological importance, making it a must-know pilgrimage site for devotees and history enthusiasts alike.

The Legend of Hinglaj Mata

The Story of Sati and Shiva

The origins of Hinglaj Mata are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, particularly in the story of Sati and Lord Shiva. According to the Puranas, Sati, the daughter of King Daksha, was deeply devoted to Lord Shiva. However, Daksha disapproved of their marriage and once organized a grand yajna (sacrificial ritual), deliberately not inviting Shiva.

Sati, feeling insulted, attended the yajna uninvited and confronted her father. When Daksha humiliated Lord Shiva, Sati could not bear the disrespect and self-immolated in the fire of the yajna. Enraged and grief-stricken, Shiva carried Sati’s burnt body across the universe, performing the terrifying Tandava, which threatened cosmic destruction.

To calm Shiva’s rage, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to cut Sati’s body into 51 pieces, which fell at various locations across the Indian subcontinent. These sites became the Shakti Peethas, each associated with a part of Sati’s body and worshipped as manifestations of Shakti (Divine Feminine Energy).

Hinglaj Mata as a Shakti Peetha

Hinglaj Mata is believed to be the site where Sati’s head (or, in some versions, her Brahmarandhra—the upper part of her head) fell. This makes it one of the most powerful Shakti Peethas, where devotees seek blessings for protection, wisdom, and spiritual upliftment.

Hinglaj Mata Temple: Location and Geography

The Hinglaj Mata temple is located in a remote, rocky cave in the Makran desert region of Balochistan, about 250 km from Karachi, Pakistan. It is situated within Hingol National Park, an ecologically rich area with rugged mountains, sandy plains, and the famous Hingol River flowing nearby.

The journey to the temple is challenging, as devotees must pass through barren lands, rocky terrains, and steep paths to reach the cave shrine. Despite the difficulties, thousands of pilgrims undertake this sacred journey every year, especially during the Hinglaj Mata Yatra.

Religious Significance of Hinglaj Mata

Shakti Worship and Hinglaj Mata

Hinglaj Mata is a powerful symbol of Shakti, representing the divine feminine energy that governs the universe. She is worshipped as a protector of devotees, a bestower of wisdom, and a guardian against evil forces. The temple attracts followers from various Hindu sects, particularly those who revere the Goddess Durga, Kali, and Parvati.

Association with the Nath Sect and Guru Gorakhnath

The temple is also significant for the Nath Yogis, followers of Guru Gorakhnath. Legend states that Gorakhnath himself visited Hinglaj Mata and received divine blessings. The temple is thus an important pilgrimage site for yogis and ascetics seeking spiritual enlightenment.

Worship by the Baloch Hindu Community

The Hindu community in Pakistan, particularly the Baloch Hindus, holds Hinglaj Mata in high regard. Many Bhanushali, Lohana, Rajput, and Kshatriya communities from India and Pakistan visit the temple to seek her blessings.

Hinglaj Mata Yatra: The Sacred Pilgrimage

The Hinglaj Mata Yatra is one of the most significant annual religious journeys undertaken by Hindu devotees, primarily from Sindh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. This pilgrimage is held in the month of April and attracts thousands of Hindus despite the challenging terrain and geopolitical restrictions.

Rituals of the Yatra

  1. Chanting of “Jai Mata Di” and “Bolo Hinglaj Mata Ki Jai” – Devotees continuously chant these mantras throughout the journey.
  2. Holy Dip in the Hingol River – Pilgrims take a sacred bath in the Hingol River before entering the shrine.
  3. Darshan at the Cave Temple – The cave is adorned with red sindoor (vermillion) and sacred symbols. The idol of Hinglaj Mata is a simple rock formation, symbolizing the divine presence.
  4. “Mata Ka Darbar” Ritual – Devotees seek divine guidance, and many perform navratri-style fasting and prayers.

Hinglaj Mata in Hindu Scriptures

Hinglaj Mata finds mention in various Puranic texts and Hindu scriptures, confirming its spiritual significance:

  1. Devi Bhagavata Purana – Lists Hinglaj as one of the sacred Shakti Peethas.
  2. Matsya Purana – Refers to Hinglaj as a site of divine energy.
  3. Tantric Scriptures – Hinglaj is considered a center for Shakti worship and Tantric practices.

Cultural and Historical Aspects of Hinglaj Mata

Hinglaj Mata and Sindhi Hindus

Sindhi Hindus, who migrated to India after the Partition of 1947, continue to revere Hinglaj Mata, even though the temple is in Pakistan. They maintain traditions and celebrate Hinglaj Mata festivals in India, especially in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.

Hinglaj Mata and the Baloch Community

Interestingly, some Muslim Baloch tribes in Pakistan also respect Hinglaj Mata as “Nani Ka Mandir” and consider it a site of ancient spiritual power.

Modern-Day Challenges and Protection of Hinglaj Mata

Geopolitical Issues

Since Hinglaj Mata Temple is in Pakistan, Hindu pilgrims from India face visa restrictions, making the pilgrimage difficult. However, Pakistan’s government has allowed Hindu communities to visit the temple under special arrangements.

Preservation Efforts

Efforts are being made by Hindu organizations to preserve the temple’s historical and spiritual significance. Various online platforms are promoting virtual darshans and awareness campaigns about Hinglaj Mata.

Conclusion

Hinglaj Mata is not just a temple but a symbol of devotion, resilience, and divine energy. As one of the most sacred Shakti Peethas, it holds immense religious, historical, and cultural significance for Hindus worldwide.

Despite being located in Pakistan, thousands of devotees undertake the arduous journey to seek Hinglaj Mata’s blessings. Whether through the annual Hinglaj Mata Yatra or through spiritual remembrance, devotees keep the flame of faith alive, ensuring that Hinglaj Mata remains an eternal symbol of Shakti and devotion.

As Hindus continue to uphold the legacy of Hinglaj Mata, the temple stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith across borders.

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