Hinglaj Mata Temple,
Balochistan – Religious Significance
References
in Ancient Scriptures:
The Kularnava Tantra mentions 18 Pithas and
mentions Hingula as the third one. In the Kubjika Tantra, Hingula is
listed among the 42 Shakta or Siddha Pithas in which Hinglaj is at the fifth
place. The Pithanirnaya or Mahapithanirupana section from
the Tantrachudamani originally listed 43 names, but names were added
over time making it 51 Pithas. It details the Pitha-devata or Devi (name
of goddess at the Pitha), the Kshastradishas (Bhairava) and
the anga-pratyanga (limbs including ornaments of Sati). Hingula or
Hingulata is the first in list, with the anga-pratyanga being Brahmarandhra (a suture in
the crown of the head).
The Devi is known by several names such as Kottari, Kottavi,
Kottarisha, and the Bhairava is Bhimalochana. In the Shivasharitha,
Hingula is again the first in a list of 55 Pithas. Brahmarandhra is
the anga-pratyanga, the goddess is called Kottari and the Bhairava is
Bhimalochana (located in Koteshwar).
In the non-scripture 16th century Bengali work Chandimangal,
Mukundaram lists nine Pithas in the Daksha-yajna-bhanga section.
Hinglaja is the last Pitha described to be the place where Sati's navel fell.
Veneration
of Hinglaj Mata by Muslims:
The local Muslims,
particularly the Zikri Muslims also hold Hinglaj Mata in reverence and provide
security to the shrine. They call the temple the "Nani Mandir"
(maternal grandmother’s temple). Local Muslim tribes along with Hindus make
pilgrimage to the Hinglaj Mata shrine and some call the pilgrimage as the
"Nani Ki Haj".
Despite the increasing Islamic stance of the
Pakistani Government and society, Hinglaj has survived because the shrine was revered
by local Muslims. Muslims offer red or saffron clothes, incense, candles and a
sweet preparation called 'Sirini' to the deity. The Muslims protected sites
like Hinglaj which are the last vestiges of the Hindu society which once
straddled the area.
Kuldevi:
Hinglaj Devi worshiped as Kuldevi of
Dodiya Rajput (Rajasthan), by many
Kshatriya and other Hindu communities of India like Parajiya Soni, Charan, Khatri,
Hingu (Tailor caste in Saurastra Gujarat, India) Kshatriya Bhavsar, Bhanushali, Barot,
Kapdi, Vanza,
Bhadresa and Gurjar. In south India especially, Banjaras or Lambadi's Community
worship Hinglaj Devi as one of the Sathi Bhavani. Hinglaj Devi late Incarnation
Jagadamba or Merama Yadi is famous in South India Banjara community. Sevalal,
devotee of Jagadamba is also worshiped in most of the south Indian states by
Banjaras.
Hingula:
Hingula means cinnabar (HgS
Mercuric Sulphide). It was used in ancient India to cure snakebite and other
poisonings and is still employed in traditional medicine. The Goddess Hingula
is thus believed to possess powers which can cure poisoning and other diseases.
The Muslim name 'Nani' is an abbreviation of the name of the ancient Goddess
"Innana",
whose Persian name is "Anahita".
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