Hinglaj Mata Temple, Balochistan – Religious Significance

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 16^th 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".