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In the world of ancient Hindu texts, Ma Bagalamukhi is a mighty goddess known for her wisdom and ability to protect. In this story, we explore Her origins, symbols, and the importance of Her presence in Hindu spirituality.
Characters in the story:
Ma Bagalamukhi: Ma Bagalamukhi is a revered Hindu goddess who is among Dus Mahavidyas and is known for her power to immobilize and protect her devotees from harm.
Lord Vishnu: Lord Vishnu is one of the three major deities in Hinduism, known as the preserver of the universe and the protector of dharma (righteousness). He is often depicted with four arms holding a conch shell, a discus, a mace, and a lotus flower.
Lord Shiva: Lord Shiva holds significant prominence in Hinduism as a prominent deity, revered for his role as the vanquisher of malevolence and the catalyst of universal change. Depicted in various forms, he is often portrayed as a tranquil ascetic engaged in deep meditation or as the divine dancer, adorned with a third eye, an entwined serpent around his neck, and a trident grasped firmly in his hand.
Ma Bagalamukhi, the eighth among the Dus Mahavidyas, stands as one of the most formidable goddesses in Hindu scriptures. She is revered as the goddess of wisdom, possessing the unique ability to paralyze and control those who seek to harm her devotees. Due to her power to immobilize, she is often referred to as the “goddess of Stambhana,” with her name deriving from “Vagla,” meaning bridle, which eventually became “Bagala.”
Ma Bagalamukhi is known by a multitude of names, including Pitambari Ma in the northern part of India. She is also addressed as Brahmastra Roopini, Pitambaradevi, and Shatrubuddhivinashini.
Her consort is Lord Shiva in the form of the Naradesvara Bhairava.
Two prominent legends describe the origin of Ma Bagalamukhi:
In one story, during the Satya Yug, a destructive storm ravaged the Earth, endangering all life. Witnessing the dire situation, Lord Vishnu performed austerities on the shores of Haridra Sarovar, requesting Ma Tripura Sundari to intervene.
Pleased by his devotion, the goddess emerged from the turmeric-infused lake in the form of Ma Bagalamukhi. She quelled the raging storm, saving Mother Earth from devastation and restoring cosmic order.
Another legend tells of a demon named Madan, granted the boon of Vak-siddhi, which made his every utterance a reality. Madan misused this power, causing havoc and harm to humans. Fearing the demon, the gods implored Ma Bagalamukhi for aid. She swiftly immobilized Madan by seizing his tongue and raised her club to strike him down.
As depicted in the Tantrasara, Ma Bagalamukhi sits upon a golden throne amidst an ocean on a resplendent altar. Her golden complexion is reminiscent of gold itself, adorned in a yellow saree and golden ornaments, with a garland of yellow flowers draping around her. She is portrayed gripping the demon’s tongue with her left hand and raising a club to strike with her right hand. Yellow is her sacred color, and it plays a significant role in her worship.
Some of the most renowned temples dedicated to Bagala Mata are situated at Kamakhya Temple in Assam, Guwahati, Kangra, and Himachal Pradesh. The Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati houses temples dedicated to all the Mahavidyas, with a special temple dedicated to Goddess Bagalamukhi a short distance away. Other temples dedicated to Bagalamukhi Mata can be found at Pathankot Mandi highway NH20, Kotla, and Bankhandi in Himachal Pradesh, Badowan near Mahilapur in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, and Nalkheda in Agar Malwa district, Madhya Pradesh.
The chanting of the Ma Bagalamukhi Moola Mantra,
“ॐ ह्लीं बगलामुखि सर्वदुष्टानां वाचं मुखं पदं स्तम्भय जिह्वां कीलय बुद्धिं विनाशय ह्रीं ॐ स्वाहा” (Om hleem bagalamukhi Sarva dushtanam vaacham Mukham padam stambhaya Jivhaam kilaya buddhim Vinashaya hleem om svaha)
is believed to bestow a range of benefits and create a protective shield around devotees. This sacred mantra grants victory over enemies, resolves financial troubles (such as business losses and debts), aids those preparing for competitive exams, and offers protection from evil and the evil eye.
