Navaratri Series — Day 4 — Hinglaj Mata
Hinglaj Mata or Hingula Mata — the name comes from word Hingula. Her story is famously known as Naari Kavach — or Shield of a Lady. The king Kartaviryarjuna who gifted a cow to sage Jamadagni, came with his mighty army to take back that cow. Jamadagni who protested as how come a king can take back once donated gift was butchered by the king. Jamadagni’s son — Parshurama witnessed the degradation of a King into a Rakshasa and decided his life’s aim — to punish and eliminate all the unworthy kings from Jambudwipa. He roamed across length and breath of subcontinent and destroyed 21 clans of the various kings.
The progeny of Kartaviryarjuna who was ruling Sindhu Desh had heard about Parshurama. When he heard that Parshuram is coming to his capital city, he got worried and asked the king of Mithila — Janak for remedy. Janak advised him to surrender to the goddess who resides in Hinglaj area. The clan devotedly prayed the Goddess. When Parshuram came to slay them, Goddess stood in between Parshuram and the Kshatriyas & protected them all from getting killed. The delighted Kshatriyas worshipped the Goddess with sindoor (Hingula) and gave her name — Hinglaj Mata.
Hinglajmata shrine is located in Balochistan near city Hinglaj. It is believed Sati’s brain fell there creating the Shaktipeeth. The devotees throng the temple all across year, and occasions like Vasant and Sharad Navaratri. The shrine is located inside cave where Goddess is manifested in form of twin rock formations or pindas. Devotees believe that these are the heads of Goddess while the Hinglaj valley is believed as Goddess’s body. Also, one unique feature of this shaktipeeth is the Chandragupa baba mud volcano. The volcano is believed to be the Shiva residing nearby. The devotees visiting HInglaj Mata are asked to visit Chandragup baba to complete their pilgrimage.
Many communities across India like Brahmakshtriyas, Shimpis (tailor), Gadhvi, Banjara, Khatris, Bhavsar believe Hinglaj Mata to be their Kuladevi who have also built the similar shrines of Hinglaj Mata in different parts of India. Many hindu refugees who come to India also find their clan goddess to be Hinglaj Mata.
Day 4 of Navaratri — Hinglaj Mata shrine located in the west of the Indian sub-continent.
