Wikipedia

Bagalamukhi

BaglamukhiorBagalā(Sanskrit:बगलामुखी) is the female form of a personification of themahavidyas(great wisdom/science), a group of tenTantrikdeities inHinduism.DeviBagalamukhismashes the devotee's misconceptions and delusions (or the devotee's enemies) with hercudgel.The word "Bagala" is derived from the word "Valga" (meaning – bridle or to rein in) which, became "Vagla" and then "Bagla".[1]She has 108 different names (some others also call her by 1,108 names[2]). Bagalamukhi is commonly known as Pitambari inNorth India,the goddess associated with yellow color or golden color. She sits on a golden throne that has pillars decorated with various jewels, and has three eyes, symbolising the fact that she can impart ultimate knowledge to the devotee.

Bagalamukhi
The Goddess Who Paralyzes enemies (Suspension)
Member of The TenMahavidyas
Bagalamukhi, 19th century Painting Watercolor
AffiliationParvati,Durga,Dasha Mahavidya,Adishakti,Devi,Sati,
AbodeHaridra Sarovar (Turmeric Ocean)
Mantraह्लीं [Hleem]
WeaponCudgel
MountCorpse
ConsortSivaasNarada Bhairava

Bagalamukhi is one of the ten forms of the Devi, symbolising potent female, primeval force.

The main temples dedicated to Bagalamukhi or Bagala Devi temples are located atShri Bagalamukhee Shakthi Peetham, Shivampet, Narsapur, Telangana State,Bagalamukhi Temple, DatiaMadhya Pradesh, Bugiladhar, Ghuttu Uttarakhand, Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati, Assam,Baglamukhi templeofLalitpur,Nepaland of Banghandi, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.

Iconography

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Another interpretation translates her name as "Kalyani". In Kubjika Tantra there is a reference to yet another interpretation of the meaning of the name ‘Bagala’. In the initial chapter of the text, there is a verse – ‘Bakare Baruni Devi Gakare Siddhida Smrita. Lakare Prithivi Chaiba Chaitanya Prakrirtita’ (‘Ba’, the first letter of the name – ‘Bagala’, means ‘Baruni’ or ‘She Who is filled with the intoxicating mood to vanquish the demon’. ‘Ga’, the second letter, means ‘She Who grants all kinds of divine powers or siddhis and successes to human beings’. ‘La’, the third letter, means ‘She Who is the foundation of all kinds of sustaining powers in the world like the earth and is Consciousness Herself’.[3]

Two descriptions of the goddess are found in various texts: theDwi-Bhuja(two-handed), and theChaturbhuja(four-handed). The Dwi-Bhuja depiction is the more common and is described as the "Soumya" or milder form. She holds a club in her right hand with which she beats a demon, while pulling his tongue out with her left hand. This image is sometimes interpreted as an exhibition ofstambhana,the power to stun or paralyse an enemy into silence. This is one of the boons for which Bagalamukhi's devotees worship her. Other Mahavidya goddesses are also said to represent similar powers useful for defeating enemies, to be invoked by their worshippers through various rituals.

Bagalamukhi is also calledPitambaradevi,ShatrubuddhivinashiniandBrahmastra Roopiniand she turns each thing into its opposite.

TheTantrasaradescribes her iconography: Bagalamukhi sits in a golden throne in the midst of an ocean in an altar. Her complexion is yellow (golden). Clad in yellow clothes, she is adorned by a garland of yellow flowers and decked with yellow (golden) ornaments. She pulls the tongue of a demon by her left hand, while raising the right hand to strike him with a club.[4]Another description says that she has four arms and athird eye.A yellow crescent moon adorns her forehead.[4]

Though generally depicted with a human head, the goddess is sometimes described to have a head of a crane and sometimes depicted riding a crane. Sometimes, she is described associated with other birds: having a duck-head or a nose of a parrot.[5]

Etymology and other epithets

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Kinsley translates Bagalamukhi as "she who has the face of a crane". Bagalamukhi is rarely depicted with a crane-head or with cranes. Kinsley believes that the crane's behaviour of standing still to catch prey is reflective of the occult powers bestowed by the goddess.[5]

Another interpretation suggests thatBaglamukhiis a corruption of the wordValgamukhi;valgameans "bridle"or"bit".Like the bridle or bit – placed in the mouth – is used to direct a horse, Bagalamukhi gives the supernatural power of control over one's foes.[5]In this context, Bagalamukhi is she "whose face has the power to control or conquer".[6]

Another etymology suggests thatvalgameans "to paralyze" and symbolizes the power ofstambhana,"paralysis" that the goddess is said to grant; this theory seems questionable to Kinsley.[7]

Bagalamukhi is known by the popular epithet Pitambara-devi or Pitambari, "she who wears yellow clothes". The iconography and worship rituals repeatedly refer to the yellow colour.[8]

Legend

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In theSatya Yuga(the first epoch in Hindu cosmology), a great storm started destroying Creation. The godVishnuwas disturbed and performedausteritiesto appease the goddessParvation shore of Haridra Sarovar, the lake ofturmeric.Pleased with Vishnu, the goddess appeared and brought forth her manifestation Bagalamukhi from the lake. Bagalamukhi calmed the storm, restoring order in the universe.[9]

Another tale records that a demon namedMadan[10]acquiredVak-siddhi,by which whatever he said came true. He misused it to trouble humans and murder people. The gods beseeched Bagalamukhi. The goddess grabbed the demon's tongue and immobilized his power. Madan requested the goddess that he be worshipped with her; the goddess granted him this boon, before slaying him.[11]

Symbolism and associations

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Bagalamukhi is strongly associated with the yellow colour. She dresses in yellow clothes and ornaments. Various texts describe her affinity to the colour; yellow is an integral part of her worship rituals. Bagalamukhi is propitiated with yellow offerings by devotees dressed in yellow, seated on a yellow cloth. Yellow turmeric beadrosaryare used in herjapa(repetition) of her names ormantra(invocation). The colour yellow is linked to the Sun, gold, the earth, grain and fire, signifying auspiciousness, bountifulness and purity. The yellow turmeric is associated with marriage.[8]This is why goddess Bagalamukhi is also known as Pitambhara devi.[12]

Bagalamukhi is praised as the giver of supernatural powers (siddhis) or magical powers (riddhis meaning good fortune, prosperity, wealth)[13]

In ‘Bagalamukhistotratram’, a part of ‘Rudrayamala’ (a famous Tantra work), there are hymns in praise of the powers of Bagalamukhi –

“Vadi Mukati Rankati Kshitipatirvaishwanarah Sheetati Krodhi Samyati Durjanah Sujanati Khsipranugah Khanjati. Garvi Khanjati Sarvaviccha Jarati Tvanmantrinaamantritah Srinitye Baglamukhi Pratidinam Tubhyam Namah"(By the effect of Your Mantra good conversationalists become speechless; rich become beggars; devastating fire gets cooled. The anger of the angry person is removed; an evil minded person becomes good. The quick moving person becomes crippled. The conceit of the conceited person is reduced. Knowledgeable person nearly becomes a fool. Salutations to the compassionate Bagalamukhi!)[14][15]

Worship

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Bagalamukhi Devi in a Kali Pooja Pandal,Kolkata
Bagala Maata Mandir atKumortuliin Kolkata

Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, one of the primary centers of Tantricism, consists of shrines for each of the Mahavidyas, one of which is dedicated to the Goddess Bagalamukhi, located a few hundred metres away. Major temples to the goddess are situated in the Pathankot Mandi highway NH20 at Kotla and BankhandiHimachal Pradeshin the north, and at village Badowan near Mahilapur districtt Hoshiarpur Punjab India and atNalkhedaatAgar Malwa districtinMadhya PradeshandPitambara PeethinDatiaand DusMahavidhya Temple at Nikhildham Bhojpur -BhopalMadhya Pradesh.In South India there is a temple at Bagalapeetam,Eraiyur Road,Vallakottai inKanchipuramdistrict inTamil Nadu.Sree suryamangalam,Kallidaikurichi,Papankulam village inTirunelvelidistrict inTamil Nadu.[16]

A lesser known temple of the goddess is situated in Somalapura (Kalyani) of Sindhanur taluk, Raichur district of North Karnataka. It is believed to be a powerful Bagulamukhi SidhdhaShakta pitha.As per local legends, the temple was built by a great yogi after goddess' sakshaatkara fell in love with him. She promised to preside in the temple. As per another legend, the temple was built by great yogi Shri Chidanandavadhoota around 300 years ago. He composed 'Shree Devi Charitre', a popular text in Karnataka. Her prayers are said to pacifyBrihaspati.

Bagalamukhi Temple at Bankhandi in Himachal Pradesh

In Virupaskhi, a small village next toMulabagiluof Kolar district Karnataka, another shrine dedicated to the goddess, as part of temple complex of Virupakshi temple. As per folklore, the Virupaskhalingawas installed by great sage Atri Maharshi, father of Shriguru Dattatreya. The linga changes its color in 3 ways from sunrise to sunset. It is believed that King Vikramaditya built the Bagulamukhi temple at Virupakshi.

Whereas, theMaa Bagalamukhi Temple, Bankhandi, HPis a prominent place of worship of the goddess, thronged by huge crowds during Fridays and other festive seasons.

According toHindu Puranas,Rama,guided byHanuman,worshipped Mata Baglamukhi to secure victory over the demon kingRavana.The goddess granted Rama theBrahmastra,a celestial weapon of immense destructive power. This divine gift was instrumental in Rama’s success, symbolising the victory of good over evil and demonstrating the divine support that Maa Baglamukhi Temple in Bankhandi provides to her devotees.[17]

Furthermore, it is said that the Maa Baglamukhi Temple, Bankhandi, HP was constructed during theDwaparyugby thePandavasduring their period of 'Agyatvas' (exile). According to legend, the Pandavas built the temple in a single night.BhimaandArjunaworshipped Goddess Baglamukhi to seek her blessings and power.

It is believed that worshipping Maa Baglamukhi Temple in Bankhandi, Kangra district enhances one's power and diminishes enemies capabilities, rendering them helpless. This aspect of the goddess’s power underscores her role as a protector and a formidable force against adversities.

A temple devoted to Bagalamukhi is also located in the Newar city ofPatannear Kathmandu,Nepal,the country where worship of tantric goddesses had royal patronage. The territory of this temple in Patan has several other shrines dedicated toGanesha,Shiva,Saraswati,Guheswar, Bhairava, etc.

See also

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References

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  1. ^"About Bagalamukhi".Retrieved5 September2016.
  2. ^"1108 Names of Bagalamukhi Ma".Retrieved5 September2016.
  3. ^Pravrajika Vedantaprana, Saptahik Bartaman, Volume 28, Issue 23, Bartaman Private Ltd., 6, JBS Haldane Avenue, 700 105 (ed. 10 October 2015) p.19
  4. ^abKinsley (1997), p. 193
  5. ^abcKinsley (1997), pp. 196–7
  6. ^Frawley p. 130
  7. ^Kinsley (1997), pp. 197–8
  8. ^abKinsley (1997), pp. 198–9
  9. ^Kinsley (1997), pp. 193–4
  10. ^"Bagalamukhi | Mahavidya".Retrieved2019-07-20.
  11. ^Kinsley (1997) pp. 194–5
  12. ^Kirti Kalra (17 June 2016)."बगलामुखी माँ और यन्त्र".newstrend.news(in Hindi).Retrieved9 May2020.
  13. ^Kinsley (1997), p. 198
  14. ^Pravrajika Vedantaprana, Saptahik Bartaman, Volume 28, Issue 23, Bartaman Private Ltd., 6, JBS Haldane Avenue, 700 105 (ed. 10 October 2015) p.20</
  15. ^Benimadhav Sil’s Phool Panjika, 31, Abhinash Kairaj Street, Kolakta – 700 005. (ed. 2014–2015) p. 255
  16. ^"Sree Bagalamukhi Devi Temple".Archived fromthe originalon 2014-12-21.Retrieved2014-12-21.
  17. ^"Bagalamukhi Goddess—The power of wisdom and knowledge".

Bibliography

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