[Reader-list] The Goddess Hingala Of Baluchistan

[Pawan Durani]

*The Goddess Hingala Of **Baluchistan***

*By Sanjay Godbole*



“Baluchistan “ is a State in Pakistan, having a fairly vast expanse. Hingola
is an ancient river, which traverses across the terrains of Baluchistan. A
mountain named ‘Khirdhar’ is situated at the banks of river Hingol. At the
extreme end portion of this mountain, which is popularly known as *Kanraj*,
there is an ancient cave known as ‘*Hingalaj*’. This place is situated
in *Tehsil
Lyari *of Baluchistan and is, since ancient times, reckoned as the largest
and the most famous place of Worship of the Goddess Hingla in the Indian
Sub-continent. The “Hingalaj” cave is located at a distance of 250
kilometers from “Karachi”  on Karachi-Quetta highway. On the eastern side,
is situated a town called Lyari. Next to Lyari, not very far, is located a
military base of Baluchistan. One has to cross two rivers named Aghor and
Gungi, to arrive at Ashapura Sarai hermitage’ charitable rest house for a
camping halt where the Hingalaj cave is situated in the near vicinity.

At this location, there are some old temples of worshiping such as Lord
Ganesha, remains like Goddess mother Kali, Guru Gorakhnath, Brahmkunda, Ram
Zarokha, Anil Kund and holy place of Gruha of Goddess Devi.

During the Treta-Yuga epoch or era (according to Hindu mythology there are 4
yugas (Eras) Satyayug *Dwaparyug,* Treta-Yuga and *Kalki*-*Yug* .When *
Parshuram* incarnated, *Dadhichi* the Famous ascetic sage had penned a
predictive story. King *Vichatar*, a descendent of a Tartar
*Mangol*Dynasty, ruled this province. He had two sons, named “Hingol”
and “Sunder”
* Sunder* brutally oppressed the populace. The harassed public, propitiated
Lord Shiva, and the Lord Ganesha (Son of Shiva). Lord Ganesha killed Sunder.

Later on, Sunder’s brother, Hingol, who had received boons, which ensured
that he (Hingol) would not meet death by any weapon whatsoever, in any of
the three lokas (worlds)' as per Hindu mythological concept three worlds
exist worlds *Swarg, Mrityu. Pataal Hingol*, all the same, would not remain
immune to death. Hingol soon became insolent and opressed his subjects. He
also added new territories to his Kingdom. He, thereafter, suo moto, assumed
the title as Hingol Dev (God Hingol). Ultimately, the people as a resultant
reaction, worshipped “Goddess Shakti”.

The Goddess killed Hingol in a cave at a place known as “*Satdeep*” in, what
is known as ‘Baluchistan’today. Hingol, just before meeting his death,
requested and prayed to Goddess Shakti, that he be identified and be
synonymous with his name. The place, thenceforth, was known as “*Hingol
Tirth*”.

When Alexander the great, invaded “Sistan” now called “Baluchistan”
presently, in the year 325 B.C., the Greek forces were camping at the banks
of river “Hingol”. Sikandar waged a war with the King of “Balikot”. Some
devotees of Goddess Hingla were there, to worship the Goddess Hingla and
they were all safe.

Emperor “Vikramaditya” at the time of Vanquishing India, visited this place
as a devotee. King, Todarmal, contemporary of Emperor “Akbar” had also
visited this place as a devotee. So also did many Rajput nobles, and
personalities such as Biharimal, Madhusingh, & Raja Jagtatsingh visit the
place.

*Dada Mek-han*, the famous saint of Gujrat, came all the way from Gujarat,
to visit and have glimpses of this holy place. Those devo-tees, visiting
this place Hingalag are addressed as ‘Kapdis’. The pilgrims, after
completion of their pilgrimage, sport a string, made out of “Thumra”, a
variety of stone, mined from “Thatta” in Sindh.

Prior to the partition of British India, in 1947, many devotees, especially
from “Gujarat” and “Rajasthan” regularly visited “Baluchistan” to propitiate
Goddess “Hingla”. Travelling was not that easy and comfortable at that time.
The travellers had to undertake the tedious journey by braving the barriers
such as rough and sloppery roads, jungles, mountains and crossing of
challenging rivers. This tedious journey, at times had to be completed on
the back of camels or in a Palanquin and would last for about a month or so.

Shri Varsimal Devani, a Trust of Swami Narayan Temple , a religious cult
popular as Vaishnava, residing on Mohamad Ali Jinnah Road in Karachi, is
also a trusth of Hingla Mata Temple of Baluchasitan. He also arranges tours
to Hingla Teerth. He very graciously made available to me some fine
photographs of Hinglamata Mandir.

According to Shri Devani, the Goddess Hingla Devi being famous all around,
devotees from Africa and even Europe frequent this pilgrimage spot in
multitudes.

As per the legend, in Uttar Ramayana, Lord Rama visited Hingla Teerth in a
sortie in his aircraft “*Pushpak*” and bathed in the water basin (Jal Kunda)
here. One spot in this area is identified with Lord Rama’s sacred visit.

Shri. Devani further added, that the temple of Hingla Mata is inside a cave
and it admeasures 25 feet by 12 feet. There is no idol of the deity, but
only the Astan (Seat) and the trident.

A priest is duly appointed for carrying out daily rituals and general
maintenance and house keeping.

Each year a minimum of Twenty five thousand strong contigent of devotees
visit there for pilgrimage. They offer flowers and coconuts to the Goddess
Hingla. Some offer a cloth piece suitable for Blouse, making such an offer
is considered to be auspicious. Some offer “Saubhagya Lenis” and even silver
canopies Umbrellas i.e. according to Hindu belief, a married lady is
considered to be fortunate, if she passes away prior to her husband. Since
dry fruits are available in abundance in Baluchistan, these are offered to
the deity and are distributed to the visitors as blessings of the deity.

Devani said that the members of “Zigri”, a Baluch tribe reside in this area.
They also worship the deity and take a vow. When their vows are fulfilled
these “Zigri Baloch come to the spot and offer Mithi roti (Sweetened Bread).
All the members of their family gather on such an occasion. They address
Hinglamata as “Nanima” . (Nani means mother’s mother ). All the security
personnel of this temple are Baloch. This was specifically mentioned by
Shri. Varsimal Devani.

As per the legend described in “Shiva-Purana” Sati’s main mortal remains
fell over this part of the land. Sati was the daughter of “King Daksha” and
wife of Lord Shiva who preferred to go “Sati”. (Sati according to orthodox
Hindu beliefs, a married woman after the death of her husband should
immolate herself on the pyre of her husband , this it is claimed is
necessary for her salvage in future births) . Hence this place assumed
importance in the specified holy places of the Goddess.

But exactly like the “Sharada” temple in Kashmir, this place Hingla Teerth
is now in Pakistan. Hence we (Indians) are deprived of an easy access do
this place.
**(The author is a noted Archeologist, a linguist and expert on the history
of South-West Asia)*
**
*Source: Kashmir Sentinel*