If you are in search of a place to visit which is peaceful, calm and infused with the rich culture and heritage of India, then Baglamukhi Temple in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh is a must-visit place for you and your family. This shrine is dedicated to the goddess Baglamukhi, believed to possess the ability to stop or ward off enemies. In this article, we will examine the temple’s history, its architectural, importance, religious importance and festivals as well as try to find out some other similar attractions in Kangra and nearby. We will also find out which is the best season to visit, location details, accommodation facilities, as well as other tips that you may find useful and interesting.
Baglamukhi Bankhandi
The temple of the goddess “Baglamukhi” is located in the Bankhandi town in the Kangra district on the Chintpurni-Kangra highway. The temple is located a few km away from Bankhandi town bang on the highway. If you are driving from Kangra on your way to Chandigarh or Punjab, the temple is on the right side. From Kangra town, it is only 25 km or so. There is a big parking on the left side of the road with toilet facilities where you can get fresh. After parking your vehicle, you can easily walk towards the temple, be careful while crossing the road as vehicles come from both directions.
BaglamukhiMata known as Pitambari
As soon as you are nearing the temple, there are shops selling pooja (offerings) items. With the offering in your hands, you walk towards the temple; when you arrive near the temple’s premises, the first thing that grabs your attention is that the place is quite huge with everything spick and span. Another thing that you notice is that everything is in yellow. From the ceiling fans, which are painted in yellow, the “prasad” which is yellow to the dresses of pujaris which are all in yellow colour. This is the reason that the Goddess “Baglamukhi” is also known as ” Pitambari”. According to ancient beliefs and inscriptions in the temple, it is believed the Mata originated from turmeric-colored waters. Due to the yellow colour of turmeric, she is also referred to as “Pitambari Devi”.
Baglamukhi Mata Himachal
At the main temple, there is a long queue of devotees waiting to enter the Baglamukhi Mata Mandir to be blessed by the Devi Mata. The devotees are permitted to go inside the sanctum of the temple in groups of twos or threes, one after the other. Only two people can enter side by side inside the sanctum where the pujaris will accept your offerings on behalf of the devi. After touching the devi’s feet, the prasads are returned to you. Inside the sanctum, you can see the goddess’s idol “Baglamukhi”, with Lord Shiva on one side and Lord Ganesha on the other side. Lord Shiva is known by the name of “Bhairav ” of Goddess “Baglamukhi”.
Reason Behind Name of Goddess Baglamukhi Mata
The story behind the name of Goddess Baglamukhi Mata Kangra is quite interesting. Baglamukhi” Ji was created to resolve a problem of Lord “Brahma”, the creator of all things. A demon had hidden the scriptures of Lord “Brahma” in “Patal Lok” (nether world). The demon was blessed with a boon that nobody could kill him, either on the earth or in the water. When the lord “Brahma” chanted the name of Goddess “Bhagvati”, she was born as goddess “Baglamukhi”. She then went to “Patal Lok” (nether world) and defeated the demon and came back with the holy book which she gave back to lord “Brahma”.
Baglamukhi as Kuldevi of Ravana
It is believed that Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, had a unique connection to the goddess Baglamukhi. Some stories suggest that he constructed a temple dedicated to her in ancient times. Baglamukhi might have been considered Ravana’s Kuldevi (family deity). He is said to have performed havan (fire rituals) to please her. When Lord Rama discovered the temple and learned of its connection to Baglamukhi, he too sought her blessings. As a result, he instructed Lord Hanuman to guard the temple entrance as Baglamukhi’s protector.
Origin and History of Baglamukhi Temple
It is believed that the Baglamukhi Temple is one of the oldest temples in India, dating back to the 8th century. In accordance with Hindu mythology Goddess Baglamukhi is the 8th manifestation of the ten Mahavidyas. It is also believed that the temple was built during the time of the Pandavas and was later renovated by the rulers of the area. The temple has been through numerous restorations and renovation work over many centuries.
Architecture of the Temple
The Baglamukhi Temple is a stunning example of ancient Indian art and architecture. It showcases a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist styles, evident in its design and architecture. What distinguishes Baglamukhi Temple from others in the region are its distinctive features. The temple houses a massive stone idol of Goddess Baglamukhi, believed to be over 800 years old. Its distinctive dome-shaped roof is supported by four pillars and the temple is adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings depicting Goddess Baglamukhi and various other deities.
Structures of Baglamukhi Temple
In 1905 the city was struck by a massive earthquake that struck the entire Kangra district. There was destruction everywhere. However, the shrine of Mata Baglamukhi was miraculously not harmed at all. The entire temple remained intact without any damage. If you take the steps and go down the stairs, there is an old “Bankhandi Mahadev” temple there. Within the temple is a massive “Shivlinga” and the locals have a deep faith in “Bankhandi Mahadev”.
Religious Significance of the Temple
Baglamukhi Temple is thought to be among India’s most powerful shrines. It is believed that worshipping the image of the goddess can help in getting rid of negative energy and any obstacles that you may be having in your life. It is also believed that the goddess possesses the ability to disarm enemies and control them. It is a place where one can be in touch with God and experience the feeling of inner peace and tranquillity.
Havan in Baglamukhi Temple Himachal
If you look around the temple you will find havan being performed at various places in the temple premises. Bablamukhi Temple Himachal is well-known throughout India for the fire sacrifices (Havans) that take place every day. Invoking “Havan” to please the goddess is done continuously at the temple at the behest of the devotees. The havan performed at night is believed to be particularly important since it is believed it brings results in just 36 days. There are 136 kinds of havan and ceremonies held in this temple. Various “havans” are performed by various methods using different ingredients, which mostly comprise of yellow mustard, turmeric roots, black pepper, etc.
How to Perform Havan at Baglamukhi Mandir Kangra
The different havans serve different purposes such as red chilli, which is believed to be a deterrent to enemies. When performing haven, the havan samagri or substances are poured using the left hand. There is a “havan kund” (fire pit) that is located right in front of the temple. The devotees who wish to have “Havan” performed, can contact the authorities in the temple premises. You will find many kiosks located at different places inside the temple complex where one can inquire about the havans and book your slot. There are different rates for performing havan. The minimum fees for performing a haven start at Rs 3100 and upwards depending on the kind of havan or the worship you want to be done.
Langar / Free Kitchen at Baglamukhi Mandir
There is also a “langar” (free kitchen) in the “Baglamukhi Mata Mandir” which runs from 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm. Prasads that are served here are yellow curry, yellow prasad and yellow lentils, all yellow in colour.
Festivals Celebrated the Temple
Baglamukhi Temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year. These festivals and celebrations are a significant aspect of the temple’s culture and customs. The most popular festivals celebrated at the temple are Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali. In these celebrations, the temple is lit up with lights and flowers. People from all over the place and from far and wide visit the shrine during these festivities to pray for divine blessings from the Goddess.
How to Reach Baglamukhi Temple
The Baglamukhi Temple is located in village Bankhandi located about 25 km away from the city of Kangra. The temple can be reached by various modes. There are many options for transport to get there. The nearest railway station is located in Pathankot which is about 95 km from the temple. The closest airport is Gaggal located about 40 km from the Temple. If you are coming from Delhi to the Baglamukhi Temple in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, the options to reach here are as follows:-
By Air
The nearest airport in Kangra is the Gaggal Airport, which is located about 40 km from the shrine. You can fly from Delhi to Gaggal and then take a taxi or local bus to reach the temple.
By Train
You can reach Pathankot via train. From there you can take a bus or taxi to get to the Baglamukhi temple. The distance between Pathankot and Kangra is around 95 kilometres.
By Road
There are regular buses that run from Delhi up to Kangra and Dharamsala. You can book a bus ticket from RedBus or if you want to travel by HRTC Buses, you can go to their online website. The distance from Delhi to the Mata Baglamukhi temple is approximately 500 km and takes around 10 hours of journey time.
Other Places of Interest in Kangra
Baglamukhi Temple is situated in the Kangra district, which is famous for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Kangra is a beautiful place that provides visitors with much more than the Baglamukhi Temple. The nearby attractions to visit are:
Kangra Fort
It is one of the most ancient forts in India and is situated about 25 km from the temple. The history of the Kangra Fort dates back to the 4th century. Once you reach here you can enjoy breathtaking views of the valley surrounding it.
Masroor Rock Cut Temples
The Masroor rock cut temples are situated approximately 50 km from Kangra. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples were carved out of one giant rock and are believed to date to around the eighth century. The distance from Baglamukhi Temple to Masroor Rock Cut Temple is around 25km.
Dharamshala
This vibrant hill station is situated about 20 kilometres from Kangra and is renowned for its Tibetan food and culture. It is also the place of residence of HH the Dalai Lama.
Palampur
The town of Palampur is situated about 40 kilometres from Kangra. This beautiful town is famous for its beautiful tea gardens and picturesque natural beauty. It is a wonderful place to unwind and relax in the lap of nature.
Chamunda Devi Temple
Chamunda Devi Temple is another renowned temple located in Kangra District, dedicated to the goddess Chamunda. This is also a must-visit temple.
Jwala Devi Temple
Jwala Devi Temple is one of the most well-known temples in Himachal Pradesh. It is is dedicated to Goddess Jwala and is situated around 35 kilometers from the temple.
Baijnath Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated around 50 km away from the Baglamukhi Temple
Best Time to Visit Baglamukhi Temple
Baglamukhi Temple can be visited anytime throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is during the Navratri festival which is celebrated in the months of April and September. The monsoon, which is between July and August is also an ideal occasion to make a trip to the temple because the hills are lush green and the temperature is cool.
Weather in Kangra
The climate in Kangra is warm throughout the year. Kangra district has a moderate climate all through the year. The summers are warm and temperatures range between 22 %C to 38 % Celsius. The monsoon period, from July through September brings heavy rainfall and landslides which makes travel difficult. It is best to avoid coming here during monsoons. The winter season, which runs from December through February, can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to 0°C.
Precautions to Take During the Monsoon
In the monsoon months, it is advised to stay clear of Kangra district because of the possibility of flooding and landslides. If you do have to travel, ensure that you check the weather forecast and road conditions before undertaking the journey. If you are coming during winter, make sure you have warm clothes, since temperatures plummet drastically, particularly during the evening. It is also recommended to wear shoes that are sturdy and have an excellent grip to avoid slipping.
Accommodation and Facilities
There are few lodging facilities available close to Baglamukhi Temple. However, these are limited. There may be a few hotels and guest houses in Bankhandi which is a few km away. However, since Kangra is only 23 km from Baglamukhi temple, the better option would be to stay in Kangra and then come here for darshan. Another option would be to visit Baglamukhi temple on your way back to Delhi to Chandigarh after your visit to Dharamsala or Kangra is over. The first time we were in Dharamsala, we visited Jawalaji Temple on our way back to Delhi. This time (April 2023) we visited Baglamukhi Temple on our way back to Delhi.