The venerated Hinglaj Shakti Peeth is the preeminent pilgrimage site for devotees, as portrayed in numerous religious texts such as Hinglaj Purana and Vamana Puranas. It continues to be a source of spiritual solace and deep reverence centuries after its inception.
An intriguing fact is that Pakistan was once a part of India before independence. As such, one of the two Shaktipeeths lies beyond its border in Hinglaj on the banks of the Hingol River within Balochistan – an area 217 kilometers away from Karachi. Unfortunately, much of this pilgrimage must be undertaken through treacherous desert terrain which makes it incredibly arduous.
Visiting the Shaktipeeth of Hinglaj will grant you a glimpse of the awe-inspiring sights and roop jyotis. This sacred site can only be accessed by walking through a narrow cave, and it is revered not just by Hindus but also Muslims from all over Balochistan who visit to pay their respects as ‘Nani Ka Haj’. The divine power imbued in this temple ensures that no one leaves dissatisfied or empty handed after visiting here.
‘Hingula’ is the name for vermilion. Legends tell of a time when ‘Bhagwan Parashurama’ had killed 21 Kshatriya warriors, and the remaining Rajaghans sought refuge with Mother Hingula to plead for their safety. In response, she named him ‘Brahmakshatriya.’
It is widely thought that Adyashakti, otherwise known as Hingla Devi, actively decorates twelve locations around the world. These locations include Kamakhya in Assam, Kanyakumari and Tamil Nadu’s Kamakshi of Kanchi, Ambaji of Gujarat, Lalita of Prayag, Vindhyavasini of Vindhyachal’s Volcano at Kangra , Vishalaskhi in Varanasi , Mangaldevi in Gaya , Sundari from Bengal , Guhyeswari located within Nepal borders and Malwa . Each location stands to represent a unique part of the divine power embodied by Adyashkati.
Every April, people from far-flung places gather to celebrate the annual religious festival of Hingula Devi – a pilgrimage that requires both valid passport and visa. Hindus especially flock in great numbers to take part in this sacred celebration.
As the legends narrate, Lord Shiva was performing his ‘Tandava’ dance with Goddess Sati’s corpse on his shoulder when Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to prevent a catastrophe and divide her body into fifty-one parts. It is said that Hinglaj marks the site where the head of Goddess Sati had landed.
Believers of this temple contend that the head of Lord Hinglaj descended to reach here. Additionally, it is said Bhagwati’s forehead was decorated with a red mark signifying her power and thus earning the name of Hinglaj or Hingula Shakti Peeth.
The majestic temple of Hinglaj Mata lies at a distance of 250 km away from the Pakistani city of Karachi. To access it, one must first travel to Karachi either by train or flight and then take a taxi or car for the last leg to reach their destination. Those travelling from India can opt in for any convenient mode- be it flights that go directly up till Lahore, trains that run all the way down until Karachi or buses which also make regular stops here as well!
