Hiṅglāj Mātā

Goddess Hiṅgulā · Hingol, Lasbela district, Balochistan, Pakistan

Hiṅglāj is a cave shrine in a remote gorge of the Hingol river, within a national park on the Makran coast of Balochistan. It is one of the most revered Śakti Pīṭhas and an important pilgrimage for Hindus in Pakistan, as well as for Sindhi and Charaṇ communities and others who trace their devotion to her.

An annual pilgrimage in spring brings thousands of devotees, who climb mud-volcano hills on the way as part of the ritual. Local Muslims also respect the shrine, often calling it Nānī Mandir. Travel requires local arrangements and current security advice.

Pīṭha tradition says the crown of Satī’s head, the brahmarandhra, fell at Hiṅglāj. Another tradition says the Goddess slew a demon named Hiṅgula here, and so is called Hiṅgulā or Hiṅglāj. Paraśurāma and Rāma are both remembered in local traditions as pilgrims to the shrine.

Balochistan, Pakistan · Cave shrine · Spring pilgrimage · Navarātri

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