Hinglajin Temple, also known as Hinglaj Mata Mandir, is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site located in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. The temple is dedicated to Hinglaj Mata, a form of the goddess Shakti or Durga, and is considered one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism.
The temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year, especially during the annual Hinglaj Mela or Hinglaj Yatra, which is held during the months of March and April. The festival is celebrated for three days and is marked by various rituals and ceremonies, including the recitation of hymns, offerings of flowers and fruits, and the immersion of idols in the river. Devotees believe that visiting the temple during this time and performing the rituals can help them attain salvation and blessings from the goddess.
According to Hindu mythology, Hinglaj Mata is an incarnation of the goddess Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva. It is believed that when Sati’s father, Daksha, insulted Lord Shiva, she immolated herself in anger. Lord Shiva then carried her body and roamed around the universe in a state of grief. In the process, parts of Sati’s body fell on different places on the earth, which became the sites of the Shakti Peethas.
When in Chhattisgarh, one must know the famous Gods and Goddesses in the state in order to avoid any confusions and delay. Chhattisgarh strongly believes and worships Goddess Danteswari. Hinglajin is considered to be the younger sister of Goddess Danteswari and hence is considered Goddess Hinglajin. Many temples in Jagdalpur are constructed in remembrance of Goddess Hinglajin. She is considered to be residing in the Eastern parts of Bastar like Girola, Bakavand, etc.
People in India are non-atheists mostly and hence visit temples for spirituality. Thus the Hinglajin temple constructed is to serve the spiritual, cultural and social dimensions and beliefs of the people residing in the area and of course of the tourists as well. The temples are constructed in remembrance of common Gods and thus can be considered replicas. Temples are a magnificent reflection of our ancient past, the way people believed in different Gods and the ways they worshipped. The temple walls are inscribed with idol designs depicting and picturing the ancient culture of India.
Since, the temples are worship areas hence they are flooded with visitors and pilgrims all throughout the year. The temples are mostly the areas wherein people can find peace and dwell into spirituality. Hence, devotees are always welcomes to the temple premises. Might this not be a different place of visit for Indians, but it is for people who are not from India. In fact, every temple has its own origin and is a must visit by any human. Visiting one of the greatest replicas, the Hinglajin temple should be on your list to practice some peaceful and spirituality during your trip to the state that houses natural beauties, the Chhattisgarh.