Maa Pitambara (Bagalamukhi) Temple – Amleshwar And Its Rich Heritage
The Bagalamukhi temple, also popular as Maa Pitambara Temple, is regarded as one of the holiest destinations of Amleshwar. Situated in proximity to the Raipur airport and Durg, the temple attracts flocks of pilgrims and devotees, all over the country. The temple is also one of the significant Bagalamukhi temples of India. To state the exact location of the temple, it is 81°35’40? East and 21°12’32” north. The construction of the temple was in the able hands of Shri Shri Pitambara Pithadhishwar Yogiraj Youdhishthir Ji Maharaj.
Cultural and religious importance
According to the religious background of Hinduism, the presence of ten mahavidyas or great wisdom is of paramount significance. Among the ten major aspects of Goddess Parvati, Devi Bagalamukhi is one. These ten facets of Lord Parvati stand for the diverse entities of Shakti and signify feminine glory. From horrific and devastating powers to gentle and tender care, these sacred bearers of Great Wisdom represent almost all the major facets of feminine divinity. Maa Pitambara (Baglamukhi) Temple Amleshwar is the holy abode of the Goddess Pitambara, who is the divine manifestation of Goddess Bagalamukhi. The deity exists as a separate entity, without the male divine powers.
The main deity
The principle deity of the temple is Maa Bagalamukhi, the eighth manifestation of Shakti. She is the embodiment of keelaya buddhi vinasa or the destroyer of evil wishes and intentions. Hence, Maa Bagalamukhi represents prevailing of better senses and attainment of true knowledge. The deity signifies destruction of enemies. Moreover, Maa Bagalamukhi portrays the essence of independence and is a potent feminine force by herself. Therefore, the deity lacks presence of a male consort, essaying the true representation of Shakti.
Enumeration of the Idol
Goddess Bagalamukhi has a different representation in this temple. The idol is carved from white marble stones, with a massive gold crown adorning the head. Also popular as Maa Bagalamukhi Pitambara Shaktipeeth, the idol wears a yellow outfit with intricate embroidery. Moreover, a heavily embellished cloth hangs from the head of the idol, as a veil. The idol is chaturbhuja, which means there are four hands of the idol, each with a distinguished weapon. In one of the hands, the deity bears a cudgel. Seated in a gracious equipoise, with the left hand tucking at the demon’s tongue, the goddess performs Stambhana, the act of paralyzing enemy’s speech.
Vedic procedures and rituals
Maa Pitambara, one of the divine manifestations of Goddess Bagalamukhi fulfills wishes of dedicated devotees. At the Pitambara Temple of Chattisgarh, special arrangements are made for complete and enriching worshipping procedure for the deity. Mostly, the worship methodologies completely adhere to principles of the Vedas. Therefore, all offerings by devotees are presented to the deity in compliance with Vedic rules. The holy chants reverberates the temple premises with Divine grace. Apart from that, the Bagalamukhi Yantra is also of paramount significance, in successful completion of rituals. It protects devotees and shields them from negatives forces of enmity.
Celebration of Navratri
The Maa Pitambara temple celebrates the grand occasion of Navratri with great pomp and zeal. Moreover, some of the celebratory methodologies of the temple bear similarity with the Pitambara Peeth in Madhya Pradesh. According to religious canonicals, the Pitambara Peeth is the holy abode of Goddess Pitambara. It is also popular as the Tapasthali, or the mediation destination. The temple hosts huge celebration of Navratri on the sacred occasion of Guru Purnima. As in Sanskrit, the etymology of the term Guru is, gu meaning darkness and ru, denoting the removal of darkness. Therefore, celebration on this particular occasion marks the existence of knowledge and wisdom.
The Navratri celebration at the temple follows the Shakta principles of worship. Moreover, it is the perfect occasion of beginning any religious proceedings and Sadhana. Navratri celebration of Vasant Panchami occurs amidst joy and glory. It is during these festivities that the temple arena reverberates with joyous sounds of devotees.
A famous pilgrimage destination
Among the most famous Shaktipeethas of the country, Maa Pitambara (Baglamukhi) temple is one. Moreover, by delving deep into the Maa Pitambara (Baglamukhi) history, you will get a good insight into the religious significance of the place. The temple attracts a huge number of devotees from all parts of the country, around the year. But the Navratri celebration record the maximum number of footfall, here at Amleshwar.