Bagalamukhi Jayanti : A Day Goddess Baglamukhi Appeared On Earth

Bagalamukhi (The Goddess who seizes the Tongue)

Goddess Bhagalamukhi is one of the Dasamahavidya Goddesses. Bagalamukhi in general terms means Goddess whose face has supremacy of confining the mind and thus can control the individuals. The name literally means “crane faced", which is how this goddess is sometimes depicted. She has a golden complexion and her cloth is yellow. She sits in a golden throne in the midst of an ocean of nectar full of yellow lotuses. A crescent moon adorns her head. She holds a club in her right hand with which she beats an enemy, while pulling his tongue out with another. This image is sometimes interpreted as an exhibition of stambhana, the power to stun or paralyze one’s enemy into silence. This is one of the boons for which Bagalamukhi’s devotees worship her.

Baglamukhi Jayanti is believed to be the day when Goddess Bagalamukhi incarnated on earth to protect devotees and restore dharma. Bagalamukhi Jayanti is observed on Vaisakh Shukla Astami or the 8th day in brighthalf of Vaishakh month. On this day Maa Baglamukhi appeared to destroy the enemies of their devotees. So, this day is celebrated as Baglamukhi Jayanti. In 2011, Bagalamukhi Jayanthi date is May 11.

The Goddess Baglamukhi is also known as Maa Pitambara is very fond of yellow color (Pitambar = Yellow). Maa Baglamukhi likes yellow, most of the yellowish things are used in worshiping like Turmeric garland, yellow flowers, yellow sweets, yellow fruits, yellow mats, Turmeric, Cow's ghee, yellow rice grains and yellow clothing.

There are several legends associated with Goddess Baglamukhi. One popular legend says that Goddess Shakti took the form of Baglamukhi to protect the universe from a huge storm that had the capacity to destroy the universe. Another legend has it that the Goddess appeared to protect Dharma which was challenged by an Asura named Madan. The Goddess defeated him and pulled his tongue. The demon then prayed for forgiveness. Symbolically, this suggests that the greatest threat to Dharma is from unwanted speech.

बगलामुखी मंत्र

ऊँ ह्लीं बगलामुखी सर्व दुष्टानां वाचं मुखं पदं स्तम्भय
जिह्वां कीलय बुद्धिं विनाशय ह्लीं ऊँ स्वाहा।

|| Om Hlreem Baglamukhi Sarwdushtanam Wacham Mukham Padam
Stambhay Jihwam Kilay Buddhim Vinashay Hlreem Om Swaha ||

Meaning : Oh Goddess Baglamukhi, paralyze the speech and feet of all evil people. Pull their tongue, destroy their intellect.

Wish you happy Baglamukhi Jayanti 2011. May Godess Baglamukhi give you all success ahead!