Secrets of Sri Baglamukhi: 8th Dasha Mahavidya—Goddess of Silence and Speech.

Sri Baglamukhi, also known as Bagala or Pitambara, is the eighth goddess of the Dasha Mahavidya, a group of ten powerful tantric goddesses in Hinduism. She is considered an avatar of Goddess Durga and is renowned for her ability to protect and liberate her devotees from negativity and obstacles. Baglamukhi's symbol is a cudgel, and she is often associated with the power of silence. 

Origin and Legends of Goddess Baglamukhi:

Vedic Story-1:

The legend of Sri Baglamukhi's origin dates back to the Satya Yuga when Earth was plagued by destructive storms that threatened all living beings. Lord Vishnu, the sustainer of the world, turned to austerities to seek a solution, along with Goddess Tripura Sundari, the third Dasha Mahavidya. Pleased with Lord Vishnu's penance, Goddess Tripura Sundari transformed herself into Goddess Baglamukhi. She harnessed her power to control the raging storms, saving the Earth from impending destruction.

Vedic Story-2:

Hindu texts such as the Devi Mahatmya and Markandeya Purana narrate a tale of Goddess Durga taking the form of Baglamukhi to confront a demon named Madan. This demon possessed a boon known as Vak-Siddhi, which enabled his words to manifest into reality. Misusing this power, Madan wreaked havoc upon the world, causing turmoil for gods, humans, and other species.

The gods sought the intervention of Goddess Shakti, who then manifested as Baglamukhi. She extended her cudgel, grabbed the demon's tongue, and severed it, effectively halting his ability to manipulate reality through speech.

Symbolism and Iconography of Goddess Baglamukhi:

Goddess Baglamukhi is often depicted as a ferocious form of Shakti. She has a golden complexion and wears yellow clothing. Her head is adorned with a crown of snakes, and she wields a club in her right hand. One of her defining acts is pulling out and slicing the demon's tongue, symbolizing the end of falsehood and the misuse of speech.

Baglamukhi is associated with various names, including Brahmastra Roopini, Stambhana, Pitambaradevi, and Shatrubuddhivinashini, reflecting her diverse attributes.

Significance of Sri Baglamukhi: 8th Dasha Mahavidya:

Sri Baglamukhi, as the eighth Dasha Mahavidya, is revered as one of the most potent tantric goddesses in Hinduism. Her worship is believed to provide protection from enemies and challenges, bestow courage to confront adversity, resolve financial losses, and safeguard against the malevolent influence of the evil eye. Devotees seek her blessings to gain confidence, succeed in life, and overcome difficulties.

Goddess Baglamukhi epitomizes strength, power, and victory, serving as a guide on the path of wisdom and spiritual transformation. Her significance extends to teaching the value of inner stillness and the transformative potential within.

Bagalamukhi: Goddess of Sahashara Chakra:

Goddess Baglamukhi, as the eighth Dasha Mahavidya, holds the role of governing the Sahashara Chakra. The Chakras are seven energy centers along the human spine, each corresponding to various organs and glands. The Sahashara Chakra represents the highest state of consciousness, wisdom, and transcendental bliss.

According to Vedic astrology, the influence of Goddess Baglamukhi, associated with the planet Rahu, affects one's life, health, financial well-being, career, and marriage through the Kundali.

Temples of Goddess Baglamukhi:

One of the most famous temples dedicated to Goddess Baglamukhi is the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam. This temple, known as the center of tantrism, houses shrines for all ten Dasha Mahavidya, including Baglamukhi. Other prominent temples dedicated to the goddess can be found in locations such as Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (Pitambara Peeth and Dasha Mahavidya Temple), South India (Bagalapeetam), Tamil Nadu (Vallakottai and Sree Suryamangalam), and various other regions.

Folk Tale of Somalapura Kalyani: Goddess Baglamukhi:

Vedic Story-1:

North Karnataka boasts the shrine of Somalapura Kalyani in Sindhanur taluk, regarded as one of the most powerful Shakti Peethas. The temple's origin story revolves around a great yogi dedicated to meditation and penance. The goddess was so pleased with his devotion that she promised to preside in the Somalapura Kalyani temple.

Vedic Story-2:

Another folk tale from Karnataka features a yogi named Shri Chiidanandavadhoota, who constructed the temple around 300 years ago. He authored "Shree Devi Charitre," a well-known text dedicated to Goddess Baglamukhi, as one of the Dasha Mahavidya, within the region.

Conclusion:

Sri Baglamukhi, the eighth goddess of the Dasha Mahavidya, is a potent deity symbolizing protection, power, and the transformative potential of silence. Her stories of origin, legends, and iconography emphasize her significance in confronting falsehood and misuse of speech. Her worship bestows courage, success, and protection to her devotees while guiding them on the path of wisdom and spiritual transformation. As the controller of the Sahashara Chakra, she holds a pivotal role in the awakening of higher consciousness. Temples dedicated to Goddess Baglamukhi are spread across India, and her influence extends to various aspects of life, as suggested by Vedic astrology.