– Temple believed to have been built by the Pandavas in a single night
Dehra (Kangra): On the auspicious occasion of Baglamukhi Jayanti, thousands of devotees thronged the renowned Mata Baglamukhi Temple at Bankhandi in Kangra district to offer prayers and seek blessings. Since early morning on Vaishakh Shukla Ashtami, a continuous stream of devotees was seen at the temple, creating a deeply spiritual and vibrant atmosphere. The entire area echoed with chants and devotional songs, while special havan and yajna rituals were performed throughout the day.
Located near Dehra along the Rani Tal–Una–Chandigarh National Highway, the temple witnessed heavy footfall not only from across Himachal Pradesh but also from Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. Performing religious rituals on this day is considered highly significant.
Senior priest Manohar Lal stated that the temple is believed to have been established during the Dwapar Yuga by the Pandavas during their exile, and remarkably, it was built in a single night. According to legend, Arjuna and Bhima performed special prayers here to seek strength and victory in battles, after which the temple became a major center of faith and devotion.
He added that devotees visiting nearby religious sites such as Jwalamukhi, Chintpurni, and Nagarkot also make it a point to visit this temple. The temple complex also houses an ancient Shiva shrine with a large Shivling, where devotees perform abhishek after offering prayers to the Goddess.
The temple management committee has made extensive arrangements for visitors, including community meals (langar), drinking water, sanitation, accommodation, and facilities for conducting havan and other rituals.
Pandit Dinesh Ratna explained that Goddess Baglamukhi holds the eighth position among the ten Mahavidyas and is especially worshipped for victory over enemies. As per religious texts, deities like Brahma and Vishnu, as well as warriors like Parashurama, sought her blessings and achieved success in battles.
He further noted that the Bankhandi temple is considered one of the two major Siddh Shaktipeeths of Goddess Baglamukhi in India. Devotees firmly believe that sincere prayers offered here are always fulfilled.
Vaishakh Shukla Ashtami is observed as the incarnation day of Goddess Baglamukhi and celebrated as Baglamukhi Jayanti. The day holds great importance for fasting, पूजा (worship), bhajan evenings, grand yajnas, and night-long जागरण (devotional vigil). Goddess Baglamukhi is revered as the deity of “Stambhan Shakti” (the power to paralyze negativity), believed to destroy evil forces and remove fear from her devotees. She is also known as “Pitambara.”