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Bagalamukhi

बगलामुखी • Bagalāmukhī

"The Crane-Faced One (Bagala/Valga = bridle/crane + Mukhi = faced); She who paralyzes"

Mahavidya Eighth of the Ten Mahavidyas Shakta Tantra
Pitambari Brahmastra-rupini Stambhini Valgamukhi
Epithets
Stambhana-karini (Causer of paralysis) Shatru-nashini (Destroyer of enemies) Pitambara-devi (Yellow-clothed goddess)

Category & Classification

Type
Mahavidya
Position
Eighth of the Ten Mahavidyas
Tradition
Shakta Tantra
Parent Deity
Adi Shakti

Iconography

Form
Yellow-clothed goddess pulling an enemy's tongue; power of sudden stopping
Complexion
Golden yellow (Pitambari)
Faces
1 (sometimes depicted with crane-like features)
Arms
2 or 4
Posture
Seated, actively pulling tongue and raising club; dynamic pose
Attributes & Weapons
  • Gada (Club/Mace) (Right hand) - To strike and paralyze enemies
  • Enemy's Tongue (Left hand pulling) - Silencing enemies; controlling speech
  • Mudra of striking - Power to strike
Distinctive Features
  • Entirely yellow - clothes, ornaments, throne
  • Pulling the tongue of a demon/enemy
  • Raising club to strike
  • Seated on golden throne or corpse
  • Three eyes
  • Yellow lotus seat
  • Yellow ornaments

Family & Relations

Origin Emerged to save the world from a powerful demon by paralyzing him

Mythology & Stories

Emerged to save the world from a powerful demon by paralyzing him

Bagalamukhi represents the power to suddenly stop or reverse any force - enemies, diseases, court cases, black magic. She paralyzes opposition, silences critics, and grants victory. For spiritual seekers, she represents the power to stop the mind's fluctuations.

Origin from the Lake

A terrible storm threatened to destroy creation. From a lake (Haridra Sarovar) emerged the goddess Bagalamukhi, yellow as turmeric. She immediately stilled the storm by her power of stambhana (paralysis). Since then, she grants this power to devotees.

Source: Tantric tradition

Paralyzing Madan's Son

A demon named Madan had obtained a boon that whatever he said would come true. He misused this power, causing destruction. Bagalamukhi seized his tongue, preventing him from speaking, thus saving the worlds.

Source: Shakta tradition

Brahmastra Goddess

Bagalamukhi is considered the personification of the Brahmastra - the ultimate weapon. Her power can stop any force, any enemy, any weapon when properly invoked.

Source: Tantric interpretation

Worship & Mantras

Mantras

Beej Mantra

Hlreem

Mool Mantra

Om Hlreem Bagalamukhi Sarvadushtanam Vacham Mukham Padam Stambhaya Jivham Kilaya Buddhi Vinashaya Hlreem Om Svaha

Gayatri Mantra

Om Bagalamukhi Vidmahe Stambhinyai Dhimahi Tanno Devi Prachodayat

Simpler Mantra

Om Hlreem Bagalamukhi Namah

Stotras & Hymns
Bagalamukhi Stotra Bagalamukhi Kavacham Bagalamukhi Sahasranama Pitambara Ashtakam
Auspicious Days
Tuesday Sunday Specific muhurtas for enemies
Offerings
  • Yellow flowers (especially mustard flowers)
  • Turmeric
  • Yellow cloth
  • Yellow rice
  • Yellow sweets (besan laddu)

Temples

Bagalamukhi Temple

Datia, Madhya Pradesh

Most famous temple; powerful siddha peetha

Bagalamukhi Temple

Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Ancient and powerful

Bagalamukhi Temple

Nalkheda, MP

Major pilgrimage site

Bagalamukhi Temple

Patan (Lalitpur), Nepal

Important Nepalese temple

Associated Festivals

Bagalamukhi Jayanti Navaratri

Astrological Connection

Planet
Mars (Mangal); also Jupiter
Nakshatra
Mars-ruled nakshatras
Day
Tuesday; also Sunday
Remedial For
Mars afflictions Litigation Enemies Competition Speech problems

Symbolism & Philosophy

Cosmic Role: Power of sudden stoppage; paralysis of enemies; control of speech; victory

Stambhana (paralysis) Victory Silencing Control Reversal Protection
  • Pulling tongue = controlling speech, the most powerful human faculty
  • Yellow color = awakened intelligence (buddhi)
  • Club striking = decisive action against negativity
  • Paralysis of enemy = rendering opposition powerless
  • Spiritually: stopping the mind's vrittis (fluctuations) is ultimate victory

Supreme goddess for victory over enemies (inner and outer); stopping negative forces