Maa Baglamukhi Temple, also known as Shri Bagalamukhi Mata Temple, stands in Bankhandi village near Dehra, in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Dedicated to Goddess Baglamukhi, the eighth of the ten Mahavidyas of Tantric Shaktism, it is regarded as one of the most powerful Shakti shrines in North India, and one of only three historically significant Baglamukhi temples in India, alongside Pitambara Peeth in Datia and the Baglamukhi Temple in Nalkheda.

Goddess Baglamukhi is worshipped here as the embodiment of Stambhana Shakti, the divine power believed to halt and paralyse negativity, enemies, and obstacles. She is typically depicted seated on a golden throne, three-eyed, adorned in yellow, holding a cudgel in one hand while pulling the tongue of a demon with the other, symbolising her power to silence adversaries. Her other names include Pitambara Maa and Brahmastra Roopini.

Architecture

The temple reflects traditional Himachali architecture with Hindu and Buddhist influences: carved wooden and stone pillars, pagoda-style spires, and an octagonal havan platform. True to the Goddess’s iconography, the entire complex is painted vivid yellow, and devotees traditionally wear yellow clothing and offer yellow sweets such as besan ke laddoo.

Religious & Tantric Significance

As a Siddha Peeth, the temple holds special importance for practitioners of Tantra Vidya. Devotees visit seeking victory in court cases and legal disputes, protection from enemies and rivals, success in competitive exams and business rivalries, removal of obstacles, and overall well-being and spiritual transformation.

Rituals & Festivals

The principal ritual is the havan performed at the sacred havan kund. Devotees wear yellow, offer turmeric and yellow sweets, recite the Baglamukhi mantra (“Hleem”), and often take a sankalp (vow), returning after their wish is fulfilled for a thanksgiving puja. The temple is busiest during Navratri, and an annual fair is held on Baglamukhi Jayanti.