Origin Of Maa Bagla

After the creation of the universe, Lord Brahma (referred to here as "Vidhata," the Creator) was deeply troubled. He was always disturbed by the constant enmity between the gods (Devas) and the demons (Asuras). The Devas were virtuous and peace-loving, whereas the Asuras were bloodthirsty and eager to destroy the righteous.

The demons were stronger and more cruel than the Devas, and as a result, the number of Devas started to dwindle. They became helpless, weak, and were gradually disappearing from existence. To protect them, it became necessary to search for the elixir of immortality, Amrita.

Through clever diplomacy, the demons were also involved in this quest. After churning the ocean, with Narada as a witness, Amrita and 14 other priceless treasures emerged. Goddess Lakshmi herself emerged from the ocean during this churning. Lord Vishnu took on the form of Mohini to distribute the Amrita among the gods.

Now the gods were no longer afraid of death, but they still continued to be defeated by the demons. For the slaying of the fearsome demon king Vritrasura, the great sage Dadhichi had even given his bones to the gods. The thunderbolt (vajra) was made from his bones.

Upon seeing Brahma Ji arrive, Lord Bhootnath (Shiva) was very pleased. He greeted the Creator with respect, seated him on a high throne, and lovingly inquired about the reason for his visit. Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are considered the three primeval gods. Their powers are equal, and they all show each other the same respect.

Brahma Ji said, "Lord, I have created the universe with great care, but it seems that in the face of the demons' power, the divine forces, despite being immortal, will always remain weak." Hearing this, Lord Shiva said, "What can I do? Please instruct me with your divine wisdom. My role is to bring destruction to the universe."

Brahma Ji said, "Please destroy the demons with your fierce form." Lord Shiva replied, "O Lord, most of the demons are my great devotees. They are always deeply engrossed in my worship. How can I directly cause them harm? However, through my Ardhanarishvara (half-male, half-female) form, I will bring a change in the demons' intellect. They will become unable to distinguish between right and wrong. This powerful form of mine will become known in the world by the name Bagala."

Once, Lord Shiva's face turned red with anger after being provoked by the numerous deadly attacks from the demons. From his face, due to his rage, a great radiance emerged. The flames from this energy spread in all directions, filling the entire universe with a unique tremor, like a blazing sun. Afterward, this radiance transformed into the form of a woman.

Since she emerged from Shiva's fierce form, the goddess had a crescent moon-adorned crown on her head and a third eye on her forehead. She was wearing yellow garments, and in one hand, she held the tongue of an enemy, while in the other, she wielded a devastating mace.

Praise Of Maa Baglamukhi

Salutations to the Great Goddess. I bow to the fierce and eternal one, Gauri, the nourisher, and the goddess filled with moonlight. Salutations to Goddess Baglamukhi, who takes the form of the moon. Salutations, salutations. I offer my respects to the Goddess who embodies auspiciousness, growth, and success.

We bow repeatedly to the Goddess who sustains the world and takes the form of action. Salutations to the Goddess who resides in all living beings in the form of hunger. O powerful Goddess, I bow to you again and again.

O Great Illusion (Mahamaya), you are Swaha (the one who nurtures the gods) and Swadha (the mantra that sustains the ancestors). You are the sound of Vashat (the mantra that delivers offerings to Indra during sacrifices). You are the essence of nectar, the twilight, Savitri, and the mother of the universe.

O Mother Goddess! You are the great knowledge (Maha Vidya), the great illusion (Mahamaya), the supreme consciousness (Mahan), the divine memory (Smriti), and the profound delusion (Mahamoh). We offer our reverence to you.