What is Maa Baglamukhi Temple, Nalkheda known for?
The temple of Maa Baglamukhi at Nalkheda stands on the bank of the Lakhundar river, and is the reason most people come to the town. Baglamukhi is one of the ten Mahavidyas, the forms of the Goddess worshipped in the Shakta tradition, and is depicted in yellow — pitambara — which is why yellow cloth, yellow flowers and turmeric are central to her worship. The image here is held in tradition to be swayambhu, self-manifested, and the temple is regarded as very old.
Why is Maa Baglamukhi Temple, Nalkheda significant?
In the Shakta tradition Baglamukhi is the Mahavidya who stills and restrains — her name is understood as the goddess who grasps or halts, and she is invoked for the stilling of opposition and harmful speech. The Nalkheda temple is among the most revered of her shrines in India, and it has long been associated with havan and anushthan performed by sadhaks. Its setting beside the river, away from any large town, is part of that tradition of practice.
Which rituals and festivals are held at Maa Baglamukhi Temple, Nalkheda?
Yellow is the colour of the worship: yellow cloth, yellow flowers, turmeric, chana dal and yellow sweets are the customary offerings. Havan is performed in the temple precinct, and aarti is held morning and evening.
Both Navratris are the principal occasions, along with Baglamukhi Jayanti in Vaishakh. Many devotees visit on Thursdays, the day associated with yellow.
How do you reach Maa Baglamukhi Temple, Nalkheda?
Nalkheda is about 100 kilometres from Ujjain, roughly two and a half hours by road, and about 150 kilometres from Indore. There is no railway station in the town; Ujjain Junction is the practical railhead and Indore the nearest airport. Cabs from Ujjain make the round trip in a day.
The temple is on the edge of the town beside the Lakhundar river, with parking near the approach.