Key points
- Temple’s restoration, amenities for pilgrims on the cards
- Religious site draws over 250,000 Hindu pilgrims annually from Pakistan, India, and UAE
- Initiative highlights Pakistan’s efforts to preserve minority heritage
ISLAMABAD: To promote religious tourism and cultural inclusivity, the provincial government of Pakistan’s Balochistan province has unveiled plans to designate the historic Hinglaj Mata Temple – one of Pakistan’s most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites – as a global tourist destination.
The initiative was discussed during a meeting between Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and Senator Danesh Kumar, where both leaders emphasised enhancing facilities for pilgrims and fostering interfaith harmony through tourism development.
Religious diversity
The effort aligns with broader national goals of showcasing Pakistan’s religious diversity and preserving its spiritual heritage.
Located in the rugged terrain of Lasbela district, the Hinglaj Mata Temple is a centuries-old sanctuary that attracts more than 250,000 pilgrims annually, not just from across Pakistan but also from India, the UAE, and other Gulf nations. The annual Hinglaj Yatra – a pilgrimage of deep spiritual resonance – has long symbolised the inclusive religious fabric of Balochistan.
As part of the 2025 development budget, the provincial government is allocating special funds to upgrade infrastructure, improve pilgrim amenities, and preserve the temple’s ancient architecture, ensuring it can accommodate the growing influx of domestic and international visitors.
Land of cultural convergence
Chief Minister Bugti stressed that Balochistan is a land of cultural convergence, where religious minorities have historically coexisted in peace, and that the Hinglaj Mata Temple stands as a symbol of that enduring harmony.
By giving it global recognition, the government hopes to elevate Balochistan’s image as a hub for spiritual tourism, potentially boosting overall tourism in the region by up to 30 per cent in the next five years.
With over 50 minority religious and cultural heritage sites spread across Balochistan, the temple’s new status is a beacon of Pakistan’s pluralistic identity. It reflects a conscious effort to preserve sacred spaces, promote heritage tourism, and reframe Pakistan on the global stage as a country where faiths flourish and cultures are celebrated.
Historical background
Hinglaj Mata, also known as Hingula Devi, is regarded as an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Durga or Shakti. The temple is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas—sacred sites where parts of the goddess Sati are said to have fallen after her self-immolation and the subsequent destruction of her body by Lord Vishnu. According to legend, Sati’s head (or according to some versions, her forehead) fell at Hinglaj, making the site spiritually potent.
While the exact origins of the temple are lost in antiquity, its significance has endured for centuries, even thriving in Islamic-majority Pakistan. Historically, it was part of pilgrimage routes used by saints, yogis, and traders crossing the subcontinent.
Religious significance
For Hindus, especially those in Sindh, Balochistan, and even parts of India, Hinglaj Mata is considered a powerful protector and mother figure. Every year, thousands of devotees undertake the Hinglaj Yatra, an arduous pilgrimage through arid terrain, often on foot, to pay homage to the goddess. The temple is unique in that it is located in a natural cave, rather than a man-made structure, adding to its mystique and sanctity.
What makes Hinglaj Mata Temple even more remarkable is the interfaith reverence it enjoys. Many local Muslim tribes, particularly the Zikri and Baloch, respect the site and refer to the deity as “Nani Mandir”, honouring it as a place of divine power and refuge.
Cultural and symbolic importance
Beyond religion, the temple symbolises spiritual resilience and communal coexistence. Despite geopolitical tensions and minority challenges in the region, Hinglaj Mata remains a symbol of pluralism, where Hindus can worship freely with support from local Muslim communities.
Today, the temple stands not only as a sacred site but also as a testament to South Asia’s diverse spiritual heritage. It continues to inspire devotion, unity, and a deep sense of identity among its followers across borders and beliefs.
