Goddess Hingula is a form of Mother Goddess Shakti. She is
associated with cooking and is known as Hinglaj Mata, Goddess Hingulei or
Hingulaksi. Information about Goddess Hingula is found in the Sarala Mahabharata. As per Puranas, Goddess Hingula appeared in that spot where a part
of the head of Goddess Sati fell after her body was split into 51 pieces by
Vishnu. Shiva was roaming in the universe with the body of Goddess Sati and
this was causing havoc in the universe. Vishnu split the body to rescue the universe.
As per Sarala Mahabharata, one can achieve his/her desired
object if he/she worships or mediates on Goddess Hingula. It is also believed
that food cooked become delicious through the blessings of the Goddess.
King Nala was blessed by Goddess Hingula and that is the reason why he was able to cook such delicious food.
King Nala was blessed by Goddess Hingula and that is the reason why he was able to cook such delicious food.
Goddess Hingula is worshipped in the form of fire and she is
linked with the Agni Kona or southeast direction. Although murtis of the Goddess are found in the shrines dedicated to her; she is invoked in the form of fire.
The bhog, or food, at Puri Jagannath Temple is prepared after
taking the blessings of Goddess Hingula.
The most famous temples dedicated to Goddess Hingula are located at Baluchistan in Pakistan. In India, shrines dedicated to her are
located in Assam and at Gopalprasad Gada Village in Angul District in Orissa.