Hinglaj Mata
Cave Shrine Of The Goddess Hinglaj, One Of The Shakti Peethas; The Largest Hindu Pilgrimage In Pakistan · Hinglaj, Balochistan
Hinglaj Mata is a small cave shrine of the Hindu goddess Hinglaj in a narrow gorge of the Hingol River, deep in the desert mountains of Balochistan, and it is the most important Hindu pilgrimage site in Pakistan. It is counted among the Shakti Peethas, the sacred places where parts of the body of the goddess Sati are said to have fallen, and it is revered in India too. Every spring the Hinglaj Yatra brings huge numbers of pilgrims, most of them Hindus from Sindh, who travel along the Makran Coastal Highway, first climb the Chandragup mud volcano to make offerings, then walk to the cave. Local Muslims have long respected the shrine as well, calling it Nani Mandir or Nani Pir. The shrine is inside Hingol National Park, and it is seeded as its own row because pilgrims travel to it for itself, not as a stop in the park. Outside the yatra it is quiet, and a visit means a long drive and basic facilities. Balochistan's security situation means checking advice and permission before going.
Hinglaj, on the Hingol River inside Hingol National Park, Lasbela District, Hinglaj, Balochistan, Pakistan
Open at all times, with no ticket. The Hinglaj Yatra is held in spring, usually around April, with dates set by the Hindu calendar; roads and facilities are overwhelmed then. Hinglaj is about four to five hours from Karachi on the Makran Coastal Highway. Foreigners may need permission to travel in Balochistan.