In the ancient city of Ujjain, nestled between the revered Mahakaleshwar and Baglamukhi temples, stands a unique shrine dedicated to Goddess Pratyangira Devi. This fierce deity, revered as the kuldevi or family goddess of the demon king Ravana, promises invincibility and the destruction of foes with just a glimpse.
Pratyangira Devi’s form is striking: a lioness face roaring with primal fury atop a divine feminine body, evoking the image of Lord Narasimha. Unlike other benevolent forms of the Divine Mother, she embodies raw power and wrath, making her a staple in tantric worship across India.
Legends trace her origins to a cosmic crisis. After Lord Vishnu incarnated as Narasimha to slay the demon Hiranyakashipu and protect devotee Prahlad, the god’s rage threatened the universe. Gods and demons alike trembled until Pratyangira emerged from Narasimha’s fury, calming him with her presence.
This goddess is also identified as Nikumbala Devi, worshipped fervently by Ravana and his son Meghanad before battles in the Ramayana epic. They performed elaborate rituals seeking victory, underscoring her role in granting ajeeta or unbeatable strength.
Devotees flock to the Bhairavgarh Road temple near Baglamukhi Dham for protection from black magic, untimely death, and enemies. Tantrics conduct nighttime sadhanas here to perfect their practices. Special pujas dismantle negative energies and tantric attacks, restoring peace and power.
Ujjain’s spiritual landscape, rich with Mahabharata and Ramayana ties, gains another layer with this temple. Pundavas are said to have established many Shiva and Shakti shrines nationwide, but Pratyangira’s unique blend of ferocity and divinity sets her apart. Visitors report profound transformations, leaving with renewed vigor against life’s adversaries.