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MALUR SRI BALAMBIKA TEMPLE Address: Maruthi Extension 2nd stage, Kasaba Hobli, Malur Taluk, Kolar District, Karnataka - India Website : http://malurbalambikatemple.com Email : contactus@malurbalambikatemple.org Instagram: balambikadivyasangam
Issue 2 | Volume 16 | June 2026 Balavin Kural
Kshetra Varalaru series: "Sri Sugandha Devi - Shakti peetam at Bangladesh", by Smt. Indumathi Salutations to the revered Guru. Refuge at the feet of Goddess Balambika. Next, we are going to look at the Sugandha Shakti peetam Temple. It is located in the southwestern part of Bangladesh. There is a place called Shikarpur, in the district of Jhalokathi, where this temple is situated. As we know, a Shakti peetam is a sacred place where a part of Goddess Sati’s body is believed to have fallen. This Sugandha Shakti peetam is traditionally believed to be the place where her nose fell. Because of this, it is revered as the Sugandha Shakti peetam. The temple itself is very beautiful. It has been constructed in the traditional Bengali architectural style. Like many Bengali temples, it is built in a characteristic red color, which gives it a distinctive appearance. The interiors are beautifully decorated with lights, flowers, and various ornaments. One of the special features of this temple is the celebration of Navaratri. Since all forms of the Divine Mother worshipped at the Shakti peetamas are considered manifestations of Goddess Durga, the most important festival celebrated here is Navaratri. The temple attracts many devotees during this festival period. The main festival celebrated here is Navaratri, which is observed for nine days in honor of Goddess Durga. Apart from Navaratri, other festivals such as Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Deepavali, and Janmashtami are also celebrated here. Although the presiding deity of the Sugandha Shakti peetam is the Divine Mother, there are several small shrines located within the temple courtyard itself. Among them are shrines dedicated to Lord Mahavishnu and Lord Krishna. Because of this, Janmashtami, the birth celebration of Lord Krishna, is also observed with great devotion. As we all know, in Hindu tradition Goddess Durga (or Parvati/Yogamaya in some traditions) is regarded as the elder sister of Lord Krishna. Therefore, Krishna-related festivals are also celebrated here with enthusiasm. However, since this temple is located in Bangladesh, visitors from other countries would need a Bangladesh visa to visit the temple. Image courtesy https://thetempleguru.com/listing/ sugandha-shaktipeeth-bangladesh/
What's inside:
Cultural Connect: "Nadabindu upanishad"" The Nadabindu Upanishad is a Yoga Upanishad that teaches the path of Nāda Yoga, the spiritual practice of meditation on the inner mystical sound. The text explains that by turning attention away from external objects and focusing inward, a seeker can use subtle inner sounds as a means to quiet the mind and progress toward Self-realization. The title combinesNāda(sound or vibration) andBindu(source or point), symbolizing the journey from manifested creation back to its ultimate source. According to the Upanishad, the mind is naturally restless and difficult to control. However, when it becomes absorbed in the inner sound, its distractions gradually fade away. The text describes various sounds that may arise during deep meditation, such as the sound of a bell, flute, drum, thunder, or humming bee. Practitioners are instructed to move beyond the grosser sounds and focus on increasingly subtle ones. The Upanishad views sound as a manifestation of the primordial vibration represented by Om (AUM). By following the inner sound back to its origin, the meditator retraces the path of creation and approaches the ultimate reality, Brahman. The sounds themselves are not the goal; they are aids that help the practitioner transcend thought and sensory awareness. The culmination of the practice is a state in which the mind becomes completely still and duality disappears. In this state, the seeker directly realizes the identity of Atman (the individual Self) and Brahman (the Absolute Reality). The Nadabindu Upanishad therefore presents inner sound meditation as a practical path to liberation (moksha), using sound as a bridge to silence, pure consciousness, and spiritual awakening. One of the important verses from this Upanishad: makarandaṃ piban bhṛṅgo gandhaṃ nāpekṣate yathā | nādāsaktaṃ tathā cittaṃ viṣayān na hi kāṅkṣati || "Just as a bee, drinking nectar, does not care for the fragrance of the flower, so too the mind, absorbed in the nāda (inner sound), no longer desires sense objects." References: https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/essay/ yoga-upanishads-study/
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat. Meaning of the mantra is: “We worship the Three-Eyed Lord Shiva, who permeates and nourishes all life with His divine fragrance and grace. Just as a ripe fruit effortlessly detaches from its stem, may we be liberated from the bondage of death, fear, suffering, and limitation, while remaining established in the nectar of immortality and eternal consciousness.” But the deeper essence of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is awakening the realization, true Self is unborn, undying, and ever-present. In that realization, our fear gradually gives way to peace, strength, and freedom. The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is one of the most ancient mantras in the Vedic tradition. It was not “created” by a person. According to Vedic understanding, mantras were revealed (seen or heard) by enlightened sages (Rishis) during deep states of meditation. The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra appears in Rigveda and Yajurveda. Its presence in the Rigveda makes it one of the oldest known mantras in the world, dating back to several thousand years. The Rishi (Seer) of the Mantra is traditionally attributed to the sage Vasistha. Note that sage Vasistha did not invent the mantra, but was the Rishi who received or realized it and transmitted it. The association of this mantra with Sage Markandeya is, where there is a popular story that connects the Mantra with Markandeya. According to the Puranic narrative, Markandeya was destined to die at a young age but attained the grace of Lord Shiva through intense devotion. While this story greatly popularized the mantra, the mantra itself is much older than the Markandeya legend and it already existed in the Vedas. Why It Is Called “Maha Mrityunjaya” Maha means Great, Mrityu is Death, Jaya is Victory. The meaning of the mantra is “The Great Victory over Death.” However, the deeper meaning is not merely conquering physical death. It points to overcoming our Fears, Ignorance, Limitations, Attachment, The cycle of suffering and realizing the immortal Self. Traditionally, all the mantras are recited with: Rishi (Seer): Vasistha Devata (Deity): Tryambaka Shiva Chandas (Meter): Anushtubh Spiritual Significance: The mantra occupies a unique place in the Vedas, because it combines Healing, Longevity, Protection, as well as Spiritual Liberation. Its final prayer is not simply “save me from death,” but, “Liberate me from the bondage of mortality while keeping me established in the nectar of immortality.” The benefits of chanting this mantra is: 1. It dissolves deep subconscious fears related to death, also uncertainty, and change. 2. Awakening of our Higher Consciousness which activates inner wisdom and encourages spiritual growth. 3. Purifies Karma by Regular chanting, which helps to release old karmic patterns and emotional burdens. 4. Strengthens Faith which develops trust in divine timing and divine protection. 5. Creates Inner Peace which Calms mental agitation and promotes emotional stability. 6. Supports Meditation The vibration naturally draws the mind inward toward stillness. 7. Connects with Shiva Consciousness: It reminds the practitioner that their true nature is eternal and beyond birth and death. Effect of the mantra with our Prana (Life Force). The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is often called a Prana-strengthening mantra. The sound vibrations of this mantra helps to harmonize the movement of prana throughout the body. It supports the Heart and Breath. Chanting slowly and rhythmically encourages deeper breathing and a calmer nervous system. Conserves our Vital Energy, from Fear, worry, anger, and stress tend to dissipate prana. The mantra helps redirect energy toward stability and renewal. This mantra also energises our Chakras, associated with purification of the Vishuddha (Throat Chakra), Ajna (Third Eye Chakra), Sahasrara (Crown Chakra). This mantra also expands inner vitality. Balambika charanam Image courtesy https://petalsfromtheheart.blogspot.com
Devotee Speaks: "Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and its significance", by Smt. Roopa V Rajan
Below is the integration of Agasthiar’s Pancha Bhūta with Bālā Tripurā Sundarī, how the five elements dissolve into the ever young Goddess within. Agasthiar says: “Aindhum avalē; avalē aindhum”. The five are She; She alone is the five. Bālā is not above the five elements, but Bala is the secret harmony of all five elements. We see all the five elements with Bala. PṚTHVĪ (Earth) BĀLĀ AS STABILITY OF INNOCENCE. Siddhar insights are Earth is weight, memory, karma. When an unrefined earth element brings heaviness, depression, and inertia. Bālā’ in Action. Bālā lightens Earth. She removes karmic heaviness, brings childlike trust, softens rigid self-identity. Hence it brings out our Inner recognition: “I am held by the Mother.” Result: Safety without fear JALA (Water) BĀLĀ AS SWEET FLOW. Siddha Insight: Water is emotion, attachment, and longing. Bālā’s Action: She purifies emotion without suppression. Turns grief into tenderness. Desire into devotion. Loneliness into intimacy. Inner recognition: “What I feel is allowed by Goddess”. Result: Emotional healing. AGNI (Fire) BĀLĀ AS GENTLE TRANSFORMATION. Siddha Insight: Fire wrongly used creates anger, and burning thoughts. Bālā’s Action: She cools the fire without extinguishing it. Our Ego in fire becomes inner light. Effort becomes effortless clarity. Inner recognition: “I don’t need to fight to know.” Result: Peaceful intelligence. VĀYU (Air) BĀLĀ AS RHYTHM OF PRĀṆA. Siddha Insight: Air governs thought speed and anxiety. Bālā’s Action. She slows the breath naturally. Thoughts lose urgency. The mind becomes playful, not restless. Inner recognition:“Life breathes me.” Result: Mental lightness ĀKĀŚA (Ether) BĀLĀ AS EVER-PRESENT AWARENESS Siddha Insight: Ether is space, silence, consciousness. Bālā’s Action: She reveals awareness as sweetness, not void. Silence becomes loving, Emptiness becomes fullness. Inner recognition: “I am not empty—I am being held.” Result: Non-dual bliss. AGASTHIAR’S SECRET: BĀLĀ AS THE SIXTH ELEMENT Agasthiar reveals: The five elements dissolve into a sixth state, called Sukshma Chaitanya that is BĀLĀ. Bala is Consciousness before division, joy before desire, Knowledge before thought. BĀLĀ MANTRA AS PANCHA BHŪTA KEY ॐ ऐं क्लीं सौः Agasthiar’s inner mapping: AIM comprise Ether + Air (Awareness & movement), KLĪM comprise Fire + Water (Transformation & devotion) SAUḤ comprise Earth dissolving into bliss. FINAL REALISATION (Agasthiar’s Essence): “When the elements rest in love, the Goddess appears as youth. When effort ends, Bālā remains.” Bālā is not attained. She is remembered. Balambika Charanam
Know your Mythology: "The Ultimate Battlefield: Mind", by Thulasinathan Kandasamy Long before a single chariot roared into the physical plains of our world, the great Puranas recorded wars fought entirely within the infinite expanse of human consciousness. This subtle warfare is known as Mano-yuddha. True science and true spiritual traditions beautifully meet at this exact intersection: what the ancient sages described as spiritual warfare, modern science understands as the brain’s constant struggle to find equilibrium amidst chaotic neural noise. The Devi Bhagavata Purana unveils a magnificent cosmic event that serves as a timeless bridge where this psychological reality meets deep bhakti. It is the story of the cosmic dawn when the Divine Mother confronted two of the most formidable forces in creation: the demon generals, Chanda and Munda. In the sacred language of the sages, these names were never chosen at random. They represent the dual afflictions that plague every human mind. Chanda is Prachanda—the volatile, angry, restless, and hyper-reactive mind that flares up in passion. Munda is Manda—the heavy, dull, stubborn, and lazy mind that sinks into ignorance and stagnation. Together, these forces represent the chaotic pendulum of our thoughts, constantly pulling us away from our true, peaceful nature. When the mind finds itself caught in these chaotic ripples, unable to find clarity amidst the noise of life, the Puranas offer a sublime path to internal calibration. While the literal Puranic narrative describes the fierce Chanda-Prachanda-Ugra form of Maha Kali rising to physically dismantle the asuras, the Shaktha tradition reveals a deeper, beautiful truth: Kali is the manifest willpower (Sankalpa-Shakti) of the ultimate, serene source. When a devotee faces intense anxiety, fear, or external negativity, the Devi provides two equally supreme, sovereign ways to experience this victory. A bhakta can choose to align directly with that fierce, protective surge of Maha Kali, using razor-sharp awareness to aggressively confront, devour, and shatter the chaotic thoughts of Chanda and Munda, establishing instant boundaries through absolute power. Alternatively, facing the exact same storm, the devotee can anchor themselves directly in the sovereign source—Goddess Balambika, the Soumyati-Soumya form, who is sweeter than sweetness itself. Sitting serenely with a sacred book and a japa mala, Balambika handles the chaos without ever losing her pristine, childlike calm. For her devotee, she dissolves the friction not through warfare, but through sheer illumination. Her gentle, reassuring gaze cools the burning anxiety like moonlight over a desert, proving that absolute stillness is, in itself, the ultimate destroyer of negativity. To remember Balambika is to realize that the highest power doesn't need to storm; it can restore perfect order through absolute peace. Whether the mind evokes the fierce armor of Kali or the soothing embrace of Balambika, the act of Smaranam (remembrance) acts as a powerful anchor, returning the fragmented mind back to its source of infinite strength. To seal this cosmic truth within our consciousness, the ancient sages left us a definitive Vedic command from the Rigveda. It is the ultimate declaration of the mind's inherent, divine authority over all earthly chaos: “Ahaṁ rāṣṭrī saṅgamanī vasūnāṁ cikituṣī prathamā yajñiyānām”I am the Sovereign Queen of the universe, the gatherer of all treasures, the infinite consciousness, and the prime object of devotion." — Rigveda (Devi Suktam)
Devotee Speaks: "Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and its significance", by Smt. Roopa V Rajan Meaning of the mantra is: “We worship the Three-Eyed Lord Shiva, who permeates and nourishes all life with His divine fragrance and grace. Just as a ripe fruit effortlessly detaches from its stem, may we be liberated from the bondage of death, fear, suffering, and limitation, while remaining established in the nectar of immortality and eternal consciousness.” But the deeper essence of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is awakening the realization, true Self is unborn, undying, and ever-present. In that realization, our fear gradually gives way to peace, strength, and freedom. The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is one of the most ancient mantras in the Vedic tradition. It was not “created” by a person. According to Vedic understanding, mantras were revealed (seen or heard) by enlightened sages (Rishis) during deep states of meditation. The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra appears in Rigveda and Yajurveda. Its presence in the Rigveda makes it one of the oldest known mantras in the world, dating back to several thousand years. The Rishi (Seer) of the Mantra is traditionally attributed to the sage Vasistha. Note that sage Vasistha did not invent the mantra, but was the Rishi who received or realized it and transmitted it. The association of this mantra with Sage Markandeya is, where there is a popular story that connects the Mantra with Markandeya. According to the Puranic narrative, Markandeya was destined to die at a young age but attained the grace of Lord Shiva through intense devotion. While this story greatly popularized the mantra, the mantra itself is much older than the Markandeya legend and it already existed in the Vedas. Why It Is Called “Maha Mrityunjaya” Maha means Great, Mrityu is Death, Jaya is Victory. The meaning of the mantra is “The Great Victory over Death.” However, the deeper meaning is not merely conquering physical death. It points to overcoming our Fears, Ignorance, Limitations, Attachment, The cycle of suffering and realizing the immortal Self. Traditionally, all the mantras are recited with: Rishi (Seer): Vasistha Devata (Deity): Tryambaka Shiva Chandas (Meter): Anushtubh Spiritual Significance: The mantra occupies a unique place in the Vedas, because it combines Healing, Longevity, Protection, as well as Spiritual Liberation. Its final prayer is not simply “save me from death,” but, “Liberate me from the bondage of mortality while keeping me established in the nectar of immortality.” The benefits of chanting this mantra is: 1. It dissolves deep subconscious fears related to death, also uncertainty, and change. 2. Awakening of our Higher Consciousness which activates inner wisdom and encourages spiritual growth. 3. Purifies Karma by Regular chanting, which helps to release old karmic patterns and emotional burdens. 4. Strengthens Faith which develops trust in divine timing and divine protection. 5. Creates Inner Peace which Calms mental agitation and promotes emotional stability. 6. Supports Meditation The vibration naturally draws the mind inward toward stillness. 7. Connects with Shiva Consciousness: It reminds the practitioner that their true nature is eternal and beyond birth and death. The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is often called a Prana-strengthening mantra. The sound vibrations of this mantra helps to harmonize the movement of prana throughout the body. It supports the Heart and Breath. Chanting slowly and rhythmically encourages deeper breathing and a calmer nervous system. Conserves our Vital Energy, from Fear, worry, anger, and stress tend to dissipate prana. The mantra helps redirect energy toward stability and renewal. This mantra also energises our Chakras, associated with purification of the Vishuddha (Throat Chakra), Ajna (Third Eye Chakra), Sahasrara (Crown Chakra). This mantra also expands inner vitality. Balambika charanam Image courtesy https://petalsfromtheheart.blogspot.com
Know your Mythology: "The Ultimate Battlefield: Mind", by Thulasinathan Kandasamy Long before a single chariot roared into the physical plains of our world, the great Puranas recorded wars fought entirely within the infinite expanse of human consciousness. This subtle warfare is known as Mano-yuddha. True science and true spiritual traditions beautifully meet at this exact intersection: what the ancient sages described as spiritual warfare, modern science understands as the brain’s constant struggle to find equilibrium amidst chaotic neural noise. The Devi Bhagavata Purana unveils a magnificent cosmic event that serves as a timeless bridge where this psychological reality meets deep bhakti. It is the story of the cosmic dawn when the Divine Mother confronted two of the most formidable forces in creation: the demon generals, Chanda and Munda. In the sacred language of the sages, these names were never chosen at random. They represent the dual afflictions that plague every human mind. Chanda is Prachanda—the volatile, angry, restless, and hyper-reactive mind that flares up in passion. Munda is Manda—the heavy, dull, stubborn, and lazy mind that sinks into ignorance and stagnation. Together, these forces represent the chaotic pendulum of our thoughts, constantly pulling us away from our true, peaceful nature. When the mind finds itself caught in these chaotic ripples, unable to find clarity amidst the noise of life, the Puranas offer a sublime path to internal calibration. While the literal Puranic narrative describes the fierce Chanda-Prachanda-Ugra form of Maha Kali rising to physically dismantle the asuras, the Shaktha tradition reveals a deeper, beautiful truth: Kali is the manifest willpower (Sankalpa-Shakti) of the ultimate, serene source. When a devotee faces intense anxiety, fear, or external negativity, the Devi provides two equally supreme, sovereign ways to experience this victory. A bhakta can choose to align directly with that fierce, protective surge of Maha Kali, using razor-sharp awareness to aggressively confront, devour, and shatter the chaotic thoughts of Chanda and Munda, establishing instant boundaries through absolute power. Alternatively, facing the exact same storm, the devotee can anchor themselves directly in the sovereign source—Goddess Balambika, the Soumyati-Soumya form, who is sweeter than sweetness itself. Sitting serenely with a sacred book and a japa mala, Balambika handles the chaos without ever losing her pristine, childlike calm. For her devotee, she dissolves the friction not through warfare, but through sheer illumination. Her gentle, reassuring gaze cools the burning anxiety like moonlight over a desert, proving that absolute stillness is, in itself, the ultimate destroyer of negativity. To remember Balambika is to realize that the highest power doesn't need to storm; it can restore perfect order through absolute peace. Whether the mind evokes the fierce armor of Kali or the soothing embrace of Balambika, the act of Smaranam (remembrance) acts as a powerful anchor, returning the fragmented mind back to its source of infinite strength. To seal this cosmic truth within our consciousness, the ancient sages left us a definitive Vedic command from the Rigveda. It is the ultimate declaration of the mind's inherent, divine authority over all earthly chaos: “Ahaṁ rāṣṭrī saṅgamanī vasūnāṁ cikituṣī prathamā yajñiyānām”I am the Sovereign Queen of the universe, the gatherer of all treasures, the infinite consciousness, and the prime object of devotion." —Rigveda (Devi Suktam)
Kshetra Varalaru series: "Sri Sugandha Devi - Shakti peetam at Bangladesh", by Smt. Indumathi Salutations to the revered Guru. Refuge at the feet of Goddess Balambika. Next, we are going to look at the Sugandha Shakti peetam Temple. It is located in the southwestern part of Bangladesh. There is a place called Shikarpur, in the district of Jhalokathi, where this temple is situated. As we know, a Shakti peetam is a sacred place where a part of Goddess Sati’s body is believed to have fallen. This Sugandha Shakti peetam is traditionally believed to be the place where her nose fell. Because of this, it is revered as the Sugandha Shakti peetam. The temple itself is very beautiful. It has been constructed in the traditional Bengali architectural style. Like many Bengali temples, it is built in a characteristic red color, which gives it a distinctive appearance. The interiors are beautifully decorated with lights, flowers, and various ornaments. One of the special features of this temple is the celebration of Navaratri. Since all forms of the Divine Mother worshipped at the Shakti Peethas are considered manifestations of Goddess Durga, the most important festival celebrated here is Navaratri. The temple attracts many devotees during this festival period. The main festival celebrated here is Navaratri, which is observed for nine days in honor of Goddess Durga. Apart from Navaratri, other festivals such as Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Deepavali, and Janmashtami are also celebrated here. Although the presiding deity of the Sugandha Shakti Peeth is the Divine Mother, there are several small shrines located within the temple courtyard itself. Among them are shrines dedicated to Lord Mahavishnu and Lord Krishna. Because of this, Janmashtami, the birth celebration of Lord Krishna, is also observed with great devotion. As we all know, in Hindu tradition Goddess Durga (or Parvati/Yogamaya in some traditions) is regarded as the elder sister of Lord Krishna. Therefore, Krishna-related festivals are also celebrated here with enthusiasm. However, since this temple is located in Bangladesh, visitors from other countries would need a Bangladesh visa to visit the temple. Image courtesy https://thetempleguru.com/listing/ sugandha-shaktipeeth-bangladesh/