Hinglaaj (Balochistan) seems to influence religious thoughts of many regions. This articles talks about goddess that was adapted by Mesopotamia. I read a view (probably G M Syed) that a custom like circumambulation of the Kaaba (tawaaf) was followed in Hinglaaj for thousand years.
Several hundred miles to the south, on the Balochistan seaboard, there is another shrine once again worshipped by Hindus and Muslims alike. For the former Sri Mata Hinglaj is where one part of goddess Durga is buried; for the latter, it is the last resting place of Bibi Nani. Like Pir Ghaib, Hinglaj too is one delightful little spot on a subsidiary stream of the Hingol River. Here too palm and mulberry trees grow and birds sing in an otherwise arid setting.
For the curious mind, there is no legend concerning Bibi Nani at either of the two places: she is simply the Venerated Lady. It is very interesting that both these Nani shrines lie athwart of ancient east-west highways connecting the subcontinent with Mesopotamia. One ran through Moen jo Daro and Mehrgarh, the other along the coast; the ancient precursor of the modern Coastal Highway. These were roads that we now know were in use as far back as the 9th millennium BCE.
First of all Hinglaj Ma is our ancestral deity and our family history revolves around her.There is a recorded yet official text that pertains to our family that demands atleast a member of the family should pay her a visit every year ,which our relatives across the border are doing in the month of April.The place is a scenic spot and thanks to Mr.Musharaff, for the Makran Coastal High Way that has eased the hardships of pilgrims in the recent years.Also thanks to Baloch Sardars of various clans,who safe guard the temple at any cost and also the local Muslim population regards the shrine with utmost respect and veneration. I have been to Hinglaj two times .One in 2005 and the other was in 2007.
Yes ,circumbulatory walk is carried out there and it has to be in even numbers,mostly 8.This has to be done with the secret mantra ,that has been passed on to the generations from time to time.But there is no mandatory adherence to it.Nowadays ,youngsters just undertake a trip to the shrine and come back.
To add a few things,there are other worship places at Hinglaj Ma for Ganesh,Hanuman ,ma Kali etc.An idol of Kali ma is fixed in a mountain cave and people do offer their offerings there.Another thing is that at Lasbella district(where Hinglaj Ma temple is situated),there are many Hindus living .I think they are migrated Hindus aswell,from other parts of Pakistan.I have felt a distinctive kind of awfulness (?)there ,especially in those small hills and near various `kund's.It gives a very different kind of experience and the real magic experience is felt at nights ,especially when the hills and the sand are seen under moonlight .
I had some wonderful images and videos of the spot,that was taken during my 2007 trip but lost them when my cam was stolen. :D
it seems as if there were close ties of the indus valley and mesopotamia. no wonder some pictures depicted in indus valley civilization also resemble mesopotamian.