The Bagalamukhi Mantra is a potent invocation of the eighth Mahavidya, Bagalamukhi, also known as Pitambara Devi. The goddess is described in the *Tantrasara* as the one who paralyzes the speech and limbs of adversaries, symbolically depicted holding a club and pulling the tongue of a demon. The primary beej-akshara of this mantra is 'Hleem' (ह्लीं), a composite bija combining 'Ha', 'La', 'Ee', and 'M' with a nasalization. According to the *Mantra Mahodadhi*, 'Hleem' represents the stambhana (paralysis) power of the goddess, activating the element of earth and the sense of smell.
The full mantra—'Om Hleem Bagalamukhi Sarvadushtanam Vacham Mukham Padam Stambhaya Jihvaam Keelaya Buddhim Vinashaya Hleem Om Swaha'—is a command to stop the speech, mouth, and feet of all enemies, to nail the tongue, and destroy the intellect. The *Bagalamukhi Tantra* states that this mantra is chanted for victory over adversaries, success in legal disputes, and protection from harm. It is also used to neutralize negative forces, black magic, and psychic attacks. Traditional chanting is recommended at dawn or dusk, facing east or north, seated on a yellow asana.
The prescribed count is 108 repetitions daily for 40 days, or 100,000 times for siddhi. Devotees often wear yellow garments and use a yellow rosary (gomedha or turmeric beads). Cautions include not using the mantra for selfish or harmful purposes, as per the *Shaktisangama Tantra*, which warns of karmic backlash. The mantra is also associated with the Bagalamukhi Yantra, a yellow diagram inscribed with the beejas, used for meditation and worship.
The goddess's iconography—yellow complexion, seated on a crane—reinforces her role as the granter of victory and controller of speech.
Om Hleem, O Bagalamukhi, paralyze the speech, mouth, and feet of all wicked ones, nail the tongue, destroy the intellect, Hleem Om Svaha.
The primary beej is 'Hlīṁ' (ह्लीं), a composite seed syllable combining 'Ha' (Shiva), 'La' (earth element), 'Ee' (Shakti), and 'M' (nasalization). It represents the stambhana (paralysis) power of the goddess, activating the earth element and the sense of smell.