Operation Sindoor: Military Action and Its Cultural Significance

On the morning of May 7, 2025, the Indian Armed Forces executed a precise and strategic military operation named Operation Sindoor. This action targeted nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent Indian tourists.

The operation is ongoing, but early reports suggest that India has gained a decisive advantage both strategically and technologically. However, beyond the military objectives, the name Sindoor itself carries a profound cultural and spiritual significance that speaks to India’s collective memory and heritage.

The Spirit of Sindoor: A Call to Protect and Defend

At first, few could have predicted that the situation would escalate to such an extent. But as tensions rose, a prevailing sentiment emerged across the country: If escalation is inevitable, let’s escalate fully, with unyielding resolve. And if possible, let’s make Iran our new neighbor.

While the purpose of the military operation is to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and eliminate potential threats, the name Sindoor transcends a mere military code. It resonates deeply within India’s cultural consciousness, invoking a sense of spiritual strength and maternal protection. The call has come, Mata Hinglaj Bhavani has called.

Kuldevi Hinglaj Mata: A Cultural Bridge Between India and Balochistan

The Hinglaj Mata Temple, located in Balochistan, Pakistan, holds a sacred stone that is always covered in vibrant red sindoor. The term Hingula, meaning vermilion in Sanskrit, forms the basis of the name Hinglaj. For centuries, the temple has been revered as the kuldevi (family goddess) by several communities, symbolizing the protective and nurturing power of the divine feminine.

The communities that revere Mata Hinglaj include:

• Sindhi Hindus: For Sindhi communities displaced during the Partition of India, Hinglaj Mata became a spiritual anchor. Many brought soil from the temple and established replicas across India.
• Lohana, Bhatia, and Kachhi Communities: These merchant communities consider Hinglaj Mata as their kuldevi, viewing pilgrimage to her temple as a vital spiritual duty.
• Nath Sampraday (Gorakhnath Tradition): Yogis and ascetics from this tradition have long regarded Hinglaj as a site of spiritual power and practice.
• Baloch Hindus and Meghwal Community: Despite dwindling numbers, Baloch Hindus continue to revere Hinglaj Mata, maintaining a strong connection to the goddess as part of their cultural heritage.

The temple has historically been a symbol of faith, resilience, and identity—connecting people across boundaries, despite political and religious divisions.

Baloch Nationalism and Hinglaj: An Unexpected Convergence

In recent years, some Baloch nationalist movements have started recognizing Hinglaj Mata as part of their cultural heritage. This growing recognition is seen not only as a spiritual connection but also as a symbol of diversity and coexistence. Baloch activists have begun to view Hinglaj as an embodiment of unity, transcending religious and ethnic lines to foster a shared cultural identity.

The Protective Power of Sindoor

In Hindu culture, sindoor represents more than just a symbol of marital bliss; it signifies power, protection, and sanctity. It is a sacred element in the worship of the divine feminine, embodying the forces of life, maternal love, and guardianship. It is said to offer a shield of protection to the family, and in the case of Operation Sindoor, this protective essence is invoked on a national scale.

The naming of the operation as Sindoor is not just a reference to the sacred vermilion powder but also a spiritual message—that India stands firm in protecting its citizens and its sovereignty. Just as sindoor symbolizes the protection of a family, this military operation is a step towards safeguarding India’s national security, invoking the same maternal force that has historically shielded its people.

Cultural Perspective: Faith, Courage, and National Identity

The Hinglaj Mata Temple has long been a symbol of unwavering faith and courage. During the Partition, when violence and extremism tore through the subcontinent, devotees viewed Hinglaj Mata as a guardian goddess—protecting them through perilous times. Today, as India grapples with new forms of terrorism, the invocation of this goddess as a symbolic figure resonates deeply. She is not just a historical relic; she represents the cultural strength and collective resilience of India, qualities that remain vital in confronting modern-day threats.

The name Sindoor in Operation Sindoor is a reminder that India’s defense strategy is not just about military might; it is also about cultural pride and the protection of its people. The operation symbolizes the nation’s resolve to protect its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its citizens, invoking the spirit of a powerful mother goddess who guards not only her family but her people and her land.

The Cultural Strength of India’s National Defense

In naming this military operation Sindoor, India sends a profound message to the world: The country’s defense is not merely a function of force; it is rooted in cultural strength, spiritual resolve, and the deep reverence for its heritage. The operation’s name, invoking Hinglaj Mata, is a reminder that India’s security is intimately tied to its identity—an identity forged through centuries of resilience, faith, and unity.

By drawing on this cultural depth, India sends a clear message of unwavering protection to its people, its history, and its future. The name Sindoor is not just a symbol of military action, but a call to defend everything India holds dear—its people, its culture, and its sovereignty.

By Shashi Singh