Chandragup


Chandragup at 100 meters is an active mud volcano located in Hingol National Park in Balochistan, Pakistan.Also known as Chandrakup, the volcano is considered holy by Hindus and is an important stop for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Shri Hinglaj Mata temple.
The Chandragup mud volcano is worshipped as an embodiment
of Lord Shiva and hence called Baba Chandragup.Many pilgrims believe that Hinglaj's temple may only be entered only after paying homage to Baba Chandrakup.Traditionally, the pilgrims stays awake all the night fasting and meditating on the sins they will confess at the rim of the crater next day and bake roti made out of ingredients contributed by all the yātrīs.On the next day they ascend the slope of Chandrakup.The roṭi is then served as an offering to Baba Chandrakup. Nowadays, coconuts, betel nut and dal are also offered. At the top of the Volcano, the pilgrims first have to introduce themselves with their full name and place of origin and then call out their sins in front of the group. According to the bubbling of the mud and the reaction of the wind, the chaṛīdār is able to tell if the pilgrim's sins are forgiven.
Devotees throw coconuts into the craters to make wishes and thank the gods for answering their prayers.