The Shakti Peethas are holy places in India, dedicated to Sati or Shakti and also known as a Peeth (home) of Shakti (Power). Shakti Peeths are a group of holy Hindu shrines located at different places where the body parts of Goddess Sati fell after her cremation. There are 51 Shakti Peethas, which are also called the 51 Devi Shakti Peeth or Ekyaavan Shaktipeeth, which means 51 homes of Goddess Durga (form of Sati). In the Devi Purana, they mention 51 Shakti Peethas, which are located across countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. However, there are a few holy texts that mention 52 Shakti Peethas.
These shrines are spread across the Indian subcontinent and known as the most important pilgrimage sites in our hinduism history.
Each pilgrimage is dedicated to a particular aspect or form of the divine feminine, usually associated with a particular god or goddess. These places have great spiritual power and are considered very auspicious for worship and pilgrimage.
These shrines are spread across the Indian subcontinent and known as the most important pilgrimage sites in our hinduism history.
Each pilgrimage is dedicated to a particular aspect or form of the divine feminine, usually associated with a particular god or goddess. These places have great spiritual power and are considered very auspicious for worship and pilgrimage.
What is the Story of the Shakti Peethas?
Devi Sati, the daughter of Daksha Prajapati, was deeply in love with Lord Shiva. However, her father did not approve of the marriage; still, Sati chose to marry Lord Shiva. This marriage caused more tension between Daksha and Lord Shiva.
Once Daksha organized a grand yajna (sacrifice), but he didn't invite Sati and Lord Shiva. When Sati found out about the grand yajna that was being held by her father, she decided to attend the yajna and went against Lord Shiva’s advice. Lord Shiva didn't want her to go there, so she went alone.
At the yajna, Daksha humiliated her and her husband, Lord Shiva, which led her to self-immolate in protest. This act was both a defiant stand against her father and a demonstration of her loyalty to Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva was crushed by Sati’s death, and he started to perform the fierce Tandava dance, creating chaos and destruction. In his anger, he created two fearsome deities, Virabhadra and Bhadrakali, who destroyed the yajna and punished Daksha. Eventually, Lord Shiva, moved by Daksha's wife's tears, replaced Daksha’s head with a goat's head and made him alive.
In his grief over his beloved wife's death, Lord Shiva roamed the universe with Sati’s body, forcing cosmic imbalance. Then Lord Vishnu came with a plan to restore the balance of the universe, and he used his Sudarshana Chakra to dismember Sati’s corpse, and the pieces fell to different locations on Earth. These locations are known as Devi Shakti Peethas nowadays, sacred shrines of the Durga Goddess.
After many yugas, Sati was reborn as Parvati, the daughter of Himavat, the king of the mountains, and Mena. Through her penance and devotion, Parvati won Lord Shiva’s heart once more, and they married again, which helped to bring balance back to their lives and the universe.
Once Daksha organized a grand yajna (sacrifice), but he didn't invite Sati and Lord Shiva. When Sati found out about the grand yajna that was being held by her father, she decided to attend the yajna and went against Lord Shiva’s advice. Lord Shiva didn't want her to go there, so she went alone.
At the yajna, Daksha humiliated her and her husband, Lord Shiva, which led her to self-immolate in protest. This act was both a defiant stand against her father and a demonstration of her loyalty to Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva was crushed by Sati’s death, and he started to perform the fierce Tandava dance, creating chaos and destruction. In his anger, he created two fearsome deities, Virabhadra and Bhadrakali, who destroyed the yajna and punished Daksha. Eventually, Lord Shiva, moved by Daksha's wife's tears, replaced Daksha’s head with a goat's head and made him alive.
In his grief over his beloved wife's death, Lord Shiva roamed the universe with Sati’s body, forcing cosmic imbalance. Then Lord Vishnu came with a plan to restore the balance of the universe, and he used his Sudarshana Chakra to dismember Sati’s corpse, and the pieces fell to different locations on Earth. These locations are known as Devi Shakti Peethas nowadays, sacred shrines of the Durga Goddess.
After many yugas, Sati was reborn as Parvati, the daughter of Himavat, the king of the mountains, and Mena. Through her penance and devotion, Parvati won Lord Shiva’s heart once more, and they married again, which helped to bring balance back to their lives and the universe.
Why are Shakti Peethas Worshipped in Navratri?
Navratri is a celebration of 9 days to mark the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil Mahishasura. She wooed him for nine days continuously in different forms and on the Ashtami, she killed him and swore with anger. The last day was celebrated with a feast and is thus a tradition now. A detailed blog on Navratri will be published on this platform later. But these 9 forms of Nav Durga and Nav Gauri have been inspired from the 51 pieces of Goddess Durga that had fallen off Sati’s body as mentioned in the above story. During Navratri, devotees can find Goddess Durga idols or Parvati statues on online platforms like Cottage9 and worship them at their home temple. Devotees from all walks of life visit these sites to seek blessings, fulfill desires, and connect with the divine during Navratri.
- Spiritual Awakening: In Navratri, devotees visit Shakti Peethas for spiritual awakening and they receive positive energy and vibrations from these locations that transform mind and soul.
- Healing and Purification: The holy Shakti Peethas have healing powers where devotees seek for relief from physical ailments, emotional distress, and spiritual chaos.
- Fulfillment of Desires: Many people visit Shakti Peethas to do specific prayers to fulfill their wishes during Navratri. It is believed that worshiping holy sites in navratri helps fulfill desires and grant blessings.
- Protection and Blessings: The Shakti Peethas are associated with the Divine Feminine, who is often seen as a nurturing and protective force. Devotees seek the blessings of the goddess to protect themselves from harm and ensure prosperity.
List of 18 Astadasha Maha Shakti Peethas in India
Some legends claim there are 108 pieces of Sati's body that fell to the earth at various places in the subcontinent. Some believe that there are 64 locations associated with the Shakti Peethas, but Adi Shankara's Asta Dasha Shakti Pitha Stotram specifically mentions an 18 shakti peethas list known as the Maha Shakti Peethas. Here is the list of 18 shakti peethas in India, including Kamakhya, Gaya, and Ujjain, which are regarded as the most sacred, representing the three essential aspects of the Goddess Sati.
- The Shankari Devi Temple, located in Trincomalee (Thirukonamalai) in Sri Lanka, is one of 18 shakti peethas known as Shankari Pitham. Here, the part of the goddess's body that is believed to have fallen is the groin, and the deity worshiped is Goddess Shankari.
- In Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, the Kamakshi Amman Temple is known as Kamakoti Pitham. This site is associated with the navel of the goddess, and devotees revere Goddess Kamakshi here.
- The Shrinkala Temple in Pradmunyee (Pandua), West Bengal, is known as Bhavatārini Pitham. The part of the goddess's body that is said to have fallen here is part of the stomach, and the worshiped deity is Goddess Shrinkhala.
- The Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysore, Karnataka, is called Krouncha Pitham. The temple is linked to the hair of the goddess, and Goddess Chamundeshwari is the presiding deity.
- Jogulamba Devi, situated in Alampuram, Telangana, is revered as Yogini Pitham. This site is associated with the teeth of the goddess, and the deity worshiped is Goddess Jogulamba (Yogamba Thalli).
- In Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, the Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple is known as Srisaila Pitham. The temple is linked to the neck of the goddess, and the deity here is Goddess Bhramarambika.
- The Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, is known as Shri Pitham. Here, the eye of the goddess is believed to have fallen, and the worshiped deity is Goddess Mahalakshmi (Aai Ambabai Devi).
- Located in Mahur, Maharashtra, the Renuka Temple is called Moola Pitham. This site is associated with the left hand of the goddess, and the deity worshiped is Goddess Renuka.
- The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is known as Ujjaini Pitham. The upper lip of the goddess is said to have fallen here, and Goddess Mahakali is the presiding deity.
- The Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple in Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh, is revered as Pushkarini Pitham. The back of the goddess is associated with this site, and Goddess Puruhutika is worshiped here.
- In Jajpur, Odisha, the Biraja Temple is known as Oddyana Pitham where the abdomen part of the goddess has fallen here, and the deity is Goddess Biraja.
- The Bhimeswara Temple in Draksharamam, Andhra Pradesh, is known as Daksharama Pitham. The left cheek of the goddess fell to this site, and Goddess Manikyamba is worshiped here.
- The Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam, is revered as Kamarupa Pitham. This site is associated with the genitals of the goddess, and the deity worshiped is Goddess Kamakhya.
- Alopi Devi Mandir in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is known as Prayaga Pitham. The fingers of the goddess are believed to have fallen here, and Goddess Madhaveshwari is the worshiped deity.
- The Jwalamukhi Temple in Jwalamukhi, Himachal Pradesh, is called Jwalamukhi Pitham. This site is associated with the head of the goddess, and Goddess Jwalamukhi is the presiding deity.
- The Mangla Gauri Temple in Gaya, Bihar, is known as Gaya Pitham. The breast of the goddess is believed to have fallen here, and the deity worshiped is Goddess Sarvamangala.
- In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the Vishalakshi Temple is revered as Varanasi Pitham. This site is associated with the nose of the goddess, and Goddess Vishalakshi is worshiped here.
- Lastly, Sharada Peeth in Sharda, Kashmir (Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir), is known as Sharada Pitham. The right hand of the goddess is believed to have fallen here, and Goddess Sharada is the deity worshiped.
What are the Names of the 52 Shakti Peethas?
There are 52 Shakti Peethas scattered across India and neighboring regions. Each Peetha has its own specific deity who is associated with Sati. Some of the most well-known Shakti Peethas include:
Eastern India
- Kamakhya Temple, Assam: Dedicated to Kamakhya, a form of the goddess Kali.
- Dakshineswar Temple, West Bengal: Home to the famous Kali temple where Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa lived and preached.
- Tarakeshwar Temple, West Bengal: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, but also considered a Shakti Peetha due to its association with the goddess Tara.
- Kalighat Temple, Kolkata: Dedicated to Kali, the goddess of destruction and rebirth.
- Birla Temple, Kolkata: While primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple also houses a shrine to Goddess Lakshmi, a form of Shakti.
- Jajpur, Odisha: Associated with the goddess Bhagavati.
- Bhubaneswar, Odisha: Houses several Shakti Peethas, including the Kedar Gauri temple.
- Chengannur, Kerala: Home to the Chengannur Mahadeva Temple, also associated with the goddess Shakti.
Northern India
- Vaishno Devi Shrine, Jammu and Kashmir: Dedicated to Vaishno Devi, a manifestation of the goddess Shakti.
- Amarnath Cave, Jammu and Kashmir: A natural ice stalagmite, believed to be a manifestation of Shiva's lingam.
- Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh: While primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple also houses a shrine to Goddess Parvati, a form of Shakti.
- Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan: Home to several temples, including the Goddess Kalika temple.
- Jwalamukhi Temple, Himachal Pradesh: Dedicated to the goddess Jwalamukhi, who manifests as eternal flames.
- Siddheshwari Temple, Delhi: An important Shakti Peetha associated with Goddess Siddheshwari.
- Khadakwasla, Maharashtra: Associated with Goddess Siddheshwari.
- Kolaramma Temple, Karnataka: Dedicated to Kolaramma, a local form of Shakti.
Southern India
- Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, Tamil Nadu: Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, a form of Parvati.
- Kanchipuram Kamakshi Temple, Tamil Nadu: Dedicated to Kamakshi, another form of Parvati.
- Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu: While primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple also houses a shrine to Goddess Lakshmi.
- Tirupati Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh: Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu, but also considered a Shakti Peetha due to its association with Goddess Padmavati.
- Sabarimala Temple, Kerala: Dedicated to Lord Ayyappan, but also considered a Shakti Peetha due to its association with Goddess Devi.
- Chidambaram Temple, Tamil Nadu: Associated with the goddess Shakti.
- Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple, Tamil Nadu: Contains elements related to Goddess Shakti.
- Tiruchendur Murugan Temple, Tamil Nadu: Associated with goddess Shakti.
Other Regions
- Manikaran Gurudwara, Himachal Pradesh: While primarily a Sikh shrine, it is also considered a Shakti Peetha due to its hot springs.
- Hampi, Karnataka: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with several temples, including Virupaksha Temple, which is considered a Shakti Peetha.
- Kailasa Temple, Maharashtra: Known for its association with goddess Shakti.
- Kundeshwari Temple, Uttarakhand: Associated with goddess Shakti.
- Mysore Temple, Karnataka: Contains aspects related to goddess Shakti.
- Brahmeshwar Temple, Odisha: Associated with goddess Shakti.
- Kalapathar Temple, West Bengal: Associated with the goddess Shakti.
- Puri Jagannath Temple, Odisha: Contains elements related to Goddess Shakti.
- Kali Mandir, Kolkata, West Bengal: Dedicated to Goddess Kali.
- Gokarna, Karnataka: Known for its associations with the goddess Shakti.
- Ratangarh Temple, Gujarat: Associated with goddess Shakti.
- Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh: Houses aspects related to Goddess Shakti.
- Narmada Temples, Madhya Pradesh: Associated with goddess Shakti.
- Hemis Monastery, Ladakh: Contains elements of goddess Shakti.
- Basantpur, Uttar Pradesh: Associated with goddess Shakti.
- Siddhidatri Temple, Uttarakhand: Dedicated to goddess Shakti.
- Saptashrungi Temple, Maharashtra: Known for its association with goddess Shakti.
- Sati Peeth, Gujarat: Associated with goddess Shakti.
- Kaviyoor, Kerala: Known for its association with goddess Shakti.
- Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple, Karnataka: Dedicated to goddess Shakti.
- Kamakhya Devi Temple, Assam: Known for its association with goddess Shakti.
- Ashta Vimal Temple, Maharashtra: Associated with goddess Shakti.
- Baitarani Temple, Odisha: Contains elements related to goddess Shakti.
- Kali Temple, Delhi: Dedicated to Goddess Kali.
- Shivani Temple, Maharashtra: Associated with goddess Shakti.
- Vishalakshi Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Dedicated to Goddess Vishalakshi.
- Mahakali Temple, Mumbai, Maharashtra: Known for its association with goddess Shakti.
- Sati Peeth – Gujarat: Associated with the goddess Shakti.
Each Shakti Peetha has its own unique history, mythology, and rituals. Devotees often undertake pilgrimages to visit multiple Shakti Peethas, believing that doing so will bring them immense spiritual benefits.
What are Rituals to Worship at Shakti Peethas?
The rituals to worship Shakti Peethas are usually the same, but they can be a little different because they are scattered in different regions. However, some common elements include:
- Puja: The most common ritual is puja, which involves offering prayers, flowers, fruits, sweets and other items to the deity.
- Abhisheka: During Abhishekam, devotees pour sacred water or milk over the Durga statue.
- Aarti: Saint perform aarti is a ritual and waving lighted lamps or incense sticks in front of the deity.
- Bhajan and Kirtan: During Navratri or special occasion, devotees sing devotional songs and hymns at Shakti Peethas.
- Yagnas: Devotees perform Yajnas and rituals at Shakti Peethas temples.
Conclusion
The Shakti Peethas are not just religious places, but they also show our historical treasures. These incredible places showcase the rich and diverse traditions of Hinduism, making them appealing to devotees and travelers from every corner of the globe. When you visit these sacred sites and take part in the rituals, you can truly feel the power and beauty of the Divine Goddess.
