"SHAKTI PEETHAS OF MAA"

INTRODUCTION

Shakti Peeths are solemn for Hindus. Since Divine Blessings are very quickly available by the grace of the merciful Goddess, innumerable devotees, both followers of Tantrik and Vedic rites, visit the Shakti Peeths. The Goddess is known to bestow special blessings on those who worship her in the Navratri Festival, keeping the nine-day fast.

HISTORY

Shakti Peeths ::originated from the primeval Hindu principle that entails the female entity Shakti, the giver of life and fertility, as the more dynamic and the male, as the more passive form of Divinity. The spirit personified by Shiva and the matter individualized by Durga (the Universal Mother) inspired several cults and schools of philosophy.

The Divine Mothers-Maha Saraswati, Maha Laxmi and Maha Kali-are worshipped throughout the Indian subcontinent. Each region has its sacred idol glorifying some manifestation exclusive to the area.According to hindu mythology the manisfestation of sati mata idol was done by Vishnu Ji in 108 parts.However, the 51 Shakti Peeths are specifically sanctified spots, where a particular portion of the great Goddess's body fell to earth when Parvati killed herself in her father Raja Daksha's yagna fire, in retaliation and vengeance, unable to bear the insults made to Shiva. Vishnu, the Preserver in the Hindu Trinity, cut up Sati's body so that Shiva could resort to his daily duties again.

Daksha Yagna - Story of Daksha's sacrifice and Sati-Shakti

This legend is associated with the destruction of Daksha's sacrifice and the origin of the Shakti Peethas of India. This is one of the eight legends portraying Shiva as the destroyer of evil.

Sati, the consort of Shiva was the daughter of Daksha Prajaapati a descendant of Bhrama.. Sati had married Shiva against the wishes of her father. The vain Daksha performed a great yagna (with the sole aim of insulting Shiva), to which he invited all of the gods and goddesses except his son in law Shiva. Against Shiva's wishes, Sati attended this sacrifice and was insulted by her father. Unable to bear this insult, Sati immolated herself.

Enraged at the insult and the injury, Shiva through Veerabhadra, destroyed Daksha's sacrifice, cut off Daksha's head and replaced it with that of a goat, as he restored him to life. Still crazed with grief, he picked up the remains of Sati's body, and danced the dance of destruction throughout the Universe. The other gods intervened to stop this dance, and the disk of Vishnu cut through the corpse of Sati, whose various parts of the body fell at several spots all through the Indian subcontinent and formed the sites of what are known as Shakti Peethas today.

After the completion of the oblation performed by Daksha, Lord Vishnu had severed the corpse of Sati (Parvati) with his ‘Chakra’. Various organs scattered over different places. Later on these places where the organs had fallen, became famous as ‘Shakti-Peetha’. The sanctity of these places has been described in the following way.

In the era of ‘Satya’, Daksha once performed an oblation named Vrihaspati, with a desire of taking revenge with lord Shiva. Daksha was angry because his daughter Sati had married Shiva against his wishes. Daksha invited all the deities except Lord Shiva and Sati. This did not deter Sati from reaching at her father’s house. She expressed her desire to Lord Shiva. He (Shiva) tried his best to dissuade her from going but Sati was unrelenting. Shiva then allowed her to go escorted by his ‘ganas’ (followers).

But Sati being an uninvited guest was not given any respect. Moreover Daksha insulted Shiva, by calumniating him. Sati became sad by her husband’s dishonour. She gave up her life by jumping into the altar of oblation-fire.

When Lord Shiva heard about her death he became furious. He went to the place where Daksha was performing his oblation, along with his ‘ganas’ (followers). The oblation site was destroyed and Daksha was killed by his ‘ganas’.

Lord Shiva then carried the dead-body of Sati and started wandering all over the place like a lunatic. Lord Vishnu severed the dead body with his chakra. Various organs fell at different place. These places became famous as ‘Shakti-Peeth, in due course of time.

In the listing given below:

Shakti or Devi refers to the Goddess woshipped (a manifestation of Dakshayani / Parvati / Durga)
Bhairava refers to her consort, a manifestation of Shiva

Organ or Ornament refers to the body part or piece of jewelry that fell to earth, at the location on which the respective temple is built.(For data -Click Here)
  1. Hingulaya: Devi's mind or brain fell here and the idols are Devi as Kotari (Durga) and Shiva as Bhimlochan (Terrible eyed or the third eye). The location is in a cave on the western part of Pakistan near Karachi.
  2. Shivaharkaray or Karavipur: Devi's three eyes fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahishmardini (Durga the destroyer of Mahishashur) and Shiva as Krodhish (the one who can be angry). It is near Karachi in Pakistan, by rail the nearest station is Parkai.
  3. Jwalamukhi: Devi's tongue fell here and the idols are Devi as Ambika (Mother) and Shiva as Unmatta (Furious). This is located near Jullundher in Punjab.
  4. Sugandha: Devi's nose fell here and idols are Devi as Sunanada (Pleasing) and Shiva as Traimbak (Rudra). In the state of Bengal near Barishal in Shivahri Karpur village Devi's temple is located and Shiva's temple is in a village called Ponabalia, nearest railway station is Jhalkati.
  5. On Bhairabha mountain (near Avanti): Devi's upper lips fell here and idols are Devi as Avanti (Modest) and Shiva as Lambakarna (Long eared one). It is located near Ujjain.
  6. Attahas (laughter) : Devi's lower lips fell here and the idols are Devi as Fullara (Blooming) and Shiva as Bhairabhvishesya (Lord of the universe). The place is in Bengal near Birbhum. Image of Devi and the Shiva temple is next to the Devi temple. It is a major pilgrimage and tourist attraction.
  7. Prabhas: Devi's stomach fell here and the idols are Devi as Chandrabhaga (Throne of the moon) and Shiva as Bakratunda (the one with the bent staff). This is near Mumbai where a launch goes to Bharoal which is near Prabhas.
  8. Yanasthana: Devi's chin fell here and the idols are Devi as Bhramari (female Bumble bee or attendant of Durga) and Shiva as Vikrakatakkha (one with the crooked eyes or look). Other names are Devi as Chibuka (the one with the chin) and Shiva as Sarvasiddhish (the one who can Provide all desires).
  9. Godavari (river): Devi's left cheek fell here and the idols are Viswamatuka (mother of the world) and Shiva as Dandapani (the one who holds a staff).
  10. Gandaki (river): Devi's right cheek fell here and the idols are Devi as Gandakichandi (the one who overcomes obstacles or Gandi) and Shiva as Chakrapani (Holder of the discus). Famous pilgrimage.
  11. Suchidesha: Devi's upper teeth fell here and the idols are Devi as Narayani (the wife of Narayan) and Shiva as Sanghar. Panchasagar - Devi's lower teeth fell here and the idols are Devi as Barahi and Shiva as Maharudra (the angry one).
  12. Bhavanipur or Karota (river): Devi's left seat or her clothing fell here and idols are Devi as Aparna (the one who ate nothing, not even leaves) and Shiva as Bhairabha (Destroyer of fear). The King of Nator and his grandson the Maharajah Ramakrishna used to meditate here. The seat, the yognakunda and five skulls are still here. In the month of Baisakha according to the Bengali calendar, there is a large fete or Mela here to celebrate Ramanavami or Deepanbita.
  13. Shriparvata or Shri mountain: Devi's right seat fell here and the idols are Devi as Shri Sunadari (beautiful) and Shiva as Sundaranand (the handsome one).
  14. Karnat: Devi's two ears fell here and the idols are Devi as Jai Durga (the victoriuos Durga) and Shiva as Avirooka.
  15. Vrindavana: Devi's hair fell here and idols are Devi as Uma (Devi) and Shiva as Bhootesh (or provider of all desires). Playgorund of Lord Krishna and the gopis. The vana or forest or garden is where the young Krishna grew up in the home of Yasoda the wife of a cow herd. Krishna was capable of amazing feats and saved the village from many perils such as the Naga Kaliya and the great rage of Indra by holding up a mountain above the village. But his time was mostly spent with the beautiful gopis or cow girls with whom he had many affairs. The principal of illicit love is the basis of this aspect of philosophy where a person harbours a secret love for god which he cannot reveal to others.
  16. Kirit: Devi's crown or headdress fell here and idols are Devi as Vimala (Pure) and Shiva as Sangbarta. Take the train to Ajimganj. The temples are on the shore of the ganges near Batnagar. (in Bangladesh?)
  17. Shrihatta: Devi's nape of the neck fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahalakchmi (the goddess of prosperity and wife of Mahavishnu) and Shiva as Sarvananda (the one who makes everyone happy). Devi's temple is Near Shrihatta town and Shiva's temple is near Jainpur. Shivaratri and Ashokashtami are celebrated with a Mela (carnival). Take train from Calcutta to Goalanda and steamer to Kechuaganj. Then either take a boat or walk about five miles (6 koshas).
  18. Nalhati: Devi's vocal pipe fell here and the idols are Devi as Kalika (Durga) and Shiva as Yogesh. By train from Howrah station.
  19. Kashmir: Devi's neck fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahamaya (the great Illusion) and Shiva as Trisandhyasvar. The famous pilgrimage is Amarnath. There is a Shiva linga of glacial ice which expands and contracts with the seasons.
  20. Ratnabali: Devi's right shoulder fell here and the idols are Devi as Kumari (Durga) and Shiva as Bhairabha (Remover of fear).
  21. Mithila:Devi's left shoulder fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahadevi (Devi) and Shiva as Mahodara (the big belied one). This is near Janakpur station.
  22. Chattagram (also called Chattal): Devi's right arm fell here and the idols are Devi as Bhavani (Devi) and Shiva as Chandrashekhar (the one who has the moon as the crown). It is said that Mahadeva has himself pronounced that he will visit Chandrashekhar mountain regularly during Kali yuga. This is near Sitakunda station. This is in Bangladesh.
  23. Manav Kschetra (Field): Devi's right hand or palm fell her and the idols are Devi as Dakhchayani (Durga) and Shiva as Amar (Immortal). Take train from Howrah station to Guskar station and then a few miles to Kogram. Mahadeva is considered Siddhidayaka or provider of all wishes.
  24. Ujjaini: Devi's elbows fell here and the idols are Devi as Mangalchandi (Durga) and Shiva as Kapilambar (one who wears the brown clothes). Shiva is siddhidayaka.
  25. Manibandha: Devi's middle of the palms fell here and the idols are Devi as Gayatri (Saraswati) and Shiva as Sarvananda (the one who makes everyone happy).
  26. Prayag (three rivers meet here): Devi's ten fingers fell here and the idols are Devi as Lalita (beautiful). Another name is Alopi and Shiva as Bhava. Near Tribeni ghat there is Banitirtha ghat (Quay for boats). Allahabad is the train station.
  27. Bahula: Devi's left arm fell here and the idols are Devi as Bahula (Abundant) and Shiva as Bhiruk (who is also Sarvasiddhadayaka). Arrive at Katoa rail station and then go to Ketugram which is a pilgrimage.
  28. Jullendhar: Devi's right breast fell here and the idols are Devi as Tripurmalini (Durga) and Shiva as Bhisan (Gruesome). Jwalamukhi is the nearby Tirtha and train goes from Delhi to Jullendhar.
  29. Ramgiri (or Chitrakoot mountain): Devi's left breast fell here (another opinion is that her Nala or Jaghanasti fell here) and the idols are Devi as Shibani (the wife of Shiva) and Shiva as Chanda. Near Bilaspur station and a walk of 2 miles.
  30. Vaidyanath: Devi's heart fell here and the idols are Devi as Jaidurga (Victorious Durga) and Shiva as Vaidyanath. It is in Bihar. Joshidi is the train station.
  31. Utkal: Devi's navel fell here and the idols are Devi as Vimala (the pure one) and Shiva as Jagannath (the ruler of the world). This is near the Jagannath temple of Puri in the state of Orissa.
  32. Kanchidesh: Devi's skeleton fell here and the idols are Devi as Devagarbha and Shiva as Ruru. Bolpur station to Kopar river banks. There is a well for worship.
  33. Kalmadhava: Devi's right hips fell here and the idols are Devi as Kali (another form of Durga) and Shiva as Asitananda. By praying to the Devi profusely pilgirms can obtain their desired objective.
  34. Sone (near Sone river): Devi's left hips fell here and the idols are Devi as Narmada and Shiva as Vadrasen.
  35. Kamakhya (or Kamroop): Devi's yoni fell here and the idols are Devi as Kamakhya (personification of love) and Shiva as Umananda. This is near Gauhati in the state of Assam on the banks of the Brahmaputra (the son of Brahma) river. The temple is on top of the Nilachal Hill. This is a famous pilgrimage for women seeking fertility or love. The temple is supposedly built by Kamdev, the god of love. The Umananda temple is nearby in an islet on the river. It has many pet monkeys.
  36. Nepal: Devi's two knees fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahashira and Shiva as Kapali.
  37. Jayanti: Devi's left thigh fell here and the idols are Devi as Jayanti and Shiva as Kramadiswar. In Bengal near Sri Hatta.
  38. Magadha: Devi's right thigh fell here and the idols are Devi as Sarvanandari and Shiva as Bomkesha. Inside Shrihatta at Jayantipargana near the base of the Kahshia mountain Devi's legs are placed here. Srihatta to Kanairghat by boat and then walk 2 miles. In West Bengal.
  39. Tripura: Devi's right foot fell here and the idols are Devi as Tripurasundari and Shiva as Tripuresh. Devi is grantor of all wishes or Sarvavishta pradyani.
  40. Khirgram: Devi's right toe fell here and the idols are Devi as Yogadaya and Shiva as Khirakantha. Take Eastern Indian Railway to Bardwhan station. Take Bardhwan Katoa Rail to Nigam station. Nigam station to Khirgram (village) is 2 miles. A mela (fete) is held during Baisakha Sankranti.
  41. Kalighat (Calcutta): Devi's four small toes from her right foot fell here and the idols are Devi as Kali and Shiva as Nakulish or Nakuleswar. Famous pilgrimage located in Calcutta in the state of West Bengal. Kali is a dark complexioned form of Shakti who has taste for blood and death. She rules over the cremation sites and is worshipped by devotees on a dark and moon less night. She is a popular deity of Bengal. kali is the female version of Kala or end of time.
  42. Kurukchetra: (or fields belonging to the Kuru family where the battle of the Mahbharata was fought between the Kurus and Pandus) Devi's right ankle fell here and the idols are Devi as Savitri or Sthanu and Shiva as Aswanath.
  43. Bakreswar: Devi's mind or the centre of the brows fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahishamardini (the slayer of Mahishasur or Durga) and Shiva as Bakranath. Near Ahmedpur station. There are seven hot springs and also the Paphara (remover of sins) river. The Mahamuni Ashtabakra found enlightenment here. On Shivaratri (night) there is a grand Mela (fete) here.
  44. Jessore: Devi's centre of the hands fell here and the idols are Jashoreswari and Shiva as Chanda (Moon or the one who holds the moon).
  45. Nandipur: Devi's necklace fell here and the idols are Devi as Nandini and Shiva as Nandikishore.
  46. Varanasi (Benaras): Devi's earrings (Kundal) fell here and the idols are Devi as VishwaLakshmi (The provider of wealth to all) and Shiva as Kala (Time or the end of time). Famous pilgrimage in UP and one of the oldest cities in the world. The Puranas say that this city exists even after the Pralaya.
  47. Kanashram or Kalikashram: Devi's back fell here and the idols are Devi as Sharvani and Shiva as Nimisha.
  48. Sri Lanka: Her feet bells (Nupur) fell here and the idols are Devi as Indrakschi and Shiva as Rakchaseswara. Indrakschi was created and worshipped by Indra in person.
  49. Virat: Devi's small toes of the feet fell here and idols are Devi as Ambika and Shiva as Amrita (nectar of immortality).
  50. Bivasa: Devi's left ankle fell here and the idols are Devi as Bhimarupa and Shiva as Sarvananda.
  51. Trisnota: Devi's left feet fell here and the idols are Devi as Vramari (Bumblebee) and Shiva as Iswar (God). On the banks of Tista river in Shalbari village in Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal

The 51 Shakti Peethas

Sr. No. Place Organ or Ornament Shakti Bhairava
1 Sri Lanka, in Nainativu, Jaffna Anklets Indrakshi / Nagapooshani / Bhuvaneswari Rakshaseshwar
2 Sharkrare, a little distance from Sukkur Station from Karachi, Pakistan Eyes Mahishmardini Krodhish
3 Sugandha, about 20 km from Barisal, Bangladesh at Shikarpur on banks of Sondh river Nose Sunanda Trayambak
4 Amarnath in Kashmir, India from Srinagar through Pahalgam 94 km by Bus, Chandanwari 16 km by walk Throat Mahamaya Trisandhyeshwar
5 Jwalamukhi, Kangra, India from Pathankot alight at Jwalamukhi Road Station from there 20 km Tongue Siddhida (Ambika) Unmatta Bhairav
6 Jalandhar, India from Jalandhar Cantonment Station to Devi Talab Left Breast Tripurmalini Bhishan
7 Ambaji, at Anart, Gujarat, India Heart Ambaji
8 Pashupatinath Temple at Gujyeshwari Temple Both Knees Mahashira Kapali
9 Manas, under Tibet at the feet of Mount Kailash in Lake Mansarovar, a piece of Stone Right Hand Dakshayani Amar
10 Biraja in Utkal present Orissa, India Navel Vimla Jagannath
11 Gandaki from Pokhara, Nepal about 125 km on the banks of Gandaki river where Muktinath temple is situated Temple Gandaki Chandi Chakrapani
12 Bahula, on the banks of Ajay river, at Ketugram 8 km from Katua, Burdwan, West Bengal, India Left Arm Goddess Bahula Bhiruk
13 Ujaani, 16 km from Guskura Station under Burdwan district of West Bengal, India Right Wrist Mangal Chandika Kapilambar
14 Udaipur, Tripura, at the top of the hills known as Tripura Sundari temple near Radhakishorepur village, a little distance away from Udaipur town of Tripura, India Right Leg Tripura Sundari Tripuresh
15 Chatral at the top of Chandranath hills near Sitakunda station of Chittagong district, Bangladesh Right Arm Bhawani Chandrashekhar
16 Trisrota, at Salbari village under Boda division of Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, India Left Leg Bhraamari Ambar
17 Kamgiri, Kamakhya, at the Neelachal hills near Guwahati, capital of Assam, India Genital Organ Kamakhya Umanand
18 Jugaadya at Khirgram under Burdwan district, West Bengal, India Great Toe (Right) Jugaadya Ksheer Khandak
19 Kalipeeth, (Kalighat, Kolkata),West Bengal Right Toe Kalika Nakuleesh
20 Prayag near Sangam at Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India Finger (Hand) Lalita Bhava
21 Jayanti at Kalajore Bourbhog village of Khasi hills under Jayantia Parganas of Sylhet district, Bangladesh Left Thigh Jayanti Kramadishwar
22 Kireet at Kireetkona village, 3 km from Lalbag Court Road station under district Murshidabad, West Bengal, India Crown Vimla Sanwart
23 Varanasi at Manikarnika Ghat on banks of Ganga at Kashi, Uttar Pradesh, India Earring Vishalakshi & Manikarni Kalbhairav
24 Kanyashram, Kanyakumari the Bhadrakali temple within the precincts of Kumari temple, Tamil Nadu, India Back Sarvani Nimish
25 Present day Kurukshetra town or Thanesar ancient Sthaneshwar, at Haryana, India Ankle Bone Savitri Sthanu
26 Manibandh, at Gayatri hills near Pushkar 11 km towards north-west from Ajmer, Rajasthan, India Two Bracelets Gayatri Sarvanand
27 Shri Shail, at Jainpur village towards north-east 3 km from Sylhet town, Bangladesh Neck Mahalaxmi Sambaranand
28 Kankalitala, on the banks of Kopai river 10 km towards north-east from Bolpur station of district Birbhum, Devi locally known as KankaleshwariWest Bengal, India Bone Devgarbha Ruru
29 Kalmadhav on the banks of Shon river in a cave over hills near to Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, India Buttock (Left) Kali Asitang
30 Shondesh, at the source point of Narmada river in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, India Buttock (Right) Narmada Bhadrasen
31 Ramgiri, at Chitrakuta on the Jhansi Manikpur Railway line in Uttar Pradesh, India Right Breast Shivani Chanda
32 Vrindavan, near new bus stand on Bhuteshwar road within Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India Ringlets of Hair Uma Bhutesh
33 Shuchi, in a Shiva temple at Shuchitirtham 11 km on Kanyakumari Trivandrum road, Tamil Nadu, India Teeth (Upper Jaw) Narayani Sanhar
34 Panchsagar place not known Teeth (Lower Jaw) Varahi Maharudra
35 Kartoyatat, at Bhawanipur village 28 km distance from interior Serpur. Alight at Bagura station under district Bagura, Bangladesh Left Anklet (Ornament) Arpana Vaman
36 Shri Parvat, near Ladak, Kashmir, India. Another belief: at Srisailam in Shriparvat hills under Karnool district, Andhra Pradesh, India Right Anklet (Ornament) Shrisundari Sundaranand
37 Vibhash, at Tamluk under district Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India Left Ankle Kapalini (Bhimarupa) Sarvanand
38 Prabhas, 4 km distance from Veraval station near Somnath temple in Junagadh district of Gujarat, India Stomach Chandrabhaga Vakratund
39 Bhairavparvat, at Bhairav hills on the banks of Shipra river a little distance from Ujjaini town, Madhya Pradesh, India Upper Lips Avanti Lambkarna
40 Jansthan, at Godavari river valley near Nasik, Maharasthra, India Chin (Two Parts) Bhramari Vikritaksh
41 Sarvashail or Godavaritir, at Kotilingeswar temple on the banks of Godavari river near Rajamundry, Andhra Pradesh, India Cheeks Rakini or Vishweshwari Vatsnabh or Dandpani
42 Birat, near Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India Left Feet Fingers Ambika Amriteshwar
43 Ratnavali, on the banks of Ratnakar river at Khanakul-Krishnanagar, district Hooghly, West Bengal, India Right Shoulder Kumari Shiva
44 Mithila, near Janakpur Railway station on the boarder of India-Nepal Left Shoulder Uma Mahodar
45 Nalhati,Known as "Nalateshwari Temple" from Nalhati station of Birbhum district by Rickshaw, West Bengal, India Tubular Bones of the Feet Kalika Devi Yogesh
46 Karnat place not known Both Ears Jayadurga Abhiru
47 Vakreshwar, on the banks of Paaphara river, 24 km distance from Siuri Town, district Birbhum,7km from Dubrajpur Rly. Station West Bengal, India Portion between the eyebrows Mahishmardini Vakranath
48 Yashor, at Ishwaripur, district Khulna, Bangladesh Hands & Feet Yashoreshwari Chanda
49 Attahas [Village:Dakshindihi,Dt:Burdwan]].From Katwa Rly. Station by bus to "NIROL"(Approx 40Minutes).From there by Van rickshaw around 20 minutes to Attahas, West Bengal, India Lips Phullara Vishvesh
50 SAINTHIA. Locally Known as "Nandikeshwari" temple.Earlier Nandipur/Now in Sainthia Town. only 1.5 km from Railway Station under a Banyan tree within a boundary wall , district Birbhum, West Bengal, India Necklace Nandini Nandikeshwar
51 Hingula (Or Hinglaj), southern Baluchistan a few hours North-east of Gawadar and about 125 km towards North-west from Karachi, Pakistan Bramharandhra (Part of the head) Kottari Bhimlochan