Shakti Peeths are revered temples dedicated to the goddess Shakti, representing the divine feminine energy in Hinduism. These sacred sites are scattered across the Indian subcontinent and hold immense spiritual significance. According to Hindu mythology, these temples mark the spots where parts of Goddess Sati’s body fell as Lord Shiva carried her lifeless form across the universe. This blog explores the fascinating story behind these shrines, the detailed 51 Shakti Peeth name list and place, their significance, and why they are so revered in Hindu culture.
The Legend Behind the 51 Shakti Peeths
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva, self-immolated after her father, King Daksha, insulted her husband. Devastated by her death, Lord Shiva carried her body and performed the Tandava, a celestial dance of destruction. To save the universe, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshana Chakra to cut Sati’s body into 51 pieces, which fell at different places, each becoming a Shakti Peeth.
The Importance of 51 Shakti Peeths
These temples are not only spiritual destinations but also symbolize the union of the feminine and masculine energies of the universe. Each Shakti Peeth has a specific body part of Goddess Sati and is paired with a Bhairava (a manifestation of Lord Shiva).
51 Shakti Peeth in India: Names and Places
Here’s a comprehensive 51 Shakti Peeth name list and place, along with the body parts associated with each temple:
- Hinglaj Mata – Located in Hinglaj, Pakistan, this Shakti Peeth is where the Brahmarandhra (part of the head) of Goddess Sati fell. It is one of the most significant and revered Shakti Peeths.
- Shankari Devi – Situated in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, this temple marks the spot where Sati’s groin fell. The temple is an important pilgrimage site for devotees.
- Sugandha – Found in Shikarpur, Bangladesh, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s nose fell. It is a place of immense spiritual significance.
- Mahamaya – Located in Amarnath, Jammu & Kashmir, this temple marks the spot where Sati’s throat fell. It is a renowned pilgrimage destination, especially during the annual Amarnath Yatra.
- Jwala Devi – Situated in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s tongue fell. The temple is famous for its eternal flame, which is believed to be a manifestation of the goddess.
- Tripuramalini – Located in Jalandhar, Punjab, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s left breast fell. It is a significant temple in the region, attracting numerous devotees.
- Ambaji – Found in Gujarat, this Shakti Peeth marks the spot where Sati’s heart fell. The temple is a vital religious site in Gujarat.
- Gujayeshwari – Located in Nepal, this Shakti Peeth is where both knees of Sati fell. It is a prominent pilgrimage site in Nepal.
- Dakshayani – Situated in Manas, Tibet, this temple marks the spot where Sati’s right hand fell. It is one of the lesser-known Shakti Peeths but holds great spiritual importance.
- Vimala – Found in Puri, Odisha, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s navel fell. It is located within the famous Jagannath Temple complex.
- Bahula – Located in Bardhaman, West Bengal, this Shakti Peeth marks the spot where Sati’s left arm fell. It is a revered temple in West Bengal.
- Gandaki Chandi – Situated in Nepal, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s right cheek fell. It is a significant temple in the region.
- Mangal Chandika – Found in Ujani, West Bengal, this Shakti Peeth marks the spot where Sati’s right wrist fell. It is an important temple for local devotees.
- Tripura Sundari – Located in Udaipur, Tripura, this temple is where Sati’s right leg fell. It is a major pilgrimage site in the northeastern state of Tripura.
- Bhawani – Situated in Chittagong, Bangladesh, this Shakti Peeth marks the spot where Sati’s right arm fell. It is an important religious site in Bangladesh.
- Bhramari – Found in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s left leg fell. It is a revered temple in the region.
- Kamakhya – Located in Guwahati, Assam, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s yoni (genitalia) fell. It is one of the most important and famous Shakti Peeths, known for its annual Ambubachi Mela.
- Jugaadya – Situated in Khirgram, West Bengal, this Shakti Peeth marks the spot where Sati’s right toe fell. It is a significant temple in the region.
- Kalika – Found in Kolkata, West Bengal, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s left toe fell. It is a renowned temple in the city of Kolkata.
- Lalita – Located in Prayag, Uttar Pradesh, this temple marks the spot where Sati’s finger fell. It is a significant pilgrimage site in the region.
- Jayanti – Situated in Bhorbhog, Bangladesh, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s left thigh fell. It is an important religious site in Bangladesh.
- Kirit – Found in Murshidabad, West Bengal, this Shakti Peeth marks the spot where Sati’s crown fell. It is a revered temple in West Bengal.
- Vishalakshi – Located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s earrings fell. It is one of the most significant temples in Varanasi, known for its spiritual atmosphere.
- Savitri – Situated in Kurukshetra, Haryana, this temple marks the spot where Sati’s right ankle fell. It is an important pilgrimage site in Haryana.
- Manibandh – Found in Pushkar, Rajasthan, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s wrist fell. It is located in the famous Pushkar town, known for its holy lake and Brahma Temple.
- Srisailam – Located in Andhra Pradesh, this Shakti Peeth marks the spot where Sati’s neck fell. It is a significant temple in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
- Devi Kankal – Situated in Kankal, West Bengal, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s pelvis fell. It is a revered temple in West Bengal.
- Chhinnamasta – Found in Chintpurni, Himachal Pradesh, this Shakti Peeth marks the spot where Sati’s head fell. It is a famous temple known for its unique deity.
- Devgarbha – Located in Birbhum, West Bengal, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s rib fell. It is an important religious site in West Bengal.
- Mithila – Situated in Janakpur, Nepal, this Shakti Peeth marks the spot where Sati’s left shoulder fell. It is a significant temple in Nepal.
- Kumari – Found in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s back fell. It is a renowned pilgrimage site at the southern tip of India.
- Shondesh – Located in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, this Shakti Peeth marks the spot where Sati’s right buttock fell. It is an important temple in the region.
- Nandikeshwari – Situated in Sainthia, West Bengal, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s necklace fell. It is a revered temple in West Bengal.
- Naraini – Found in Nalhati, West Bengal, this Shakti Peeth marks the spot where Sati’s nose fell. It is an important religious site in the region.
- Dakshina Kali – Located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s toe fell. It is a significant temple in Varanasi.
- Manasa – Situated in Ramgiri, Uttar Pradesh, this Shakti Peeth marks the spot where Sati’s right breast fell. It is an important temple in the region.
- Sundari – Found in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s ankle fell. It is a significant temple in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
- Vibhash – Located in Tamluk, West Bengal, this Shakti Peeth marks the spot where Sati’s left ankle fell. It is a revered temple in West Bengal.
- Chandrabhaga – Situated in Junagadh, Gujarat, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s stomach fell. It is an important temple in Gujarat.
- Avanti – Found in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, this Shakti Peeth marks the spot where Sati’s upper lip fell. It is a significant temple in Ujjain.
- Janasthan – Located in Nashik, Maharashtra, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s chin fell. It is an important pilgrimage site in Maharashtra.
- Sarvamangala – Situated in Rajamahendri, Andhra Pradesh, this Shakti Peeth marks the spot where Sati’s cheek fell. It is a revered temple in Andhra Pradesh.
- Ambika – Found in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s left finger fell. It is an important religious site in Rajasthan.
- Ratnavali – Located in Hooghly, West Bengal, this Shakti Peeth marks the spot where Sati’s right shoulder fell. It is a significant temple in West Bengal.
- Kalika – Situated in Kolkata, West Bengal, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s toe fell. It is a renowned temple in the city of Kolkata.
- Baidyanath – Found in Deoghar, Jharkhand, this Shakti Peeth marks the spot where Sati’s heart fell. It is one of the most important and famous Shakti Peeths in India.
- Kamakhya – Located in Guwahati, Assam, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s yoni (genitalia) fell. It is one of the most significant Shakti Peeths, known for its annual Ambubachi Mela.
- Chinnamasta – Situated in Chintpurni, Himachal Pradesh, this Shakti Peeth marks the spot where Sati’s head fell. It is a famous temple known for its unique deity.
- Sugandha – Found in Shikarpur, Bangladesh, this Shakti Peeth marks the spot where Sati’s nose fell. It is a significant temple in Bangladesh.
- Attahas – Located in Birbhum, West Bengal, this Shakti Peeth is where Sati’s lips fell. It is a revered temple in West Bengal.
- Indrakshi – Situated in Sri Lanka, this Shakti Peeth marks the spot where Sati’s anklet fell. It is an important religious site in Sri Lanka.
The Unique Case of Saptashrungi: Why It’s Called Half Shakti Peeth
Saptashrungi is revered as a half Shakti Peeth because it houses a part of the goddess but not a specific body part of Sati. Instead, it is believed to embody the essence of the goddess’s energy.
Shakti Peeth in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is home to several important Shakti Peeths, including the famous Tulja Bhavani Temple and Saptashrungi. These temples are vital pilgrimage sites for devotees of Shakti.
The 18 Maha Shakti Peethas: Names and Places
Apart from the 51 Shakti Peeths, there are 18 Maha (Great) Shakti Peethas, which are considered particularly significant. These include:
- Shankari Devi – Sri Lanka
- Kamakshi Amman – Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Shrinkala Devi – Pandua, West Bengal
- Chamundeshwari – Mysuru, Karnataka
- Jogulamba – Alampur, Telangana
- Bhramaramba – Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
- Mahalakshmi – Kolhapur, Maharashtra
- Eka Veerika – Mahur, Maharashtra
- Shakambhari Devi – Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Kukkuteswara Swamy – Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh
- Biraja Temple – Jajpur, Odisha
- Draksharamam – Andhra Pradesh
- Alopi Devi – Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
- Jwalamukhi – Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
- Mangla Gauri – Gaya, Bihar
- Vishalakshi – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Sharada Peeth – Pakistan
- Saraswati Peeth – Kashmir
The 51 Shakti Peeths stand as powerful reminders of the divine feminine energy in Hinduism. Each site carries a piece of the goddess’s essence, creating a spiritual network that spans the Indian subcontinent. Whether you’re seeking spiritual solace, historical knowledge, or cultural enrichment, visiting these Shakti Peeths offers a profound and transformative experience. The Shakti Peeths are more than just temples; they are sacred sites that capture the essence of divine feminine power. Visiting these shrines offers a glimpse into the profound spiritual heritage of Hinduism, connecting devotees with the timeless energy of Goddess Shakti.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the Shakti Peeths? A: Shakti Peeths are revered as the divine abodes of Goddess Shakti, where different parts of Sati’s body fell, symbolizing the goddess’s presence and power.
Q: How many Shakti Peeths are there? A: There are 51 Shakti Peeths, each associated with a specific body part of Goddess Sati.
Q: Where is the Kamakhya Shakti Peeth located? A: Kamakhya Shakti Peeth is located in Guwahati, Assam.
Q: Why is Saptashrungi called a half Shakti Peeth? A: Saptashrungi is referred to as a half Shakti Peeth because it embodies the goddess’s energy rather than a specific body part.
