Explore the sacred abodes of 18 Shakti Peethas Names and Places in this article. These revered pilgrimage destinations, dedicated to Goddess Durga in various forms, hold immense significance. Legends trace their origin to the story of Goddess Sati’s demise, where her body was divided into 18 parts, each sanctifying a specific location. From the Shankari Devi Temple in Sri Lanka to the Kamakshi Amman Temple in Tamil Nadu, discover the divine power of these Shakti Peethas. Dive into the spiritual heritage of India with this comprehensive list.
The 18 Shakti Peethas, revered by devotees of Shaktism, are powerful centers of cosmic energy associated with the goddess Adi Shakti. These sacred sites hold immense spiritual significance and are believed to be where parts of the goddess Sati’s body fell after her self-immolation. Let’s explore these 18 divine Shakti Peethas:
Part of the Body Fallen Place | Place | Name of Shakti |
Thigh Part | Trincomalee (Sri Lanka) | Sankari Devi |
skeleton | Kanchi (Tamilnadu) | Kamakshi Devi |
Stomach | Praddyumnam (West Bengal) | Shrunkala Devi |
Hair | Mysore (Karnataka) | Chamundeshwari Devi |
Upper Teeth | Alampur (Telengana) | Jogulamba Devi |
Neck | Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh) | Bhramaramba Devi |
Left eye | Kolhapur (Maharastra) | Mahalakshmi Devi |
Right Hand | Nanded (Maharashtra) | EkaveenikaDevi |
Upper Lip | Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) | Mahakalai Devi |
Left Hand | Pithapuram (Andhra Pradesh) | Puruhuthika Devi |
Navel | Cuttack (Orrisa) | Girija Devi |
Left Cheeck | Draksharamam (Andhra Pradesh) | Manikyamba Devi |
Vulva | Gawhati (Assam) | Kamarupa Devi |
Fingers | Prayaga (Uttar Pradesh) | Madhaveshwari Devi |
Head | Jwala (Himachal Pradesh) | Jwalamhuki Devi |
Breast | Gaya (Bihar) | Sarvamangala Devi |
Wrist | Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) | Vishalakshi Devi |
Right hand | Kashmir | Saraswathi Devi |
In Deatil Of 18 Shakti Peethas
1. Lankayam Sankaridevi (Thirukoneswaram, Sri Lanka)
- Location: Situated on a hillock near Trincomalee on the west coast of present-day Sri Lanka.
- Significance: This is where the ‘thigh part’ of the divine mother fell.
- Story: Sankaridevi, the first form of Shakti, is worshiped here. The Shankara Devi Temple and the Shakti Peetha stand as a testament to her power.
2. Kamakshi Kanchika Pure (Tamil Nadu, India)
- Location: About 75 km from Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- Significance: Kamakshi, the energy creator, resides here.
- Story: It is believed that the ‘skeleton’, representing the mother’s body, fell at this sacred spot.
3. Pradyumne Shrunkaladevi (Velasindi Kshetra, West Bengal)
- Location: In the village of Pandava, Hooghly District, approximately 85 km from Calcutta.
- Significance: The temple here was once demolished during the Mohammedan rule, but its spiritual energy endures.
- Story: The ‘abdomen’, symbolizing the mother’s body, is said to have fallen here. Devotees come seeking relief from their troubles, believing that the chains of their problems will be broken.
4. Kraunchapattane Chamundeshwari (Mysore, Karnataka)
- Location: The town of Mysore in Karnataka, India.
- Significance: Chamundeshwari Mata, also known as Mahishasura Mardini, is worshiped here.
- Story: In front of the temple stands an ornate idol of Mahishini. Legend has it that this sacred spot is where the ‘hairs’ of the Goddess fell. Devotees seek blessings and protection from the fierce form of the divine mother..
5. Alampur Jogulamba (Telangana, India)
- Location: Located approximately 10 km from Kurnool in the Mahabubnagar district of Telangana.
- Significance: This ancient temple was once destroyed during the Muslim invasion but later restored.
- Story: It is believed that Sati Devi’s ‘teeth’ fell at this sacred site. The temple complex also houses Navabrahma temples, adding to its spiritual aura.
6. Srisaila Bhramarambika (Andhra Pradesh)
- Location: Srisailam, a renowned Saiva shrine in the Dakshinapatham (Andhra Pradesh).
- Significance: Sri Bhramarambika Mallikarjuna temple stands here.
- Story: It is believed that this is where Goddess Sati fell, specifically on her neck. Nearby, the ancient Ishtakameshwari Temple adds to the spiritual aura.
7. Kolhapur Mahalakshmi (Maharashtra)
- Location: Kolhapur, approximately 300 km from Pune in Maharashtra.
- Significance: The incarnation of Amma Mahalakshmi graces this sacred spot.
- Story: Legend has it that this is where Sati Devi’s eyes fell. Devotees seek blessings from the divine mother’s watchful gaze.
8. Mahurye Ekaveenika (Maharashtra)
- Location: Makudyapuram, about 125 km from Nanded in Maharashtra.
- Significance: Ekaveenika is the source of energy in Mahurye Puram.
- Story: This is where the mother’s ‘right hand’ is believed to have fallen. Devotees come seeking strength and empowerment.
9. Ujjainyam Mahakali (Madhya Pradesh)
- Location: About 50 km from Indore in Madhya Pradesh.
- Significance: Mahabaleshwar Jyotirlangam and Mahakali Temple thrive here.
- Story: Goddess Sati fell on her ‘upper lip’ at this glorious field. Mahakali, with her mantras and tantras, stands as a prestigious powerhouse.
10. Peethikayam (Pithapuram) Puruhutika (Andhra Pradesh)
- Location: Pithapuram, situated approximately 13 km from Samarthkotta in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.
- Significance: Known as Peethikapuram, this sacred place houses the Srichakram, a golden sari adorned by the goddess.
- Tradition: Devotees lovingly decorate this sari every Friday as an offering to the divine.
11. Odhyayam Girija Devi (Orissa)
- Location: On the banks of the Vaitarani river near Cuttack, in the present-day state of Orissa.
- Significance: Here, Ammavaru emerged as the embodiment of the Trishakti.
- Story: It is believed that Sati Devi’s navel position fell at this sacred spot. The Girija Devi Temple (also known as Bhirijadevi) stands as a testament to her power.
12. Manikyam Dakshavatike (Andhra Pradesh)
- Location: In the vineyard-rich East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.
- Significance: This is where Goddess Sati was sacrificed during Dakshayagyan.
- Aura: The field is renowned for its luxury, salvation, and glory.
13. Harikshetre Kamarupa (Assam)
- Location: Neelachalam, on the banks of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, the capital of Assam.
- Significance: The place where Sati Devi’s ‘vagina’ fell.
- Unique Feature: A female vagina-like rock exists here, from which water flows in a thin stream. Once a year, red water emerges for three days. During this time, the temple remains closed as the mother is menstruating. Consecration is performed on the fourth day.
14. Prayage Madhaveshwari (Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh)
- Location: At the confluence of the rivers Yamuna and Ganga in Allahabad.
- Significance: Sati Devi’s ‘hand fingering’ is believed to have fallen here.
- Shakti: The divine energy is known as Madhaveshwari.
- Galadi Field: This site holds importance for embryology and immersion of bones
15. Jwalayam Vaishnavi Devi (Jammu and Kashmir)
- Location: Kotra, situated in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, approximately 50 km from Jammu.
- Significance: This is where Sati Devi’s ‘skull’ is believed to have fallen.
- Pilgrimage: Visitors can ascend the hill either on horseback or by helicopter to reach the revered Jwalamukhi or Vaishno Devi Temple. Within the temple lies a sacred cave. Interestingly, the silver umbrella once carried by the Mughal Emperor Akbar Badsha during his ascent still adorns the temple today.
16. Gayayam Mangalya Gauri (Bihar)
- Location: Located 75 km from Patna in the state of Bihar.
- Significance: The distant Mangala Gauri Koluvudiri is the creator of Gaya Kshetra Shakti.
- Story: It is believed that Sati Devi’s ‘breast’ fell here. Nearby, the sacred sites of Buddhagaya, the Bodhi Tree, and Buddhist temples draw pilgrims. Hindus often perform rituals to honor their ancestors in Gaya.
17. Varanasi Vishalakshi (Uttar Pradesh)
- Location: Varanasi (also known as Kashi), thriving as a unique place for Lord Shiva.
- Significance: This is where Goddess Sati’s ‘wrist’ is said to have fallen.
- Sacred Confluence: The confluence of two rivers, Varuna and Asi, adds to the spiritual energy. Bathing in the Ganges and witnessing the Visvesvaraya and Vishalakshi Darshan is a delightful experience.
18. Kashmiretu Saraswatiyana (Karnataka)
- Location: Some legends suggest that the ‘hand’ of Goddess Sati fell here, while others believe it was her right cheek.
- Temple Mystery: The temple of Goddess Amma was originally located in Kashmir. However, the Shankacharyas erected a pedestal in Sringeri (in Karnataka) due to the absence of worship in the original temple, which had been destroyed.
- Saraswati Temple: Located approximately 100 km from Mangalore, this temple honors the divine energy of Goddess Saraswati.
These Shakti Peethas continue to inspire reverence and devotion, connecting us to the cosmic energy of the divine mother. 🙏✨
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