The Shakti Peethas are important shrines and pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. These sites are dedicated to different incarnations of Adi Shakti. It is believed that after the demise of Goddess Sati, a grieving Lord Shiva carried her corpse around the world. To ease God’s grief and allow the goddess’ reincarnation, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshana Chakra to cut her body into 51 parts. Wherever her body parts fell on earth, the site turned into a holy pilgrimage that we now know as Shakti Peethas. There are 51 such sites across India and its neighbouring countries and here we’re going to tell you all about them.
Shakti Peethas In India
1. Kamakhya Devi, Assam
One of the most popular Shakti Peethas, Kamakhya Devi is the site where Goddess Sati’s genitals fell on earth. The temple is also known for its Ambubachi Mela, an annual festival that celebrates the menstruation of the goddess. People from all over the world come to see this unique festivity in Assam.
Where: Kamakhya, Guwahati, Assam
2. Mahamaya Temple, Jammu and Kashmir
Nestled on the Amarnath Mountain, this Shakti Peetha is dedicated to Mahamaya Devi. Goddess Sati’s throat fell on this peak and a temple was made here, more than 5,000 years ago, to honour the site.
Where: Baltal Amarnath Trek, Forest Block, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir
Also Read: Kamiya Jani Experiences The Divine & Powerful Energy Of Kamakhya Mandir
3. Mahakaleshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh
The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is also one of the most sacred Shakti Peethas. Honouring Goddess Mahakali, this sacred site is where Goddess Sati’s upper lip fell when Lord Vishnu launched his Sudarshana Chakra on her body.
Where: Jaisinghpura, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
4. Bhairav Parvat Temple, Madhya Pradesh
Dedicated to Goddess Avanti, Bhairav Parvat Temple is another Shakti Peeth in Ujjain. It is located on the banks of River Shipra and it is believed that Mata Sati’s elbows dropped here.
Where: Bhairavgarh, Goyala Buzurg, Ujjain Madhya Pradesh
5. Ramgiri Shivani Temple, Madhya Pradesh
The Ramgiri Shakti Peetha is dedicated to Shivani Devi. Located in Chitrakoot, this sacred pilgrimage is believed to be the site where a part of Maa Sati’s right breast fell on earth.
Where: Naya Gaon, Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh
6. Kalmadhav Temple, Madhya Pradesh
Dedicated to Narmada Devi, Kalmadhav Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. As per belief, Maa Sati’s left buttock fell in the River Shon. The temple complex also houses Narmada Udgam Shakti Peeth, where the right buttock of the goddess fell.
Where: MQF5+2R3, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh
7. Maa Sharda Mandir, Madhya Pradesh
Situated on Trikoot Hill, Maa Sharda Mandir is built on the site where Goddess Sati’s necklace fell down on earth. In fact, the place is also named after this Shakti Peeth, where ‘Mai’ means mother and ‘Har’ stands for a necklace.
Where: Maihar, Sahilara, Madhya Pradesh
8. Tripura Sundari Temple, Tripura
Devotees believe that Maa Sati’s right foot dropped near Udaipur in Tripura. The temple is dedicated to one of the ten Mahavidyas – Tripura Sundari Devi or Adi Parashakti.
Where: Matabari, Udaipur, Tripura
Also Read: 9 Popular Devi Temples To Visit In North India
9. Devi Talab Mandir, Punjab
Located near Jalandhar Cantonment in Punjab, Devi Talab Mandir is dedicated to Tripuramalini Devi. It is believed that a part of Goddess Sati’s left breast dropped here.
Where: Tanda Road, Shiv Nagar, Industrial Area, Jalandhar, Punjab
10. Attahas Temple, West Bengal
Honouring Phullara Devi, Attahas Temple is one of the many Shakti Peethas in West Bengal. As per Wikipedia, Goddess Sati’s lower lip fell in this part of India and was later turned into a temple.
Where: Dakhsindihi, Ketugram II CD Block, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal
11. Kalighat Kali Temple, West Bengal
One of the most popular and revered Shakti Peethas, Kalighat Kali Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple is built on the site where the toes of the right foot of Goddess Sati fell on earth.
Where: Anami Sangha, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal
12. Ratnavali Temple, West Bengal
Nestled on the banks of River Ratnakar, Ratnavali Temple is home to Kumari Devi. After Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra cut Goddess Sati’s body, her right shoulder fell on this site.
Where: PV63+9HP, Ubidpur, Gagarpur, Hooghly, West Bengal
13. Kankalitala Devi Temple, West Bengal
West Bengal is home to many Shakti Peethas and one of them is Kankalitala Devi Temple. Located in Birbhum, this temple is dedicated to Devgarbha Devi and is believed to be the site where Maa Sati’s pelvis fell on earth.
Where: Kankalitala, Bolpur, West Bengal
14. Bakreswar Temple, West Bengal
Situated on the banks of the Paaphara River, the centre portion between the eyebrows of Goddess Sati dropped here and she is worshipped as Mahishamardini Devi. The temple is also famous for its natural hot springs.
Where: V9MF+XF, Gohaliara, Birbhum, West Bengal
15. Jogadya Temple, West Bengal
Jogadya or Yugandya Temple in Kshirgram was built where Goddess Sati’s big toe of the right leg fell. The temple honours the goddess in the form of Jogadya Devi.
Where: G27J+8FV, Kshirgram, West Bengal
Also Read: These Temples In The Hills Of Northern India Are A Must-Visit
16. Bargabhima Temple, West Bengal
Vibhash Shakti Peeth or the Bargabhima Temple is situated in West Bengal’s Medinipur area. The temple is named after Bargabhima Devi. It is built on the site where Sati’s left ankle was dropped on earth.
Where: Tamluk, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal
17. Kiriteswari Temple, West Bengal
Kiriteswari Temple is nestled near the banks of the Bhagirathi River in Murshidabad. This temple honours Vimala Devi and is the site where the crown of Goddess Sati dropped.
Where: Nabagram CD Block, Lalbag Subdivision, Murshidabad, West Bengal
18. Trisrota Devi Temple, West Bengal
Trisrota Maa Bhramari Shakti Peeth is situated on the bank of river Teesta in West Bengal. The temple pays homage to Bhramari Devi and is the site where Maa Sati’s left leg was dropped.
Where: MC65+68J, Fulbari, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal
19. Bahula Temple, West Bengal
When Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra cut Mata Sati’s body into 51 parts, her left arm dropped in present-day West Bengal’s Ketugram. This Shakti Peeth is named after Goddess Bahuladevi.
Where: P22R+5MF, Ketugram Ambalgram Road, Ketugram, Purba Bardhaman, Burdwan, West Bengal
20. Jwalamukhi Temple, Himachal Pradesh
One of the 51 Shakti Peethas is located in the middle of the scenic landscape of Himachal Pradesh. Honouring Goddess Jwalamukhi or Ambika, this temple in Kangra is believed to be the site where Mata Sati’s tongue dropped on earth.
Where: 472F+H7R, Ward Number 5, Pushp Vihar Colony, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
21. Bajreshwari Mata Temple, Himachal Pradesh
Besides Jwalamukhi Temple, Kangra is also home to another Shakti Peeth called Bajreshwari Mata Temple. This temple celebrates Jayadurga Devi and it is said that a part of Maa Sati’s left breast fell here.
Where: 4729+QXC, Mandir Rd, Haripur, New Kangra, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
22. Chintpurni Temple, Himachal Pradesh
Mata Shri Chintpurni Temple or the Chhinnamastika Shakti Peeth is named after Chhinnamastika Devi. When Maa Sati’s body was cut into pieces, her other foot dropped at this place.
Where: Chintpurni, Teh. Amb, Una, Himachal Pradesh
23. Biraja Temple, Odisha
Biraja Temple, also known as Biraja Kshetra, is a temple dedicated to Biraja Devi. Located in Odisha’s Jajpur, this temple has been built on the site where Mata Sati’s navel fell.
Where: Trilochan Panda, Jajpur, Odisha
Also Read: Skip Queues And Visit These Lesser-Known But Equally Spiritual Temples In Mumbai
24. Vishalakshi Devi, Uttar Pradesh
In the holy city of Varanasi, it is believed that Goddess Sati’s earrings fell on the Manikarnika Ghat. You’ll find inscriptions in Tamil at this temple dedicated to Vishalakshi Devi.
Where: Shri Kashi Vishalakshi Mata Shaktipeeth Temple, Kashi Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
25. Panchsagar Maa Varahi, Uttar Pradesh
There is another Shakti Peeth in Varanasi called Panchsagar Maa Varahi. As per spiritual texts, Goddess Sati’s lower teeth fell here. Devotees now worship her in the form of Varahi Devi.
Where: 8246+VCP, Banaras Ghat Road, Bangali Tola, Dashashwamegh Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
26. Katyayani Temple, Uttar Pradesh
Did you know that there is more to Vrindavan than just Banke Bihari Temple? One of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Goddess Sati, Katyayani Temple, is also found here. Devotees believe that Mata Sati’s hair fell at this place.
Where: Bala Ji Store, Parikrama Marg, Goda Vihar, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
27. Alopi Devi Mandir, Uttar Pradesh
Situated near the Sangam rivers Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati, Alopi Devi Mandir is believed to be the site where Goddess Sati’s finger fell on the earth. Also, the iconic Kumbh Mela is held near this Shakti Peeth.
Where: CVVC+M89, Alopi Bagh, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
28. Maa Bhramari Temple, Maharashtra
Home to Bhadrakali Devi, Bhramari Temple is one of the most popular Shakti Peethas in Maharashtra. Legend has it that Goddess Sati’s chin fell in this area of Nashik.
Where: 2Q2R+PMV, K. Rajendra Vavre Chowk, Nashik, Maharashtra
29. Ambaji Temple, Gujarat
Gujarat’s Ambaji Temple is more than 1,200 years old and is believed to be the site where a part of Mata Sati’s heart fell on earth. This mesmerising temple is a popular pilgrimage spot in the state and people from all over the country come here to offer prayers.
Where: Danta, Dist.B.K, Khodiyar Chowk, Ambaji, Gujarat
30. Chandrabhaga Temple, Gujarat
Another Shakti Peetha in Gujarat is Chandrabhaga Temple which lies in Veraval. This temple is in close proximity to the famous Somnath Temple and the Triveni Sangam. As per legend, the abdomen part of the Goddess Sati dropped here.
Where: Triveni Sangam Dham Road, behind Ram Mandir Road, Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Gujarat
31. Manibandh Temple, Rajasthan
Located near Pushkar, the Manibandh Temple or the Manivedika Shakti Peeth is where the wrists of the Mata Sati fell. Locals also call this temple Chamunda Mata Temple.
Where: Nala, Badi Basti, Near Pushkar, Rajasthan
Also Read: More Than 1200 Years Old, Gujarat’s Ambaji Temple Now Houses 51 Shakti Peethas At One Place
32. Ambika Temple, Rajasthan
When Lord Shiva was roaming around the universe with the corpse of Goddess Sati, Lord Vishnu used his powerful chakra to cut the body of the goddess into several pieces. It is believed that the fingers of her left leg fell near the present-day Bharatpur.
Where: Virat Nagar District, Alwar, near Bharatpur, Rajasthan
33. Baidyanath Dham, Jharkhand
Besides Gujarat’s Ambaji Temple, it is believed that a part of Goddess Sati’s heart fell in Deoghar, Jharkhand. Known as the Baidyanath Dham, the temple worships the goddess in the Jayadurga Devi form.
Where: Baba Mandir Campus, Shivganga Muhalla, Deoghar, Jharkhand
34. Nartiang Durga Temple, Meghalaya
Dedicated to Jayanti Devi, Nartiang Durga Temple or the Jayanti Shakti Peeth, is located in Meghalaya. It is said that the left thigh of Maa Sati fell here after her body was cut by Lord Vishnu’s chakra.
Where: H686+WM4, Nartiang, Meghalaya
35. Aranya Devi Mandir, Bihar
As per Hindu spiritual texts, Aranya Devi Mandir is built on the site where Goddess Sati’s right thigh fell on the earth. The goddess is worshipped in the form of Aranyani Devi here.
Where: Devi Sthan, Meerganj, Arrah, Bihar
36. Narayani Shakti Peeth, Tamil Nadu
Nestled in Suchindram, a few kilometres from Kanyakumari, this Shakti Peeth is dedicated to Narayani Devi. It is said that the upper teeth of Mata Sati fell where this temple is built today.
Where: 5F48+G56, Suchindram, Tamil Nadu
37. Kanyashram Temple, Tamil Nadu
Kanyashram Temple or Kalikasram or Kanyakumari Shakti Peeth honours Sarvani Devi. Legend has it that the back of Maa Sati fell in Kanyashram.
Where: 3HH2+P9H, Temple Rd, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu 6
38. Bhadrakali Temple, Haryana
The right ankle of Maa Sati is believed to have dropped in Haryana’s Kurukshetra region. The goddess is worshipped in Bhadrakali Devi form at this temple and people from all over the country come here to seek her blessing.
Where: Jhansa Road, Kurukshetra, Thanesar, Haryana
Also Read: Skip These Overcrowded Destinations In Uttar Pradesh & Visit These Spiritual Destinations Instead
39. Godavari Tir Shakti Peeth, Andhra Pradesh
Also known as Sarvsail Shakti Peeth, this temple is dedicated to Rakini Devi. It is situated on the banks of River Godavari and is believed to be the site where Mata Sati’s cheeks fell.
Where: 13-15-61/20b, Kotilingala Veedhi, Seethampet, Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh
Shakti Peethas Outside India
40. Hinglaj Mata Temple, Pakistan
Hinglaj Mata Temple is one of the most sacred and revered Shakti Peethas outside India. Located in Pakistan’s Balochistan area, devotees worship Kottari Devi here. As per legend, Goddess Sati’s Brahmarandhra (top of the head) fell here.
Where: Hingol Balochistan National Park, Road Asha Pura, Las Bela, Balochistan, Pakistan
41. Shivaharkaray Temple, Pakistan
There is another important Shakti Peeth in Pakistan’s Baloch area called Shivaharkaray Temple. Nestled near the Parkai Railway Station, it is said that Goddess Sati’s eyes fell in the region. She is worshipped in the manifestation of Mahisha-Mardini Devi here.
Where: GG78+H47, Asha Pura, Las Bela, Balochistan, Pakistan
42. Mithila Shakti Peeth, Nepal
The Mithila Shakti Peeth lies near the Indo-Nepal border and is the place where the left shoulder of Goddess Sati had fallen. Devotees worship the goddess in the form of Uma Devi here.
Where: Near Janakpur Railway Station, Janakpur, Nepal
43. Muktinath Temple, Nepal
Nestled near the Gandaki River, is an ancient temple in Nepal. Sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, this temple is believed to be built on the site where Mata Sati’s forehead fell on earth. She is worshipped in Gandaki Chandi form here and people travel from across the world to seek mukti or liberation here.
Where: Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa Pilgrimage Site, Muktinath, Nepal
Also Read: 8 Ancient Lord Ganesh Temples Of Varanasi That You Should Visit!
44. Guhyeshwari Temple, Nepal
Another Shakti Peeth that you can find in Nepal is Guhyeshwari Temple. It is just one kilometre away from the revered Pashupatinath Temple. Devotees worship Mahashira Devi here and it is said that both the knees of Goddess Sati fell here.
Where: P963+G93, Kathmandu, Nepal
45. Bhabanipur Temple, Bangladesh
Also known as Aparna Shakti Peeth Shri Shri Bhabani Temple, this Shakti Peeth is one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage sites in Bangladesh. Located in the Rajasthani section of the country, it is believed that Goddess Sati’s anklet was dropped here.
Where: HC4P+R64, Bhawanipur, Bangladesh
46. Sugandha Devi Temple, Bangladesh
Sugandha Devi Temple or the Sugandha Shakti Peeth is located on the banks of River Sonda. Honouring Sugandha Devi, devotees believe that the nose of Goddess Sati fell here.
Where: R7V5+9P6, Barisal, Bangladesh
47. Shri Shail Temple, Bangladesh
Also popularly known as Mahalakshmi Griva Peeth, Shri Shail Temple is dedicated to Mahalakshmi Devi. Devotees believe that the neck of Mata Sati fell here.
Where: Joinpur Village, Dakshin Surma, Near Gotatikar, Bangladesh
48. Chandranath Temple, Bangladesh
Bangladesh is home to several Shakti Peethas and one of them is Chandranath Temple. Situated on the Chandranath Hills, this temple worships Chattal Bhawani Devi. Goddess Sati’s right arm fell on this location.
Where: JMMM+CPM Chandranath Hill, Sitakund, Bangladesh
49. Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple, Bangladesh
Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple is one of the Shakti Peethas located in Bangladesh. The goddess resides in the form of Kali Devi here and it is built on the site where Mata Sati’s palms and soles dropped on earth.
Where: Ishwaripur, Bangladesh
50. Dakshayani Temple, Tibet
One of the most interesting Shakti Peethas, the Manas Shakti Peeth is a slab of rock that is worshipped as Dakshayani Devi. Goddess Sati’s right hand had fallen in this region. People from all over the world come here to seek blessings.
Where: Near Kailash Mansarovar, Tibet
51. Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple, Sri Lanka
Dedicated to Goddess Indrakshi, the Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple is a beautiful temple in Sri Lanka. As per the legend, one of Goddess Sati’s anklets fell in this area.
Where: JQ9F+MM2, Nagapoosani Amman Kovil Rd, Nainativu, Sri Lanka
We hope this information was helpful to you all!
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