51 Shakti Peethas: A Sacred Pilgrimage of Goddess Sati

The Shakti Peethas are among the holiest and most revered pilgrimage sites in Hinduism, deeply connected to the legend of Devi Sati and Lord Shiva. These shrines are believed to have been established where parts of Maa Sati’s body, her ornaments, or her belongings fell, as per the Shiva Purana and other ancient scriptures. Each Shakti Peetha represents a powerful center of Shakti (divine feminine energy) and is worshipped alongside Lord Shiva, who is revered as the consort and protector of Maa Sati.

This comprehensive guide lists all 51 Shakti Peethas, their locations, the body parts of Devi Sati associated with them, and the divine significance of these sacred places.

The Story Behind the Shakti Peethas

The origin of the Shakti Peethas is rooted in the story of Devi Sati’s self-immolation. Sati, the daughter of King Daksha and consort of Lord Shiva, immolated herself after being insulted by her father during a grand yajna (sacrificial ritual). Heartbroken and enraged, Lord Shiva carried her lifeless body and performed the Tandava (cosmic dance of destruction). To pacify Shiva and protect the universe, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to cut Sati’s body into pieces.

These pieces fell at various locations, which became the Shakti Peethas, radiating divine energy and becoming eternal sites of worship for devotees.

List of 51 Shakti Peethas With Locations and Body Parts of Devi Sati

1. Amarnath, Jammu & Kashmir

Body Part: Throat
Significance: Revered for its association with Lord Shiva and the Amarnath Cave.

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2. Katyayani, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

Body Part: Hair
Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, the 6th form of Durga.

3. Vishalakshi, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Body Part: Earrings
Significance: Located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, this Peetha is a center for Tantra worship.

4. Lalita, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh

Body Part: Fingers
Significance: Situated at the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet.

5. Jwala Devi, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Body Part: Tongue
Significance: Known for the eternal flame that burns in the temple without any visible fuel source.

6. Tripurmalini, Jalandhar, Punjab

Body Part: Left Breast
Significance: Associated with Goddess Tripurmalini, worshipped as an embodiment of compassion.

7. Savitri, Kurukshetra, Haryana

Body Part: Right Ankle
Significance: Located in the land of the Mahabharata, it symbolizes purity and wisdom.

8. Magadha, Patna, Bihar

Body Part: Right Side of the Body
Significance: An important Peetha symbolizing cosmic energy.

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9. Dakshayani, Burang, Tibet

Body Part: Right Palm
Significance: Revered in the mystical land of Tibet.

10. Mahishasuramardini, Kolhapur, Maharashtra

Body Part: Third Eye
Significance: Famous for the Mahalakshmi Temple, a center of prosperity and victory.

Shakti Peethas Across India and Neighboring Countries

Here’s the complete list of the remaining Shakti Peethas, categorized by region:

Shakti Peethas in Western India

Ambaji, Gujarat – Body Part: Heart
Gayatri, Pushkar, Rajasthan – Body Part: Wrist
Ambika, Bharatpur, Rajasthan – Body Part: Left Foot

Shakti Peethas in Southern India

Sarvashail, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh – Body Part: Left Cheek
Sravani, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu – Body Part: Back and Spine
Bhramaramba, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh – Body Part: Right Anklet
Narayani, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu – Body Part: Upper Teeth

Shakti Peethas in Eastern India

Phullara, West Bengal – Body Part: Lower Lip
Bahula, West Bengal – Body Part: Left Arm
Dakshina Kali, Kolkata, West Bengal – Body Part: Right Toes
Kamakhya, Guwahati, Assam – Body Part: Yoni (Genitals)
Biraja, Jajpur, Odisha – Body Part: Navel

Shakti Peethas Outside India

Nagapooshani, Northern Province, Sri Lanka – Body Part: Anklets
Gandaki Chandi, Mustang, Nepal – Body Part: Cheek
Hinglaj, Pakistan – Body Part: Head
Sugandha, Barishal, Bangladesh – Body Part: Nose
Jesoreshwari, Khulna, Bangladesh – Body Part: Palm

Other Notable Shakti Peethas

Tripura Sundari, Gomati, Tripura – Body Part: Right Foot
Jayanti, West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya – Body Part: Left Thigh
Mithila, Location Unknown – Body Part: –
Sri Parvat, Location Unknown – Body Part: –
Ratnavali, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – Body Part: –

Unique Features of the Shakti Peethas

Each Shakti Peetha is associated with:

Devi Sati’s Body Part: Symbolizing the divine feminine energy.
Shakti and Bhairava: Each Peetha has a distinct name for Shakti (goddess) and Bhairava (protector).
Architectural Grandeur: These temples are marvels of Indian temple architecture, showcasing Dravidian, Nagara, and regional styles.

Spiritual Significance of Visiting Shakti Peethas

Purification of Mind and Body: Pilgrimage to these sacred sites is believed to cleanse one’s karma.
Fulfillment of Desires: Devotees visit these temples to seek blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity.
Union with the Divine: The Shakti Peethas are powerful centers of spiritual energy, where devotees feel a connection to the divine.

Conclusion

The 51 Shakti Peethas are not just places of worship; they are eternal symbols of the divine feminine power, resilience, and grace of Maa Sati. Spread across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Tibet, and Sri Lanka, these holy sites embody the unity of Hindu spirituality and culture.

Visiting these temples is a profound spiritual journey, offering devotees the chance to experience divine energy and deepen their faith. Whether you’re a pilgrim seeking blessings or a traveler fascinated by India’s cultural heritage, the Shakti Peethas offer an unforgettable experience of devotion and architectural grandeur.

So, embark on this divine journey to reconnect with the sacred essence of Maa Sati and immerse yourself in the timeless energy of Shakti!

Additional Reading:

51 Shakti Peethas: A Divine Pilgrimage Across the Sacred Sites of Goddess Sati

The Story Behind the Shakti Peethas