Shaktipeeths In India: Significance Of Hindu Pilgrimage Sites

The Shakti Peeths are places of worship consecrated to the goddess Shakti or Sati, the female lord of Hinduism. They are sprinkled throughout the Indian subcontinent. As we heard the story of Sati and Shiva which has been ruined because of Sati’s father after the death of Sati, in the memory of Sati, lord Shiva picks up the remains of Sati’s body and performs the Tandav, known for the celestial dance of destruction, across all creation. The other Gods appealed to Vishnu to interrupt to stop this destruction, towards which Vishnu used the Sudarshana Chakra, which cut through Sati’s corpse in 51 pieces. The various parts of the body fell at several spots all through the Indian subcontinent and also outside India which formed sites today known as Shakti Peeths.

The main body parts associated with these Peeths include the breasts, navel, thighs, and hair of the goddess. These places have become pilgrimage destinations for devotees, they can connect with the divine power of the goddess and seek blessings.

Significance of Shakti Peeth

Power and Blessings of the Goddess

It is believed to possess immense divine power and is considered highly auspicious for worship. The goddess inhabits these sacred sites, and by seeking her blessings, devotees can find strength, protection, and fulfilment of their desires. Also associated with the concept of Shakti, is the divine feminine energy, which reflects the creative force of the universe. Worshipping at these sites is believed to awaken and activate one’s own inner Shakti, leading to spiritual growth and transformation.

Pilgrimage and Devotion

These pilgrimages and devotion involve walking long distances, fasting, and offering prayers and rituals at each Peetha. Shakti Peeths is seen as a way to surrender to the divine mother and seek her grace and guidance throughout life. The act of pilgrimage is considered a sacred undertaking and is believed to purify the soul, strengthen faith, and deepen the bond between the devotee and the goddess.

Shakti Peeths are situated in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, but will solely focus on the most believed Shakti Peeths of India in detail.

1- Bimala Temple, Puri, Odisha

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Goddess Vimala (Bimala), is one of the four Adi Shakti Peethas situated in Puri, Odissa. It is believed that the feet / Pada Khanda of Sati Devi fell here. Other names of this Shaktipeeth are Sri Vimalamba Shakti Peeth Temple, Puri Shakti Peeth, Sri Vimala Temple, and Sri Bimala Temple. Devotees visit this site to seek blessings for prosperity and spiritual well-being.

2- Kamakhya Temple, Assam

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The Kamakhya Temple is situated at the top of the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam, and is popular as Shakti Peethas in India. It is the place where the yoni (reproductive organ) of Sati fell. The temple holds the powerful Tantric worship practices, considered a symbol of feminine strength and people visit this pilgrimage site to worship and seek blessings for fertility, marital bliss, and spiritual enlightenment.

3- Kalighat Temple, Kolkata

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The Kalighat Temple, located in Kolkata, West Bengal and known as one of the powerful Shakti Peetha. It is the place where the right toe of Sati fell. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali, another form of Shakti and one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and holds immense effect in Hindu tradition. Devotees visit this site to seek blessings for protection, liberation, and spiritual awakening.

4- Avanti Shakti Peeth, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

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This site is devoted to “Goddess Durga,” who is revered by numerous Hindu devotees as Maa Avanti or Avantika. Upper Lip by Devi Sati is thought to have fallen here. Devi Avanti’s statue has always been draped in one red cloth because married women in India hold the colour red. Devotees request the Goddess to accept their wishes and flourish. The significance of the temple is that people visit the Avanti Shakti Peeth, Ujjain to fulfil progeny and wedding proposals too.

5- Manibandh, Gayatri, Pushkar

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The Manibandh Shakti Peethas in Pushkar is said to be the place where the wrist of the Goddess has fallen. Constructed on a hill, the temple is made of stones where statues of various deities are sculpted. Moreover, the captivating artwork and architecture of the temple represent the glory of ancient India, while the pillars show the grandeur of this divine temple.

6- Janasthan Bhramari, Nashik

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The Janasthan Shakti Peetha where it is said that the “Chin” of Maa Sati fell and the idols are Devi Maa as Bhramari and Lord Shiva as Vikritaksh Bhairav. Other names are Devi as Chibuka (the one with the chin) and Shiva as Sarvasiddhish (the one who can provide all desires). It is also known as Goddess Saptashrungi (Goddess with seven arms) in Vani, Nasik, Maharashtra, India.

7- Chandrabhaga, Gujarat

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This Shaktipeeth, built in place of the fallen stomach of Goddess Sati, is worshipped in the name of Devi Chandrabhaga, the presiding deity. This temple is situated near the temple of Somnath, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, where the recognition of Prabhas Shaktipeeth or Devi Chandrabhaga is also accepted by devotees.

Below are the 51 Shakti Peethas situated at different sites. 

These worshipping are believed to be ingrained in Hindu culture and mythology. The festivals are celebrated by passing on the rich heritage of devotion to future generations. are not merely physical locations, but potent spiritual centers that embody the divine energy of the goddess. Through their legends, rituals, and continuous worship, these sacred sites inspire devotion, faith, and a deep connection with the divine feminine energy. The Shakti Peethas offer a transformative experience, where devotees can seek solace, guidance, and blessings from the goddess, ultimately leading to spiritual upliftment and self-realization.