The Shakti Peethas (holy
places of cosmic power) are places of worship consecrated to the
goddess 'Shakti', the female principal of Hinduism and the main
deity of the Shakta sect. They are sprinkled throughout the Indian
subcontinent.
This goddess is often associated both with Gowri / Parvati, the
benevolent goddess of harmony, marital felicity and longevity,
with Durga, goddess of strength and valour, and with Mahakali,
goddess of destruction of the evil.
Legend
According to legend, at some time in the Satya Yuga,
Daksha performed a yagna (named Vrihaspati) with a desire of taking
revenge on Lord Shiva. Daksha was angry because his daughter Sati
had married the 'yogi' God Shiva against his wishes. Daksha invited
all the deities to the yagna except for Shiva and Sati. The fact
that she was not invited did not deter Sati from attending the
yagna. She had expressed her desire to attend to Shiva who had
tried his best to dissuade her from going. Shiva eventually allowed
her to go escorted by his ganas.
But Sati, being an uninvited guest, was not given any respect.
Furthermore, Daksha insulted Shiva. Sati was unable to bear her
father's insults toward her husband, so she committed suicide by
jumping into the yagna fire.
When Lord Shiva heard about her death he became furious. He went
to the place where Daksha was performing his oblation, along with
his ganas (followers). The oblation site was destroyed and Daksha
was killed by his ganas .
Lord Shiva then carried the dead-body of Sati and started wandering
all over the place like a lunatic. Lord Vishnu severed the dead
body with his chakra. Various organs fell at different place. These
places became famous as Shakti-Peeth, in due course of time.
The
52 Shakti Peethas
In order to view the index, which is based on Tantra-Chudamani ,
reveals as to which organ fell at which place and which Bhairav
and which Shakti have their dwellings at which place,
SR.
NO. |
PLACE |
ORGAN
AND ORNAMENT |
SHAKTI |
BHAIRAV |
1. |
HINGULA |
THE SUTURE ON THE
TOP OF THE HEAD |
KOTTVISHA |
BHIMALOCHAN |
2. |
SHARKRAR |
EYES |
MAHISHMARDINI |
KRODHISH |
3. |
SUGANDHA |
NOSE |
SUNANDA |
TRAYAMBAK |
4. |
KASHMIR |
THROAT |
MAHAMAYA |
TRISANDHYESHWAR |
5. |
JWALAMUKHI |
TONGUE |
SIDDHIDA |
UNMAT BHAIRAV |
6. |
JALANDHAR |
BREAST |
TRIPURMALINI |
BHISHAN |
7. |
VAIDDYANATH |
HEART |
JAYA DURGA |
VAIDDYANATH |
8. |
NEPAL |
KNEE |
MAHAMAYA |
KAPALI |
9. |
MANAS |
RIGHT HAND |
DAKSHAPANI |
AMAR |
10. |
VIRJA IN UTKAL |
NAVEL |
VIMLA |
JAGANNATH |
11 |
GANDAKI |
TEMPLE |
GANDAKI |
CHAKRAPANI |
12. |
BAHULA |
LEFT ARM |
GODDESS BAHULA |
BHIRUK |
13. |
UJJAYINI |
WRIST MANGAL |
CHANDIKA |
KAPILAMBAR |
14. |
TRIPURA |
RIGHT LEG |
TRIPUR SUNDARI |
TRIPURESH |
15. |
CHAHAL |
RIGHT ARM |
BHAWANI |
CHANDRASHEKHAR |
16. |
TRISTROTA |
LEFT LEG |
BHRAMRI |
BHAIRAVESHWAR |
17. |
KAMGIRI |
GENITAL |
KAMAKHYA |
UMANAND |
18. |
PRAYAG |
FINGER (HAND) |
LALITA |
BHAVA |
19. |
JAYANTI |
LEFT THIGH |
JAYANTI |
KRAMADISHWAR |
20. |
YUGADDYA |
GREAT TOE (RIGHT) |
BHOOT DHATRI |
KSHEER KHANDAK |
21. |
KALIPEETH |
RIGHT TOE |
KALIKA |
NAKULEESH |
22. |
KIREET |
CROWN |
VIMLA |
SANWART |
23. |
VARANASI |
EAR RING |
VISHALAKSHI AND MANIKARNI |
KALBHAIRAV |
24. |
KANYASHRAM |
BACK |
SARVANI |
NIMISH |
25. |
KURUKSHETRA |
ANKLE BONE |
SAVITRI |
STHANU |
26. |
MANIBANDH |
TWO WRISTLETS |
GAYATRI |
SARVANAND |
27. |
SHRI SHAIL |
NECK |
MAHALAXMI |
SHAMBARANAND |
28. |
KANCHI |
BONE |
DEVGARBHA |
RURU |
29. |
KALMADHAV |
BUTTOCK (LEFT) |
KALI |
ASITANG |
30. |
SHONDESH |
BUTTOCK (RIGHT) |
NARMADA |
BHADRASEN |
31. |
RAMGIRI |
BREAST |
SHIVANI |
CHANDBHAIRAV |
32. |
VRINDAVAN |
RINGLETS OF HAIR |
UMA |
BHUTESH |
33. |
SHUCHI |
TEETH (UPPER JAW) |
NARAYANI |
SANHAR |
34. |
PANCHSAGAR |
TEETH (LOWER JAW) |
VARAHI |
MAHARUDRA |
35. |
KARTOYATAT |
TALPA (ORNAMENT) |
ARPANA |
VAMAN BHAIRAV |
36. |
SHRI PARVAT |
RIGHT ANKLE |
SHRI SUNDARI |
SUNDARANAND BHAIRAV |
37. |
VIBHASH |
LEFT ANKLE |
KAPALINI |
SARVANAND |
38. |
PRABHAS |
STOMACH |
CHANDRABHAGA |
VAKRATUND |
39. |
BHAIRAVPARVAT |
UPPER LIP |
AVANTI |
LAMBKARNA |
40. |
JANSTHAL |
CHIN (TWO PARTS) |
BHRAMARI |
VIKRITAKSH |
41. |
SARVASHAIL |
LEFT CHEEK |
RAKINI |
VATSNABH |
42. |
GODAVARITIR |
RIGHT CHEEK |
VISHVESHI |
DANDPANI |
43. |
RATNAVALI |
RIGHT SHOULDER |
KUMARI |
SHIVA |
44. |
MITHILA |
LEFT SHOULDER |
UMA |
MAHODAR |
45. |
NALHATI |
TUBULAR BONES OF THE FEET |
KALIKA DEVI |
YOGESH |
46. |
KARNAT |
EAR |
JAYADURGA |
ABHIRU |
47. |
VAKRESHWAR |
MIND |
MAHISHMARDINI |
VAKRANATH |
48. |
YASHOR |
HAND & FOOT |
YASHORESHWARI |
CHAND |
49. |
ATTAHAS |
LIPS |
PHULLARA |
VISHVESH |
50. |
NANDIPUR |
NECKLACE |
NANDINI |
NANDIKESHWAR |
51. |
LANKA |
ANKLETS |
INDRANI |
RAKSHASESHWAR |
| 52. |
Danteshwari |
Daant
(Teeth) |
Danteshwari |
Kapalbhairv |
The names of Bhairavs are not mentioned in other
books except Tantra-Chudamani . All the Shakti-Peeths have secondary
deity as Bhairav, besides the primary deity- Shakti. While having
a darshan of Shakti-Peeth, a devotee should also have a darshan
of Bhairav.
Locations
1). Hingula (Hinglaj)
Devi’s mind or brain
fell here and the idols are Devi as Kotari (Durga) and Shiva
as Bhimlochan (Terrible eyed or the third eye). The location
is towards 125 km from Karachi, Pakistan.
2). Sharkarare or Karavipur Devi’s three
eyes fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahishmardini (Durga
the destroyer of Mahishashur) and Shiva as Krodhish (the one
who can be angry). It is near Karachi in Pakistan, by rail
the nearest station is Parkai.
3). Jwalamukhi, Kangra, Devi’s tongue
fell here and the idols are Devi as Ambika (Mother) and Shiva
as Unmatta (Furious). This is located near Pathankot, H.P., Jwalamukhi
Road.
4). Sugandha Devi’s nose fell here and
idols are Devi as Sunanada (Pleasing) and Shiva as Traimbak (Rudra).
In the state of Bengal near Barishal in Shivahri Karpur village
Devi’s temple is located and Shiva’s temple is in
a village called Ponabalia, nearest railway station is Jhalkati.
5). On Bhairabha mountain near Avanti Devi’s
upper lips fell here and idols are Devi as Avanti (Modest) and
Shiva as Lambakarna (Long eared one). It is located near Ujjain.
6). Attahas (laughter) Devi’s lower lips
fell here and the idols are Devi as Fullara (Blooming) and Shiva
as Bhairabhvishesya (Lord of the universe). The place is in Bengal
near Birbhum. Image of Devi and the Shiva temple is next to the
Devi temple. It is a major pilgrimage and tourist attraction.
7). Prabhas Devi’s stomach fell here and
the idols are Devi as Chandrabhaga (Throne of the moon) and Shiva
as Bakratunda (the one with the bent staff). This is near Mumbai
where a launch goes to Bharoal which is near Prabhas.
8). Yanasthana Devi’s chin fell here and
the idols are Devi as Bhramari (female Bumble bee or attendant
of Durga) and Shiva as Vikrakatakkha (one with the crooked eyes
or look). Other names are Devi as Chibuka (the one with the chin)
and Shiva as Sarvasiddhish (the one who can provide all desires).
9). Godavari (river) Devi’s left cheek
fell here and the idols are Viswamatuka (mother of the world)
and Shiva as Dandapani (the one who holds a staff).
10). Gandaki (river) Devi’s right cheek
fell here and the idols are Devi as Gandakichandi (the one who
overcomes obstacles or Gandi) and Shiva as Chakrapani (Holder
of the discus). Famous pilgrimage.
11). Suchidesha Devi’s upper teeth fell
here and the idols are Devi as Narayani (the wife of Narayan)
and Shiva as Sanghar. Panchasagar - Devi’s lower teeth
fell here and the idols are Devi as Barahi and Shiva as Maharudra
(the angry one).
12). Bhavanipur or Karota (river) Devi’s
left seat or her clothing fell here and idols are Devi as Aparna
(the one who ate nothing, not even leaves) and Shiva as Bhairabha
(Destroyer of fear). The King of Nator and his grandson the Maharajah
Ramakrishna used to meditate here. The seat, the yognakunda and
five skulls are still here. In the month of Baisakha according
to the Bengali calendar, there is a large fete or Mela here to
celebrate Ramanavami or Deepanbita.
13). Shriparvata or Shri mountain Devi’s
right seat fell here and the idols are Devi as Shri Sunadari
(beautiful) and Shiva as Sundaranand (the handsome one).
14). Karnat Devi’s two ears fell here
and the idols are Devi as Jai Durga (the victoriuos Durga) and
Shiva as Avirooka.
15). Vrindavana Devi’s hair fell here
and idols are Devi as Uma (Devi) and Shiva as Bhootesh (or provider
of all desires). Playgorund of Lord Krishna and the gopis.
16). Kirit Devi’s crown or headdress fell
here and idols are Devi as Vimala (Pure) and Shiva as Sangbarta.
Take the train to Ajimganj. The temples are on the shore of the
ganges near Batnagar. (in Bangladesh )
17). Shrihatta Devi’s nape of the neck
fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahalakshmi (the goddess
of prosperity and wife of Mahavishnu) and Shiva as Sarvananda
(the one who makes everyone happy). Devi’s temple is Near
Shrihatta town and Shiva’s temple is near Jainpur. Shivaratri
and Ashokashtami are celebrated with a Mela (carnival). Take
train from Calcutta to Goalanda and steamer to Kechuaganj. Then
either take a boat or walk about five miles (6 koshas).
18). Nalhati Devi’s vocal pipe fell here
and the idols are Devi as Kalika (Durga) and Shiva as Yogesh.
By train from Howrah station.
19). Kashmir Devi’s neck fell here and
the idols are Devi as Mahamaya (the great Illusion) and Shiva
as Trisandhyasvar. The famous pilgrimage is Amarnath. There is
a Shiva linga of glacial ice which expands and contracts with
the seasons.
20). Ratnabali Devi’s right shoulder fell
here and the idols are Devi as Kumari (Durga) and Shiva as Bhairabha
(Remover of fear).
21). Mithila Devi’s left shoulder fell
here and the idols are Devi as Mahadevi (Devi) and Shiva as Mahodara
(the big belied one). This is near Janakpur station.
22). Chattagram (also called Chattal) Devi’s
right arm fell here and the idols are Devi as Bhavani (Devi)
and Shiva as Chandrashekhar (the one who has the moon as the
crown). It is said that Mahadeva has himself pronounced that
he will visit Chandrashekhar mountain regularly during Kali yuga.
This is near Sitakunda station. This is in Bangladesh.
23). Manav Kschetra (Field) Devi’s right
hand or palm fell her and the idols are Devi as Dakhchayani (Durga)
and Shiva as Amar (Immortal). Take train from Howrah station
to Guskar station and then a few miles to Kogram. Mahadeva is
considered Siddhidayaka or provider of all wishes.
24). Ujjaini Devi’s elbows fell here and
the idols are Devi as Mangalchandi (Durga) and Shiva as Kapilambar
(one who wears the brown clothes). Shiva is siddhidayaka.
25). Manibandha Devi’s middle of the palms
fell here and the idols are Devi as Gayatri (Saraswati) and Shiva
as Sarvananda (the one who makes everyone happy).
26). Prayag (three rivers meet here) Devi’s
ten fingers fell here and the idols are Devi as Lalita (beautiful).
Another name is Alopi and Shiva as Bhava. Near Tribeni ghat there
is Banitirtha ghat (Quay for boats). Allahabad is the train station.
27). Bahula Devi’s left arm fell here
and the idols are Devi as Bahula (Abundant) and Shiva as Bhiruk
(who is also Sarvasiddhadayaka). Arrive at Katoa rail station
and then go to Ketugram which is a pilgrimage.
28). Jalandhar Devi’s right breast fell
here and the idols are Devi as Tripurmalini (Durga) and Shiva
as Bhisan (Gruesome). Jwalamukhi is the nearby Tirtha and train
goes from Delhi to Jalandhar.
29). Ramgiri (or Chitrakoot mountain) Devi’s
left breast fell here (another opinion is that her Nala or Jaghanasti
fell here) and the idols are Devi as Shibani (the wife of Shiva)
and Shiva as Chanda. Near Bilaspur station and a walk of 2 miles.
30). Vaidyanath Devi’s heart fell here
and the idols are Devi as Jaidurga (Victorious Durga) and Shiva
as Vaidyanath. It is in Bihar. Joshidi is the train station.
31). Utkal, Orissa, Devi’s navel fell
here and the idols are Devi as Vimala (the pure one) and Shiva
as Jagannath (the ruler of the world). This is near the Jagannath
temple of Puri in the state of Orissa.
32). Kanchidesh Devi’s skeleton fell here
and the idols are Devi as Devagarbha and Shiva as Ruru. Bolpur
station to Kopar river banks. There is a well for worship.
33). Kalmadhava Devi’s right hips fell
here and the idols are Devi as Kali (another form of Durga) and
Shiva as Asitananda. By praying to the Devi profusely pilgirms
can obtain their desired objective.
34). Sone (near Sone river) Devi’s left
hips fell here and the idols are Devi as Narmada and Shiva as
Vadrasen.
35). Kamakhya (or Kamroop) Devi’s yoni
fell here and the idols are Devi as Kamakhya (personification
of love) and Shiva as Umananda. This is near Gauhati in the state
of Assam on the banks of the Brahmaputra (the son of Brahma)
river. The temple is on top of the Nilachal Hill. This is a famous
pilgrimage for women seeking fertility or love. The temple is
supposedly built by Kamdev, the god of love. The Umananda temple
is nearby in an islet on the river. It has many pet monkeys.
36). Nepal Devi’s two knees fell here
and the idols are Devi as Mahashira and Shiva as Kapali.
37). Jayanti Devi’s left thigh fell here
and the idols are Devi as Jayanti and Shiva as Kramadiswar. In
Bengal near Sri Hatta.
38). Magadha Devi’s right thigh fell here
and the idols are Devi as Sarvanandari and Shiva as Bomkesha.
Inside Shrihatta at Jayantipargana near the base of the Kahshia
mountain Devi’s legs are placed here. Srihatta to Kanairghat
by boat and then walk 2 miles. In West Bengal.
39) Tripura Devi’s right foot fell here
and the idols are Devi as Tripurasundari and Shiva as Tripuresh.
Devi is grantor of all wishes or Sarvavishta pradyani.
40). Khirgram Devi’s right toe fell here
and the idols are Devi as Yogadaya and Shiva as Khirakantha.
Take Eastern Indian Railway to Bardwhan station. Take Bardhwan
Katoa Rail to Nigam station. Nigam station to Khirgram (village)
is 2 miles. A mela (fete) is held during Baisakha Sankranti.
41). Kalighat (Kolkotta) Devi’s four small
toes from her right foot fell here and the idols are Devi as
Kali and Shiva as Nakulish or Nakuleswar. Famous pilgrimage located
in Kolkotta in the state of West Bengal. Kali is a dark complexioned
form of Shakti who has taste for blood and death. She rules over
the cremation sites and is worshipped by devotees on a dark and
moon less night. She is a popular deity of Bengal. kali is the
female version of Kala or end of time.
42). Kurukchetra (or fields belonging to the
Kuru family where the battle of the Mahbharata was fought between
the Kurus and Pandus) Devi’s right ankle fell here and
the idols are Devi as Savitri or Sthanu and Shiva as Aswanath.
43). Bakreswar Devi’s mind or the centre
of the brows fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahishamardini
(the slayer of Mahishasur or Durga) and Shiva as Bakranath. Near
Ahmedpur station. There are seven hot springs and also the Paphara
(remover of sins) river. The Mahamuni Ashtabakra found enlightenment
here. On Shivaratri (night) there is a grand Mela (fete) here.
44). Jessore Devi’s centre of the hands
fell here and the idols are Jashoreswari and Shiva as Chanda
(Moon or the one who holds the moon).
45). Nandipur Devi’s necklace fell here
and the idols are Devi as Nandini and Shiva as Nandikishore.
46). Varanasi (Benaras) Devi’s earrings
(Kundal) fell here and the idols are Devi as VishwaLakschmi (The
provider of wealth to all) and Shiva as Kala (Time or the end
of time). Famous pilgrimage in UP and one of the oldest cities
in the world. The Puranas say that this city exists even after
the Pralaya.
47). Kanashram or Kalikashram Devi’s
back fell here and the idols are Devi as Sharvani and Shiva as
Nimisha.
48). Lanka Her feet bells (Nupur) fell here
and the idols are Devi as Indrakschi and Shiva as Rakchaseswara.
Indrakschi was created and worshipped by Indra in person.
49). Virat Devi’s small toes of the feet
fell here and idols are Devi as Ambika and Shiva as Amrita (nectar
of immortality).
50). Bivasa Devi’s left ankle fell here
and the idols are Devi as Bhimarupa and Shiva as Sarvananda.
51). Trisnota Devi’s left feet fell here
and the idols are Devi as Vramari (Bumblebee) and Shiva as Iswar
(God). On the banks of Tista river in Shalbari village in Jalpaiguri
district in West Bengal.
52). Danteshwari ( Kuldevi Of Baster State ),
Dantewada Baster 80 km's from Jagdalpur Chhattisgarh.