12 Significant Devi Shakti Peethas Which Are Located Outside India

In Shaktism, the goddess-centered branch of Hinduism, the Shakti Peethas, serve as significant shrines and sites of pilgrimage. The temples honour different manifestations of Adi Shakti.  The origin of the Shakti Pithas is told in a number of stories. The most well-known is centred on the tale of the goddess Sati's demise. Shiva carried Sati's body, remembering their times together, while he wandered the cosmos in anguish and sadness. Using his Sudarshana Chakra, Vishnu divided her body into 51 sections, which dropped to Earth and became holy places where everyone may honour the goddess. 

While there are seven in Bangladesh, four in Nepal, three in Pakistan, and one each in Tibet, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, the majority of these ancient sites of goddess worship are located in India. Let us check out the list of 12 significant Devi Shakti Peethas which are located outside of India. 

12 Shakti Peethas Located Outside Of India 

1. Hinglaj Shakti Peeth In Pakistan 

Brahmarandhra of Sati Mata fell at Iyari Tahasil in Pakistan's Baluchistan region, 125 km northeast of Karachi. She is worshipped in a little round stone that has been covered in sindoor (vermilion), and this temple is housed in a tiny natural cave. 

2. Sugandha Shakti Peeth In Bangladesh 

Shikarpur, 20 km north of Bangladesh's district Barisal, is home to Shakti or Devi Sugandha, also known as Ekjata. Now, in the shape of "Sunanda or Devi Tara or Ekjata and Tryambak," she appears as airabh. It is believed that Mata Sati's nose had dropped here. This temple gained notoriety for its annual Shiv Ratri or Shiv Chaturdasi mela celebration.

3. Shivaharkaray Shakti Peeth In Pakistan 

This is the place of adoration for the Adhya Shakti avatar who slew Mahishasur, the demon. It is situated in Pakistan, next to the Parkai railway station, which is near Karachi. In Hindu legend, here is where Goddess Sati's eyes fell. The Goddess is revered as Bhairav, or "Mahisha-Mardhini and Krodish," which represents the enraged form of Lord Shiva. 

4. Guhyeshwari Shakti Peetha In Nepal 

In Kathmandu, Nepal, Adhya Shakti's temple is situated next to Pashupatinath Mandir. The Pashupatinath Temple is located around 1 km east of Guhyeshwari. It is believed that Mata Sati's knees feel here. She is now worshipped as Devi Mahashira. 

Some prominent Shakti Peethas are located outside of India as well. (Image Source: Canva)

5. Gandaki Chandi Shakti Peeth In Nepal 

This Shakti Peeth is located next to the Gandaki River in Muktinath, Nepal. This is where Sati's right cheek fell. She is now worshipped as Devi Gandaki-Chandi, and Chakrapani is Vairabh. The significance of this sacred site is expounded upon in the Vishnu Purana. Muktinath holds great religious significance for both Buddhists and Hindus and is seen as a means of achieving Mukti, or redemption. 

6. Dakshayani Shakti Peeth In Tibet (China)

This Shakti Peeth is a stone slab located close to the Mansarovar and Kailash Mountains in Tibet. Here, Sati's right hand had dropped. She is manifested as Devi Dakshayani, the one who had ruined Daksha Yajna. 

7. Jayanti Shakti Peeth In Bangladesh

Mata Sati's left thigh fell in Bangladesh's Sylhet District near Jaintia-pur in Kalajore, Bourbhag village. She is revered as Jayanti Shakti and manifests as Vairabh when Kramadeeshwar arrives. 

8. Bhawani Shakti Peeth In Bangladesh

Located atop Chandra-Nath Hills, close to Sitakunda Station in Chittagong, Bangladesh, this Shakti Peeth is well-known as Sitakunda Chandranath. This is where Mata Sati's right arm fell. 

9. Mahalakshmi Shakti Peeth In Bangladesh

Mata Sati's neck had fallen on Sri-Shail of Jaunpur Village, 3 km northeast of Sylhet town in Bangladesh. Here, Shambaraanand takes on the shape of Vairabh, and she takes the guise of Goddess Maha-Lakshmi. 

10. Yogeswari Shakti Peeth In Bangladesh

Known as Jeshoreswari, this Shakti Peeth honours Mata Kali and is situated in the Bangladeshi hamlet of Iswaripur, Jashore, Khulna District. After discovering this Shakti Peetha, Maharaja Pratapaditya devoted adoration to Kali here. Mata Sati's hands and feet fell at this place. She is now known as Devi Yogeshwari Shakti. 

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11. Sravani Shakti Peeth In Bangladesh

This Shakti Peeth is located in Bangladesh's Kumari Kunda, Chittagong District. Here, Mata Sati's spine had collapsed. She now manifests as Devi Sravani. 

12. Aparna Shakti Peeth In Bangladesh

This Shakti Peeth is located in Bangladesh's Bagura district's Bhavani-Pur village in Sherpur. It is believed that the left anklet of Mata Sati fell at this place. Here, she is manifested as Devi Aparna.