- By Kashish Rai
- Tue, 29 Apr 2025 04:57 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Famous Shakti Peeth In India: The Shakta Pithas, another name for Shakti Pithas or Sati Pithas, are sacred shrines and pilgrimage centres of Shaktism, which is the worship of the Mother Goddess in Hinduism. The Shakta Pithas are places where multiple forms of Adi Shakti are worshipped. Traditional texts such as the Srimad Devi Bhagavatam say there are 51, 52, 64, or 108 Shakta Pithas, but during medieval times, 18 were acknowledged as Astadasha Maha (major) Pithas. Several legends describe the creation of these Pithas, the most common of which is the death of Sati. Shiva bore her dead body and roamed the universe, grief-stricken. To relieve Shiva’s grief, Vishnu used his Sudarshana Chakra to cut Sati’s body into 51 pieces, which fell on earth and became sacred sites. Shiva then took the form of Bhairava.
We have curated a list of the top 7 Shakti Peeths in India, which every devout Hindu devotee must visit once in their lifetime:
Top 7 Shakti Peeths In India Every Devout Hindu Must Visit
1. Kamakhya Devi Temple, Assam
The Kamakhya Temple, which is dedicated to Devi Kamakhya, is among the most frequented and strong Shakti Peethas in India. It is located on Nilachal Hill in Guwahati and symbolises the Supreme Energy, Maha Shakti. The reproductive organ of the goddess is said to have fallen here according to Devi Purana, and this is worshipped as a stone. Devi Kamakhya menstruates for three days during mid-June, when prayer is suspended. The temple complex also contains numerous shrines for Durga's various forms and Shiva.
2. Tarapith Temple, West Bengal
The Tarapith Temple in Birbhum District, West Bengal, is one of the most visited Shakti Peethas in India. Dedicated to Goddess Tara, a form of Kali, it marks the spot where Sati’s eyeball fell. The temple is famous for its mystical energy, tantric rituals and nearby cremation ground. The silver-faced deity has two hands and wears a snake garland. A priest does daily puja, sacrificing the blood of goats. The strong beliefs of devotees make it a must-visit temple.
3. Mahakali Temple, Ujjain
One of the most visited Shakti Peethas in India is the Mahakali Temple in Ujjain. The temple is situated on a hill close to the Kshipra River banks. Ujjain is referred to as the royal throne of Devi Mahakali and Vikramaditya King. As per the beliefs, the upper lip of Goddess Sati is said to have fallen here. Devotees offer worship to Maha Kali in her terrible form with deep devotion and faith. This temple is a major centre for those who follow and honour the Goddess Kali’s power.
4. Vishalakshmi Devi Temple, Varanasi
The Vishalakshi Temple in Varanasi is a divine Shakti Peeth and a major pilgrimage site. Located near the banks of the Holy Ganges, it marks the spot where Devi Sati’s earrings fell. Vishalakshi is seen as the shakti or energy of Lord Vishwanath. Devotees visit to seek blessings and bathe in the sacred river. It is thought that people who die in Varanasi attain Moksha, achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and death and securing eternal salvation for their soul.
5. Jwala Ji Temple, Himachal Pradesh
At Jwalaji Temple, fire does not extinguish. Actual flames emanate from the ground without oil or wick, demonstrating unadulterated presence. It is believed that Goddess Sati’s tongue fell here. This Shakti Peeth represents speech, truth, and identity. Women are asked to remain silent, but Jwalaji encourages them to find their voice.
Shakti Peethas are sacred shrines in Hinduism dedicated to various forms of the Mother Goddess, Adi Shakti. They are believed to be where parts of Goddess Sati’s body fell, symbolising divine energy. (Image Source: Canva)
6. Mangala Gauri Temple, Bihar
Gaya in Bihar is a deeply spiritual place visited by devotees all year round. Here, it is believed that Sati’s breast fell, and the temple does not have an idol. Instead, a brass lamp lights up a rock shaped like a breast. Tantrik followers offer animal sacrifices to the deity. The temple complex also includes shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Mata Kali and other deities. It is still a potent site of prayer and spiritual power for numerous pilgrims.
7. Nalateshwari Temple, Birbhum
This powerful Shakti Peeth in India stands amidst nature’s stunning beauty along the banks of the Brahmani River. The temple is devoted to an incarnation of Goddess Kali. According to the Devi Puranas, Sati’s vocal cord and part of her trachea fell here. Perched on a hillock, the temple’s walls are decorated with beautiful terracotta panels. Devotees pay their visits to get the blessings of Devi and wish for their desires to be fulfilled in this serene and tranquil temple town.