- By Aditi Priya
- Thu, 12 Dec 2024 03:25 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
18 Maha Shakti Peethas: The 18 Maha Shakti Peethas hold an integral place in Hindu mythology and spirituality. These are the temples dedicated to Goddess Shakti and represent divine feminine energy. Scattered across the Indian subcontinent, these temples are regarded as significant pilgrimage sites.
What Are Shakti Peethas?
The Shakti Peethas are the sacred shrines related to the Goddess Sati. As per the mythology, Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva, immolated herself to avenge the insult made by her father Daksha against her husband Shiva. This action of her devastated Shiva. Carrying a lifeless body of Sati over his shoulders, Lord Shiva started wandering the universe. Just to protect him from further sorrow, Lord Vishnu cut her body into pieces with his Sudarshan Chakra. Those body parts then fell into various places, thus forming the Shakti Peethas. Each of these sites links to a body part of Sati as well as an equivalent incarnation of Goddess Shakti.
Out of these, 18 are called Maha Shakti Peethas because of their high significance. Checkout its location, significance and history;
1. Kamakhya Devi Temple, Assam
Located in Guwahati, the temple is said to represent the yoni (womb) of Goddess Sati. It is a powerful site of Tantric practice and fertility cult. It hosts the renowned Ambubachi Mela, representing the annual menstruation of the goddess, which attracts thousands of devotees and seekers from the world over.
2. Jwalaji Temple, Himachal Pradesh
The Jwalaji Temple in Kangra represents Sati's tongue. An eternal flame is found burning naturally in the sanctum of the temple, believed to be a form of the goddess. This temple is unique because it does not have any idol; instead, the devotees worship these flames as the manifestation of the great Goddess Shakti.
3. Kalighat Temple, West Bengal
Kalighat Temple in Kolkata bears testimony to the right toe of Sati. It is noted among the eminent Shakti Peethas to which devotees express prayers to Goddess Kali for protection and prosperity. The rich history of the temple involves mythological and cultural importance dating back to ancient times.
4. Vaishno Devi, Jammu and Kashmir
This temple is located in Trikuta Hills. It is the manifestation of the spiritual energy of Goddess Shakti. Pilgrims climb to the holy cave to seek the blessings of the three divine pindis, which symbolically represent Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati.
5. Kamakshi Temple, Tamil Nadu
Kamakshi Temple is Sati's navel; it is a magnificent temple and is recognized as one of the most important spiritual centers. This temple enshrines the Goddess Kamakshi, the very symbol of benevolence and divine energy.
6. Amarnath Temple, Jammu and Kashmir
Known as the cave of Sati's throat, Amarnath houses a naturally forming ice lingam, representing Lord Shiva. It attracts millions of devotees, who arrive for the yearly Amarnath Yatra with the conviction that this pilgrimage makes liberation and divine blessing attainable.
7. Vimala Temple, Odisha
The Vimala Temple is located within the Jagannath Temple complex in Puri and is believed to represent the foot of Sati. This ancient temple is one of the Shakti Peeths of this holy city and holds immense religious significance for the followers of Goddess Shakti and Lord Jagannath.
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8. Sugandha Shaktipeeth, Bangladesh
In Barisal, this Shakti Peeth symbolizes Sati's nose; it has a golden touch. Here, the devotees celebrate peace and greater spiritual growth, protection from evil, prosperity, and safety: one of the pivotal religious centers in Bangladesh.
9. Mahalakshmi Temple, Maharashtra
Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur represents the eyes of Sati; hence it is known as Ambabai Temple. It is practically eternal in its fame as people flock here wishing for wealth and health. The temple also celebrates Navratri in a very grand fashion.
10. Chintpurni Temple, Himachal Pradesh
Situated in Una, the Chintpurni Temple represents the feet of Sati. The goddess Chintpurni is worshipped as the remover of worries. Pilgrims come to this place to get relief from their sufferings in life and fulfill their sober desires.
11. Vibhuti Shaktipeeth, Gujarat
Located in Tulja, Gujarat, this Shakti Peeth is dedicated to Sati's heart. This temple is considered a peaceful abode where devotees experience peace and divine grace while aligning with the great power of the goddess.
12. Bhavanipur Shaktipeeth, Bangladesh
Bhavanipur Temple is the ancient Shakti Peeth, representing the ribs of Sati. Pilgrims come to this holy place to campaign for spiritual strength and blessings; one of the more important Shakti temples in this region.
13.Tripura Sundari Mandir, Tripura
The temple is situated at Udaipur; it represents Sati's right leg and is one of the oldest temples in Tripura. This temple is a highly revered site for Tantric worship, paying homage to the goddess in her most beautiful and pleasing form.
14. Sharada Peeth, Pakistan
Also called "Sharada," indicating Sati's right hand, represents the Guru's incumbent seat. The Siri Sharada peeth has historical and spiritual significance and was an ancient center of learning and an abode of scholars who prayed for knowledge and enlightenment.
15. Mangal Chandi Temple, West Bengal
It symbolizes Sati's right wrist- A shrine and a symbol of cultural heritage, the devotees here often offer prayer to the goddess for strength and protection in their pursuits of life.
16. Naina Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh
Located in Bilaspur, the Naina Devi Temple represents Sati's eyes. Pilgrims visit this temple for divine blessings and spiritual enlightenment, assisted by the scenic beauty of the surroundings.
17 . Dakshineshwar Temple, West Bengal
Located near Kolkata, it's a temple in the place where Shiva blessed the widowed goddess. Revered as a spiritual center, it hosts the worship of Lord Kali following a tradition set by Sri Ramakrishna.
18. Hinglaj Mata Temple, Pakistan
Located within Hingol National Park, Hinglaj Mata Temple represents Sati's head. A shrine venerated by both Hindus and Muslims, it represents religious harmony, a symbol of Divine Universality.
