Shakti Peethas: The Power of Shakti

The Shakti Peethas are the holy places dedicated to the goddess Shakti. They are the places where body parts of Sati Devi fell throughout the Indian subcontinent. We find all the Shakti Peethas are accompanied by her consort Lord Bhairava (one of the manifestations of lord
Shiva).

Legend of Shakti Peethas:

According to Brahma Purana and Shiva Purana, Daksha son of Lord Brahma performed several yagnas (Vedic ritual of fire) to obtain Shakti as his daughter. Daksha found that sati was brought into this world with the motive of getting married to Lord Shiva which he didn’t like because Lord Shiva cut off his father lord Brahma’s fifth head (which was like the donkey, head) for supporting demons and confusing gods.

However, Sati got attracted to Shiva and started praying from her childhood, and finally got married. This marriage increased Daksha’s hatred towards Shiva. Once Daksha performed a grand yagna for which he invited everybody except Shiva. Although Sati was not invited to the Yagna ceremony she wanted to attend Yagna, Shiva tried to convince Sati not to attend but she convinced Shiva and attended Yagna. Sati was not respected and also insulted lord Shiva so she immolated herself.

Enraged by the act of Daksha, Shiva sent Virabadra to destroy Yagna where he even cut off Daksha’s head. Later when all gods prayed to lord Shiva for mercy, he replaced with a male goat head and restored Daksha’s life. Still, the lord was immersed in grief and performed Shiva Tandava (cosmic dance of destruction). Gods requested Lord Vishnu to stop this destruction, so he used his Sudarshana Chakra to cut the corpse of Sati, and then various parts fell at several places throughout the Indian Subcontinent.

Places, where parts fell down, are considered as Shakti Peethas and there are 51 Shakti peethas. Out of which there are 4 Adi Shakti Peethas.

FAQ:

What are Shakti Peethas?

Shakti Peethas are sacred shrines and pilgrimage destinations in Shaktism, the goddess-centric denomination in Hinduism. The shrines are dedicated to various forms of Adi Shakti, the primordial feminine energy.

How many Shaktipeethas are there?

According to Hindu mythology, there are 51 Shaktpeethas in the world, of which 36 are in India.

Where are the Shaktipeethas located?

The Shaktipeethas are located all over the world, but the majority of them are in India. They are located in various states, including Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

What are the body parts of Sati associated with the Shaktipeethas?

Each Shaktipeetha is associated with a specific body part of Sati. For example, the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam is associated with the yoni of Sati. The Dakshina Kalika Temple in Kolkata, West Bengal is associated with the head of Sati.

What are the rituals and practices associated with Shaktipeethas?

The rituals and practices associated with Shaktipeethas vary from temple to temple. However, some common practices include offering prayers, making offerings, and bathing in holy water.

What are the benefits of visiting a Shakti Peetha?

Devotees believe that visiting a Shakti Peetha can bring them spiritual enlightenment, prosperity, and other blessings.

What is the significance of Shakti Peethas?

Shakti Peethas are considered to be very sacred places in Hinduism. They are places where devotees can come to connect with the divine feminine energy and seek blessings.

What are some of the most important Shakti Peethas in India?

Some of the most important Shakti Peethas in India include:

• Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati, Assam
• Dakshina Kalika Temple, Kolkata, West Bengal
• Tara Tarini Temple, Berhampur, Odisha
• Bimala Temple, Puri, Odisha
• Vaishno Devi Temple, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir
• Jwala Ji Temple, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
• Ambaji Temple, Banaskantha, Gujarat
• Hinglaj Temple, Balochistan, Pakistan
• Purnima Devi Temple, Sonargaon, Bangladesh
• Nilachal Temple, Sylhet, Bangladesh