The Shakti Peethas are holy shrines and pilgrimage destinations deeply revered in Shaktism, the tradition that worships the Divine Mother in her powerful and benevolent forms such as Durga, Kali, Sati, and Parvati.
According to ancient Hindu mythology, these Peethas are the spots where parts of Goddess Sati’s body fell when Lord Shiva, in deep grief, carried her charred body across the universe. To end his sorrow and stabilize creation, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to dismember Sati’s body, and the pieces fell to Earth, sanctifying each place as a Shakti Peetha.
Each Shakti Peetha is paired with:
- A Goddess (Shakti)
- A corresponding Bhairava (form of Shiva as protector)
Spiritual Significance of the Shakti Peethas
- Represents the divine feminine energy (Shakti) in all its aspects — nurturing, fierce, protective, and creative.
- Devotees visit to seek blessings for strength, fertility, wisdom, and spiritual liberation.
- Worship at these sites is said to remove obstacles, heal sorrows, and grant spiritual awakening.
List of 51 Shakti Peethas
(Here are select major ones; a complete list is long, but I’ll summarize key locations across regions. Full list available on request.)
| No. | Shakti Peetha | Location | Body Part | Shakti Name | Bhairava Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kamakhya | Assam | Yoni | Kamakhya | Umananda |
| 2 | Kalighat | Kolkata, West Bengal | Toes | Kali | Nakuleshwar |
| 3 | Vaishno Devi | Jammu & Kashmir | Right Arm | Vaishnavi | Kalabhairav |
| 4 | Jwalaji | Himachal Pradesh | Tongue | Siddhida | Unmatta Bhairava |
| 5 | Amarnath | Jammu & Kashmir | Throat | Mahamaya | Trisandhyeshwar |
| 6 | Kankalitala | West Bengal | Pelvis | Devgarbha | Ruru Bhairava |
| 7 | Tarapith | Birbhum, West Bengal | Eye | Tara | Chandrashekar |
| 8 | Hinglaj Mata | Hingol, Balochistan (Pakistan) | Brahmarandhra (top of head) | Hinglaj | Bhimalochan |
| 9 | Mahalaxmi (Kolhapur) | Maharashtra | Eyes | Mahalakshmi | Krodhish |
| 10 | Kanya Kumari | Tamil Nadu | Spine | Kumari | Nimish |
| 11 | Chintpurni | Himachal Pradesh | Feet | Chinnamastika | Rudra Mahadev |
| 12 | Ambaji | Gujarat | Heart | Ambika | Batuk Bhairav |
| 13 | Manikarnika Ghat | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | Earrings | Vishalakshi | Kala Bhairava |
| 14 | Sankari Devi | Kashmir | Anklet | Sharvani | Shankar |
There are also Shakti Peethas in Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, highlighting the widespread worship of Devi across ancient Bharat.
Legend of the Shakti Peethas
The story originates from the Daksha Yagna, where Sati, unable to bear the insult of her husband Shiva, self-immolated. In grief, Shiva danced the Tandava carrying her body, threatening universal destruction. Vishnu then cut her body with his Sudarshan Chakra, and her body parts fell in 51 places, sanctifying each as a seat of divine power.
Why Visit the Shakti Peethas?
- To seek Maa Shakti’s blessings for strength, protection, fertility, and clarity.
- Many devotees undertake Shakti Peetha Yatras, visiting multiple Peethas across the country.
- It is said that visiting even one Peetha with full devotion brings the fruit of visiting all.
Festivals Celebrated
- Navratri – All nine days see grand celebrations at most Shakti Peethas.
- Durga Puja, Kali Puja, and Maha Shivaratri are major events.
- Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya Temple is one of the most significant festivals of the Divine Feminine.
Final Thought
The 51 Shakti Peethas are more than shrines—they are portals of divine energy, each vibrating with a different facet of the Goddess. Whether you are a pilgrim, seeker, or devotee, visiting or simply remembering these sacred places fills the heart with Shakti (power) and Bhakti (devotion).
Panchang Official