India hosts the most venerated Hindu shrines in the world known as the Shakti Peethas. These are 51 Shakti Peethas in India dedicated to Goddess Shakti, who was also known as Devi Sati, Parvati, Durga and Kaali. She has made an impact on most of the temple sites that were constructed in India and beyond. As per mythology, these are considered as those places where pieces of Goddess Sati fell while Lord Shiva was crying and carrying the body. They are very godly, active spiritually, and one of the best pilgrim centers in India. To such locations which signify the unrestrained might.
Mythological Reference behind the formation of Shakti Peethas.
Daksha, the son of Brahma, the creator of this world, decided to make mediation to make Aadi Shakti one among his daughters. He wished for her, and she came with one condition: if hurt she would leave the earth’ instantly. As a result, she will be given in marriage to one of the three great gods responsible for making the entire universe. Daksha had always disliked Shiva for being a simple who chose to stay in cremation grounds. Nevertheless, she took up her dowry despite many disobjections. Daksha held another grand Yagna and invited all the important personalities, for instance, Brahma, and Vishnu, but did not invite Shiva to mock him. Sati heard of these celebrations and she refused to listen to Shiva and returned to her father’s home. Upon reaching that particular stage, she experienced such degrading words concerning Shiva that the woman expired at once. On hearing of the death of Sati, Mahadeva had such a shock that he engaged in a destruction dance, with the dead body carried across Mahadeva’s shoulder. The entire world began trembling with the steps of his feet. Upon witnessing this, Vishnu chopped the body into 51 parts, each of which fell into a distinct region of Asia. All 51 places were later transformed into well-known sites of worship and magnificent temples under the patronage of various regal dynasties. Let’s examine these well-known Shakti Peethas in India, which serve as the foundation for the teachings of the entire Shakta school. In this blog, we are discussing about 5 among 51 Shakti Peethas to visit. Let’s have a look.
These are India’s Top 5 Shakti Peethas (Shrine) to Visit –
- Vishalakshi Devi Temple in Varanasi.
- Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati.
- Mahakali Temple in Ujjain.
- Kalighat Temple in Kolkata.
- Tarapith Temple in Birbhum.
Let’s talk about these temples in depth one by one.
- Vishalakshi Devi Temple in Varanasi -“Home of a wide-eyed deity”
A temple constructed in Varanasi, which is the dwelling place of the holy lord Vishalakshi and stands on sacred ground is one of the best holy spots that you can visit in India. It is situated along the Ganges River of Uttar Pradesh at the point where the eyeballs of Mata Sati fell. On this place stands the famous Meer Ghat with the deity called Vishalakshi as the shakti of Lord Vishwanath (shiva) in Varanasi. Besides the Shakti-peeth, Varanasi is widely known for its bathing ghats and temples that have been intimately associated with the ancient Hindu doctrine. Manikarnika Ghat of Varanasi is one of the holy cremation grounds for Hindus. It is considered that those who die in Varanasi or are cremated in this ghat merge with Shiva and hence are freed from the birth cycle. Ganga aarti in Varanasi can be seen on Banaras Ghat.
Note: The gods give childless couples the gift of a child, or those visiting the temple without asking for anything are given prosperity and blessings.
- Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati -“Where the Deity Completes her Fertility Cycle”:
Assam also has a deity called Kamakhya seated on Nilachal hill of Guwahati. This temple is regarded, not only as one of the most famous Shakti Peetha Temples in India but also as the seat of supreme energy, which has been associated with numerous mysticism attracting thousands of both domestic and international devotees during the festival of According to Devi Purana, Sati’s Yoni (female reproductive organ) fell into a cave that now venerated as a stone here. Moreover, it is thought that the goddess Kamakhya bleeds in the middle of June for three consecutive days when nothing is offered to the Mata Sati. The complex also includes other temples for Shiva and incarnations of Durga.
Note: Go to Saubhagya Kunda and begin your new day. Kamsendur is gathered for the sake of household wellness, business, or marriage. This deity purges diseases and any other bad spirits in its worshippers.
- Mahakali Temple in Ujjain – “Displaying a Fierce Form of Mother Goddess”:
This temple is devoted to one of the most powerful avatars of Adi Shakti called Mahakali. The cleanest and most sanctified place is situated near the holy river Kshipra in Ujjain of Madhya Pradesh. Several myths concerning the Hindus have been associated with the city of Ujjain. The divine presiding deity of Vikramaditya’s realm was Mahakali. In this place, Sati’s lips, from where she dropped her upper lip now worshiped in an angry form. Although Mahakali Devi temple is not a member of Shakti Peethas, it remains one of the important temples for the worshippers of Goddess Kali.
Note: The two main festivals that are considered by Hindus to be special are Chaitra Navratri and Ashwin Navratri, both of which are conducted in this temple. Madira is offered to the deity daily when making daily offerings.
- Kalighat Temple in Kolkata – “Seat of the unique Idol of Goddess Kali”:
Kalighat, one of the key places in Kolkata, located on the banks of Adi Ganga is an important point. This place symbolizes the right foot of the Hindu goddess Sati. It is connected with the Nath/Siddha tradition that includes several styles of yoga. This particular idol of the goddess Kali stands out from other similar ones. This was a black stone of small size having three large eyes, a protruded long golden tongue, and four golden hands of the Devi. On the day that they give her a holy bath, the priests cover their eyes. A visit to this temple is obligatory for all tourists visiting Kolkata, especially religious ones.
Note: Worship takes place on Tuesday, Saturday, and Ashtami.
- Tarapith Temple in Birbhum, West Bengal – “Hub of Tantrik practices”
Located in the Birbhum District of West Bengal, Tarapith is the ancient site where a mystical shrine of the Goddess Tarini is found. The place where the Tara means the eye has fallen. Adjacent to this temple is a smasana (crematorium); the central hub of tantric activities, offerings, and all kinds of supernatural deeds. The temple has become a most sought-after destination for religious tourism in India. This form of Kali has a silver face and unlike most depictions, this one has two hands. A snake garland is on her and there is a Shiva form of child who is sucking her breast. Blood offering is very much compulsory in the daily worshiping of the temple, hence, every morning, goats are sacrificed on the altar (a place that is used for sacrifice, worship, or prayer) during the worshiping period.
Note: Accordingly, it is believed that those people who visit the Tarapith temple would never return home empty-handed. Here, she is worshiped as she is a mother.
Conclusion:
The mysterious temples of Shakti have also always been very popular. Most of these temples are built with the help of different dynasties that also show the style of architecture. However, one’s prosperity, energy, protection from all dangers, and the best kind of one’s rebirth is to visit these 5 mentioned temples.
FAQs
- What are the benefits of Worshiping Shakti peethas?
There are several benefits associated with worshiping at a Devi Shakti Peetha, including spiritual development and enlightenment, protection from negative energy, blessings for health and well-being, and the removal of obstacles.
- What makes the Mahakal Ujjain temple so special?
Ujjain, located on the banks of the Kshipra River in Madhya Pradesh, India, is considered one of Hinduism’s seven holiest towns. It has a unique region on Earth, where even death is thought to lead to Moksha. Ujjain is famous for being the birthplace of Mahakal, a manifestation of Bhagawan Shiva. Bhagawan Shiva is said to still stay here, giving his blessings to all who visit.
- How many Shakti Peethas are there in the world?
There are a total of 51 Shakti Peethas. The majority are in India, with one in Pakistan, four in Bangladesh, one in Sri Lanka, and two in Nepal.
- Who protects Shakti Peeth?
64 Bhairavas protect several Shakti Peethas, either as Shiva’s representatives or as Shiva himself.
- Which Shakti Peeth is in China?
Tibet (China), Dakshayani Shakti-Peeth This Shakti Peeth is a stone slab located near Kailash Mountain, Mansarovar, in Tibet.
