Shakti Peeth In India

What Are Shaktipeeths?

Shakti Peeths are temples associated with the worship of the Adi Shakti of the Goddess in her different forms. These temples are located not just in India but also in neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. It is believed that these Shakti Peeths are formed where the body parts or ornaments of the divine Goddess fell.

Its tale is an interesting one, which includes Lord Shiva, his consort, Sati, and Lord Vishnu. Apart from being one of the most sacred places of worship in Hinduism, these temples are also believed to hold intense spiritual energy. Each of the Shakti Peeth temples has two shrines, one dedicated to the Goddess’s form and the other to the form of Kalbhairava.

Shakti Peeth: The Mythological Tale

The Mythological tale associated with the formation of Shakti Peeths is one that finds its mention in Vayu Purana, Skanda Purana, Kurma Purana, Harivamsa Purana, Padma Purana, Linga Purana, Shiva Purana, and Matsya Purana. The tale is as follows:

• Daksha, Sati, And Shiva

Daksha was a prajapati. He was the son of Lord Brahma himself, and Goddess Sati was his beloved youngest daughter. Daksha was a Vaisnav and was a believer and worshipper of Lord Vishnu. He disliked Shiva. However, growing up, Goddess Sati fell in deep love with Lord Shiva.

Disobeying Daksha’s wish, she got married to Lord Shiva. Daksha was angered because of Sati’s disobedience and wanted revenge. He organised a yagna (fire ritual) and invited all the Gods and Goddesses. However, he did not invite Sati and Shiva, his daughter and son-in-law.

• The Daksha Yagna And Sati’s Arrival

Daksha organised a yajna named the Brihaspatistava Yajna in the Bhagvata Purana. Sati was upset because of her father’s actions but was also convinced that her father, Daksha, loved her enough to let go of his anger after seeing her. In her innocence, she urged Shiva to let her go to the Yagna, convinced that she would be able to change her father’s heart.

Lord Shiva tried to convince Sati not to do so, but all his efforts were in vain. Sati reached her father’s house and was happy to see her father and all her family. However, Daksha was blinded by his anger and ego. He insulted Shiva in every way possible in front of Sati.

• Sati’s Sacrifice And Shiva’s Wrath

The insulting words said by Daksha hurt Sati, and she became furious. In her anger, she realised her true Adi Shakti form and cursed Daksha, saying that Shiva’s wrath would destroy him and his kingdom. She also felt guilty for not listening to her husband’s advice and was consumed by feelings of anger, guilt, and humiliation all at once. Proceeding, Goddess Sati self-immolated and set herself on fire.

Upon learning about Sati’s insult and demise, Lord Shiva was angered. In his anger, he formed the Veerbhadra form and ordered him to destroy Daksha and his yajna. Shiva, in his grief, went to the Yajna and picked up Sati’s body. He then performed the Tandava. Shiva was so struck and heartbroken by the death of Sati that he held her body in his arms and roamed around the world, reminiscing their moments.

• Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra And The Formation Of Shakti Peeth

Looking at Shiva’s condition. All the Gods and Goddesses were concerned. They went to Lord Vishnu, seeking his help to restore balance. Lord Vishnu came up with the idea to use his Sudarshan Chakra on Sati’s body. He sent the Chakra to cut Sati’s body, which caused 51 pieces to fall on Earth. The places on which Sati Devi body parts and ornaments fell come to be known as Shakti Peeth.

Significance Of Shaktipeeth

Shakti Peeth in India are not just ordinary temples but the source of divine energy. They house Adi Shakti’s body parts and ornaments, which make them significantly important in Hinduism. These Shakti Peeths are known for their spiritual benefits that can help one connect with the divine and get spiritually inclined.

Along with this, it also helps a person balance the ill effects of negative doshas in their kundli. Shakti Peeths are also considered the ultimate source of power, protection and wisdom in the Hindu culture. Lastly, the healing energy of these Shakti Peeth meaning also helps one get rid of any negative energy or evil eye in their life.

All 51 ShaktiPeeth List

Below is the complete 51 Shakti Peeth list that also includes the 4 Adi Shakti and the 18 Shakti Peethas list. It consists of all the Shakti Peeths along with their respective location and the body part or ornament that fell in that location. Read below to know the 18 Shakti Peethas list with body parts: