51 Holy Places dedicated to Goddess Sati Devi ------ Shakti Peetas

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When Sati, the wife of Shiva and the first incarnation of Parvati,

sacrificed herself at a yagna being performed by her father the King

Daksha; a very distraught Shiva started dancing with her body. The

world was terrorized from this Tandava Nritya and to stop the

devastating penance, Vishnu used his Sudarshan chakra (the whirling

knife on his finger tip) and completely cut up Sati's body in several

pieces. Wherever her body parts fell, a temple was erected to

commemorate different manifestations of Shiva and Parvati and became

a Hindu pilgrimage. They are called Pitha or Sakti Pithas. These

temples are scattered from present day Pakistan to India to Sri Lanka

to Bangladesh. Sati is also called Devi or Shakti (Strength). Sati

was reborn later as the daughter of the King of Mountains the

Himalayas and hence she was called Parvati or the daughter of Parvat

(Mountain). Parvati married Shiva on the fourteenth day of the rising

moon (Sukla pakcha) in the month of Margashirsha (around Spring)

which is the festival of Shiva Ratri (the night of Shiva).

 

1.Hingulaya

Devi's mind or brain fell here and the idols are Devi as Kotari

(Durga) and Shiva as Bhimlochan (Terrible eyed or the third eye). The

location is in a cave on the western part of Pakistan near Karachi.

 

2.Shivaharkaray or Karavipur

Devi's three eyes fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahishmardini

(Durga the destroyer of Mahishashur) and Shiva as Krodhish (the one

who can be angry). It is near Karachi in Pakistan, by rail the

nearest station is Parkai.

 

3.Jwalamukhi

Devi's tongue fell here and the idols are Devi as Ambika (Mother) and

Shiva as Unmatta (Furious). This is located near Jullundher in

Punjab.

 

4.Sugandha

Devi's nose fell here and idols are Devi as Sunanada (Pleasing) and

Shiva as Traimbak (Rudra). In the state of Bengal near Barishal in

Shivahri Karpur village Devi's temple is located and Shiva's temple

is in a village called Ponabalia, nearest railway station is

Jhalkati.

 

5.On Bhairabha mountain near Avanti

Devi's upper lips fell here and idols are Devi as Avanti (Modest) and

Shiva as Lambakarna (Long eared one). It is located near Ujjain.

 

6.Attahas (laughter)

Devi's lower lips fell here and the idols are Devi as Fullara

(Blooming) and Shiva as Bhairabhvishesya (Lord of the universe). The

place is in Bengal near Birbhum. Image of Devi and the Shiva temple

is next to the Devi temple. It is a major pilgrimage and tourist

attraction.

 

7.Prabhas

Devi's stomach fell here and the idols are Devi as Chandrabhaga

(Throne of the moon) and Shiva as Bakratunda (the one with the bent

staff). This is near Mumbai where a launch goes to Bharoal which is

near Prabhas.

 

8.Yanasthana

Devi's chin fell here and the idols are Devi as Bhramari (female

Bumble bee or attendant of Durga) and Shiva as Vikrakatakkha (one

with the crooked eyes or look). Other names are Devi as Chibuka (the

one with the chin) and Shiva as Sarvasiddhish (the one who can

provide all desires).

 

9.Godavari (river)

Devi's left cheek fell here and the idols are Viswamatuka (mother of

the world) and Shiva as Dandapani (the one who holds a staff).

 

10.Gandaki (river)

Devi's right cheek fell here and the idols are Devi as Gandakichandi

(the one who overcomes obstacles or Gandi) and Shiva as Chakrapani

(Holder of the discus). Famous pilgrimage.

 

11.Suchidesha

Devi's upper teeth fell here and the idols are Devi as Narayani (the

wife of Narayan) and Shiva as Sanghar. Panchasagar - Devi's lower

teeth fell here and the idols are Devi as Barahi and Shiva as

Maharudra (the angry one).

 

12.Bhavanipur or Karota (river)

Devi's left seat or her clothing fell here and idols are Devi as

Aparna (the one who ate nothing, not even leaves) and Shiva as

Bhairabha (Destroyer of fear). The King of Nator and his grandson the

Maharajah Ramakrishna used to meditate here. The seat, the yognakunda

and five skulls are still here. In the month of Baisakha according to

the Bengali calendar, there is a large fete or Mela here to celebrate

Ramanavami or Deepanbita.

 

13.Shriparvata or Shri mountain

Devi's right seat fell here and the idols are Devi as Shri Sunadari

(beautiful) and Shiva as Sundaranand (the handsome one).

 

14.Karnat

Devi's two ears fell here and the idols are Devi as Jai Durga (the

victoriuos Durga) and Shiva as Avirooka.

 

15.Vrindavana

Devi's hair fell here and idols are Devi as Uma (Devi) and Shiva as

Bhootesh (or provider of all desires). Playgorund of Lord Krishna and

the gopis. The vana or forest or garden is where the young Krishna

grew up in the home of Yasoda the wife of a cow herd. Krishna was

capable of amazing feats and saved the village from many perils such

as the Naga Kaliya and the great rage of Indra by holding up a

mountain above the village. But his time was mostly spent with the

beautiful gopis or cow girls with whom he had many affairs. The

principal of illicit love is the basis of this aspect of philosophy

where a person harbours a secret love for god which he cannot reveal

to others.

 

16.Kirit

Devi's crown or headdress fell here and idols are Devi as Vimala

(Pure) and Shiva as Sangbarta. Take the train to Ajimganj. The

temples are on the shore of the ganges near Batnagar. (in

Bangladesh?)

 

17.Shrihatta

Devi's nape of the neck fell here and the idols are Devi as

Mahalakchmi (the goddess of prosperity and wife of Mahavishnu) and

Shiva as Sarvananda (the one who makes everyone happy). Devi's temple

is Near Shrihatta town and Shiva's temple is near Jainpur. Shivaratri

and Ashokashtami are celebrated with a Mela (carnival). Take train

from Calcutta to Goalanda and steamer to Kechuaganj. Then either take

a boat or walk about five miles (6 koshas).

 

18.Nalhati

Devi's vocal pipe fell here and the idols are Devi as Kalika (Durga)

and Shiva as Yogesh. By train from Howrah station.

 

19.Kashmir

Devi's neck fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahamaya (the great

Illusion) and Shiva as Trisandhyasvar. The famous pilgrimage is

Amarnath. There is a Shiva linga of glacial ice which expands and

contracts with the seasons.

 

20.Ratnabali

Devi's right shoulder fell here and the idols are Devi as Kumari

(Durga) and Shiva as Bhairabha (Remover of fear).

 

21.Mithila

Devi's left shoulder fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahadevi

(Devi) and Shiva as Mahodara (the big belied one). This is near

Janakpur station.

 

22.Chattagram (also called Chattal)

Devi's right arm fell here and the idols are Devi as Bhavani (Devi)

and Shiva as Chandrashekhar (the one who has the moon as the crown).

It is said that Mahadeva has himself pronounced that he will visit

Chandrashekhar mountain regularly during Kali yuga. This is near

Sitakunda station. This is in Bangladesh.

 

23.Manav Kschetra (Field)

Devi's right hand or palm fell her and the idols are Devi as

Dakhchayani (Durga) and Shiva as Amar (Immortal). Take train from

Howrah station to Guskar station and then a few miles to Kogram.

Mahadeva is considered Siddhidayaka or provider of all wishes.

 

24.Ujjaini

Devi's elbows fell here and the idols are Devi as Mangalchandi

(Durga) and Shiva as Kapilambar (one who wears the brown clothes).

Shiva is siddhidayaka.

 

25.Manibandha

Devi's middle of the palms fell here and the idols are Devi as

Gayatri (Saraswati) and Shiva as Sarvananda (the one who makes

everyone happy).

 

26.Prayag (three rivers meet here)

Devi's ten fingers fell here and the idols are Devi as Lalita

(beautiful). Another name is Alopi and Shiva as Bhava. Near Tribeni

ghat there is Banitirtha ghat (Quay for boats). Allahabad is the

train station.

 

27.Bahula

Devi's left arm fell here and the idols are Devi as Bahula (Abundant)

and Shiva as Bhiruk (who is also Sarvasiddhadayaka). Arrive at Katoa

rail station and then go to Ketugram which is a pilgrimage.

 

28.Jullendhar

Devi's right breast fell here and the idols are Devi as Tripurmalini

(Durga) and Shiva as Bhisan (Gruesome). Jwalamukhi is the nearby

Tirtha and train goes from Delhi to Jullendhar.

 

29.Ramgiri (or Chitrakoot mountain)

Devi's left breast fell here (another opinion is that her Nala or

Jaghanasti fell here) and the idols are Devi as Shibani (the wife of

Shiva) and Shiva as Chanda. Near Bilaspur station and a walk of 2

miles.

 

30.Vaidyanath

Devi's heart fell here and the idols are Devi as Jaidurga (Victorious

Durga) and Shiva as Vaidyanath. It is in Bihar. Joshidi is the train

station.

 

31.Utkal

Devi's navel fell here and the idols are Devi as Vimala (the pure

one) and Shiva as Jagannath (the ruler of the world). This is near

the Jagannath temple of Puri in the state of Orissa.

 

32.Kanchidesh

Devi's skeleton fell here and the idols are Devi as Devagarbha and

Shiva as Ruru. Bolpur station to Kopar river banks. There is a well

for worship.

 

33.Kalmadhava

Devi's right hips fell here and the idols are Devi as Kali (another

form of Durga) and Shiva as Asitananda. By praying to the Devi

profusely pilgirms can obtain their desired objective.

 

34.Sone (near Sone river)

Devi's left hips fell here and the idols are Devi as Narmada and

Shiva as Vadrasen.

 

35.Kamakhya (or Kamroop)

Devi's yoni fell here and the idols are Devi as Kamakhya

(personification of love) and Shiva as Umananda. This is near Gauhati

in the state of Assam on the banks of the Brahmaputra (the son of

Brahma) river. The temple is on top of the Nilachal Hill. This is a

famous pilgrimage for women seeking fertility or love. The temple is

supposedly built by Kamdev, the god of love. The Umananda temple is

nearby in an islet on the river. It has many pet monkeys.

 

36.Nepal

Devi's two knees fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahashira and

Shiva as Kapali.

 

37.Jayanti

Devi's left thigh fell here and the idols are Devi as Jayanti and

Shiva as Kramadiswar. In Bengal near Sri Hatta.

 

38.Magadha

Devi's right thigh fell here and the idols are Devi as Sarvanandari

and Shiva as Bomkesha. Inside Shrihatta at Jayantipargana near the

base of the Kahshia mountain Devi's legs are placed here. Srihatta to

Kanairghat by boat and then walk 2 miles. In West Bengal.

 

39.Tripura

Devi's right foot fell here and the idols are Devi as Tripurasundari

and Shiva as Tripuresh. Devi is grantor of all wishes or Sarvavishta

pradyani.

 

40.Khirgram

Devi's right toe fell here and the idols are Devi as Yogadaya and

Shiva as Khirakantha. Take Eastern Indian Railway to Bardwhan

station. Take Bardhwan Katoa Rail to Nigam station. Nigam station to

Khirgram (village) is 2 miles. A mela (fete) is held during Baisakha

Sankranti.

 

41.Kalighat (Calcutta)

Devi's four small toes from her right foot fell here and the idols

are Devi as Kali and Shiva as Nakulish or Nakuleswar. Famous

pilgrimage located in Calcutta in the state of West Bengal. Kali is a

dark complexioned form of Shakti who has taste for blood and death.

She rules over the cremation sites and is worshipped by devotees on a

dark and moon less night. She is a popular deity of Bengal. kali is

the female version of Kala or end of time.

 

42.Kurukchetra

(or fields belonging to the Kuru family where the battle of the

Mahbharata was fought between the Kurus and Pandus)

Devi's right ankle fell here and the idols are Devi as Savitri or

Sthanu and Shiva as Aswanath.

 

43.Bakreswar

Devi's mind or the centre of the brows fell here and the idols are

Devi as Mahishamardini (the slayer of Mahishasur or Durga) and Shiva

as Bakranath. Near Ahmedpur station. There are seven hot springs and

also the Paphara (remover of sins) river. The Mahamuni Ashtabakra

found enlightenment here. On Shivaratri (night) there is a grand Mela

(fete) here.

 

44.Jessore

Devi's centre of the hands fell here and the idols are Jashoreswari

and Shiva as Chanda (Moon or the one who holds the moon).

 

45.Nandipur

Devi's necklace fell here and the idols are Devi as Nandini and Shiva

as Nandikishore.

 

46.Varanasi (Benaras)

Devi's earrings (Kundal) fell here and the idols are Devi as

VishwaLakschmi (The provider of wealth to all) and Shiva as Kala

(Time or the end of time). Famous pilgrimage in UP and one of the

oldest cities in the world. The Puranas say that this city exists

even after the Pralaya.

 

47.Kanashram or Kalikashram

Devi's back fell here and the idols are Devi as Sharvani and Shiva as

Nimisha.

 

48.Sri Lanka

Her feet bells (Nupur) fell here and the idols are Devi as Indrakschi

and Shiva as Rakchaseswara. Indrakschi was created and worshipped by

Indra in person.

 

49.Virat

Devi's small toes of the feet fell here and idols are Devi as Ambika

and Shiva as Amrita (nectar of immortality).

 

50.Bivasa

Devi's left ankle fell here and the idols are Devi as Bhimarupa and

Shiva as Sarvananda.

 

51.Trisnota

Devi's left feet fell here and the idols are Devi as Vramari

(Bumblebee) and Shiva as Iswar (God). On the banks of Tista river in

Shalbari village in Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal.

 

Hare Durga! Om Sakti Athi Parasakti.