Shakti Peeths are sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Goddess Shakti, the divine feminine energy. These 51 Shakti Peeths are spread across the Indian subcontinent and hold immense religious significance. According to Hindu mythology, these temples were established where different body parts of Goddess Sati fell after Lord Shiva performed the Tandava dance carrying her lifeless body. The Shakti Peeths are considered powerful centers of divine energy and attract millions of devotees.
This article explores the names of the 51 Shakti Peeths, their locations, significance, and the myths associated with them.
What Are Shakti Peeths?
Shakti Peeths are believed to be places where Shakti (the divine feminine) resides, worshipped as Devi in different forms. Each Shakti Peeth has a Shakti (Goddess manifestation) and a Bhairava (Lord Shiva’s form as protector).
Key Aspects of Shakti Peeths:
- Associated with Goddess Sati’s body parts – Different parts of her body fell in different locations, creating these temples.
- Highly revered pilgrimage sites – Worshipped in Hinduism, particularly in Shaktism.
- Symbolize feminine energy and strength – Represent the power of the divine mother.
List of 51 Shakti Peeths and Their Locations
Below is a detailed table of the 51 Shakti Peeths, including their location, associated body part, and deity name.
| No. | Shakti Peeth Name | Location (Country) | Body Part | Shakti Form | Bhairava Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kamakhya | Assam, India | Yoni | Kamakhya | Umananda |
| 2 | Kalighat | West Bengal, India | Toes | Kali | Nakuleshwar |
| 3 | Tarapith | West Bengal, India | Third Eye | Tara | Chandrachur |
| 4 | Bhairavi | Jharkhand, India | Left Ankle | Bhairavi | Bhiruk |
| 5 | Jwala Devi | Himachal Pradesh, India | Tongue | Siddhida | Unmatta Bhairav |
| 6 | Hinglaj | Balochistan, Pakistan | Head | Kottari | Bhairav |
| 7 | Naina Devi | Himachal Pradesh, India | Eyes | Naina | Krodhish |
| 8 | Vimala | Odisha, India | Navel | Vimala | Jagannath |
| 9 | Kankalitala | West Bengal, India | Waist | Devgarbha | Ruru |
| 10 | Bahula | West Bengal, India | Left Arm | Bahula | Bhiruk |
| 11 | Chintpurni | Himachal Pradesh, India | Feet | Chinnamastika | Rudra Mahadev |
| 12 | Mahalakshmi | Maharashtra, India | Right Hand | Mahalakshmi | Mahakala |
| 13 | Ujjaini | Madhya Pradesh, India | Elbow | Mahakali | Mahakal |
| 14 | Katyayani | Madhya Pradesh, India | Upper Teeth | Katyayani | Bhairav |
| 15 | Jwala Mukhi | Himachal Pradesh, India | Tongue | Siddhida | Unmatta Bhairav |
| 16 | Saptashrungi | Maharashtra, India | Right Arm | Saptashrungi | Kalbhairav |
| 17 | Gandaki | Nepal | Right Cheek | Maheshwari | Chakrapani |
| 18 | Ambaji | Gujarat, India | Heart | Arasuri Ambaji | Batuk Bhairav |
| 19 | Sri Sundari | Tripura, India | Right Foot | Tripura Sundari | Tripuresh |
| 20 | Shriparvata | Andhra Pradesh, India | Right Anklet | Shrisundari | Sundarananda |
| 21 | Manikarnika | Uttar Pradesh, India | Ear Rings | Vishalakshi | Kalabhairav |
| 22 | Jalandhar | Punjab, India | Breast | Tripuramalini | Bhishan Bhairav |
| 23 | Biraja | Odisha, India | Navel | Biraja | Jagannath |
| 24 | Mithila | Bihar, India | Shoulder | Uma | Mahodara |
| 25 | Kanchi | Tamil Nadu, India | Skeleton | Devagarbha | Vishwesh |
| 26 | Prayag | Uttar Pradesh, India | Finger | Lalita | Bhava Nath |
| 27 | Ratnavali | Bangladesh | Right Shoulder | Kumari | Shiva |
| 28 | Karavira | Maharashtra, India | Eyes | Mahalakshmi | Krodhish |
| 29 | Mangalavati | Maharashtra, India | Tooth | Chandika | Shiva |
| 30 | Bahula | West Bengal, India | Left Arm | Bahula | Bhiruk |
| 31 | Udaipur | Rajasthan, India | Left Toe | Ambika | Shiva |
| 32 | Pehowa | Haryana, India | Stomach | Saraswati | Sthanu |
| 33 | Bhabanipur | Bangladesh | Left Ankle | Aparna | Vaman |
| 34 | Guhyeshwari | Nepal | Knees | Mahashira | Kapali |
| 35 | Attahas | West Bengal, India | Lips | Phullara | Vishvesh |
| 36 | Jajpur | Odisha, India | Navel | Biraja | Jagannath |
| 37 | Pokhara | Nepal | Right Shoulder | Dhumavati | Shiva |
| 38 | Ujjain | Madhya Pradesh, India | Elbow | Mahakali | Mahakal |
| 39 | Chitrakoot | Uttar Pradesh, India | Right Breast | Shivani | Shiva |
| 40 | Devikot | Rajasthan, India | Right Toe | Bhadrakali | Ambar |
| 41 | Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh, India | Earring | Vishalakshi | Kalabhairav |
| 42 | Srisailam | Andhra Pradesh, India | Neck | Bramarambika | Mallikarjuna |
| 43 | Mayong | Assam, India | Right Hand | Dikkeshwari | Bhairav |
| 44 | Manas | Tibet (China) | Right Palm | Dakshayani | Amar |
| 45 | Sharada Peeth | Pakistan | Right Hand | Saraswati | Tripuresh |
| 46 | Janasthaan | Maharashtra, India | Chin | Bhramari | Raktaksha |
| 47 | Panchasagar | Bihar, India | Lower Teeth | Barahi | Shiva |
| 48 | Kanyashram | Tamil Nadu, India | Back | Narayani | Nimish |
| 49 | Lanka | Sri Lanka | Anklet | Indrakshi | Rakshaseshwar |
| 50 | Kamrup | Assam, India | Navel | Kamakhya | Umananda |
| 51 | Pashupatinath | Nepal | Upper Teeth | Guhyakali | Bhairav |
Mythological Significance of Shakti Peeths
The legend of Shakti Peeths originates from the Shiva Purana and Devi Bhagavata Purana. The story revolves around Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva, who immolated herself in the fire of Daksha Yagna due to her father’s insult towards Shiva. In extreme grief, Lord Shiva carried her body and performed the Tandava dance. To stop his destruction, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to cut Sati’s body into 51 pieces, which fell in different places, creating the Shakti Peeths.
Importance of the Myth:
- Represents the inseparable connection between Shiva and Shakti.
- Establishes sacred pilgrimage routes for devotees.
- Highlights the power of divine feminine energy in Hinduism.
Major Shakti Peeths in India
Though all 51 Shakti Peeths are important, some are considered highly significant pilgrimage centers.
| Shakti Peeth | Location | Special Significance |
| Kamakhya | Assam | Celebrates fertility and womanhood, famous for Ambubachi Mela |
| Jwala Ji | Himachal Pradesh | Has a flame that burns eternally without any fuel source |
| Vaishno Devi | Jammu | One of the most visited temples in India |
| Kali Ghat | Kolkata | Home of Goddess Kali, associated with the city’s spiritual energy |
| Vindhyavasini | Uttar Pradesh | Mentioned in Hindu epics, goddess of strength |
Shakti Peeths Outside India
Apart from India, some Shakti Peeths are located in neighboring countries.
| Shakti Peeth | Country |
| Hinglaj Mata | Pakistan |
| Chattal Bhavani | Bangladesh |
| Sugandha Shakti Peeth | Bangladesh |
| Kathmandu Guhyeshwari | Nepal |
| Indrakshi Shakti Peeth | Sri Lanka |
These temples signify the widespread influence of Hindu spirituality across South Asia.
The Spiritual and Cultural Impact of Shakti Peeths
Shakti Peeths are not just temples but represent the spiritual strength of Shaktism, a major sect in Hinduism. They are also important cultural centers, influencing:
- Music and Dance – Many Shakti Peeths have their own traditions of devotional music and dance performances.
- Festivals – Special religious events like Navratri, Durga Puja, and Kali Puja are celebrated with grandeur.
- Pilgrimage Circuits – Devotees undertake yatra (pilgrimage) to these temples seeking blessings.
How to Visit Shakti Peeths
For devotees planning a pilgrimage, here are some travel tips:
| Travel Tip | Details |
| Best Time to Visit | Navratri (Sept-Oct) and Durga Puja (Oct-Nov) |
| Popular Pilgrimage Routes | Kolkata–Assam–Tripura circuit, Northern India circuit (Vaishno Devi, Amarnath, Jwala Ji) |
| Accommodation | Dharamshalas, hotels near temples |
| Transport | Well-connected via trains, roads, and flights |
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Conclusion
The 51 Shakti Peeths are sacred power centers representing the divine feminine energy. These temples are not only historical and spiritual landmarks but also serve as a source of faith, devotion, and inner strength for millions of devotees worldwide. Understanding their mythology, significance, and presence across nations enriches one’s spiritual journey and deepens reverence for the goddess Shakti.
By visiting or learning about these Shakti Peeths, devotees connect with the divine mother and receive strength, protection, and wisdom in their lives.