India, with its deep spiritual roots and mystical heritage, is home to some of the most powerful spiritual sites in the world. Among these, the 51 Shakti Peethas hold a special place. Revered by Hindus across the globe, these sacred sites are scattered throughout the Indian subcontinent and are considered places where the divine feminine energy, Shakti, manifests in full force.
These Shakti Peethas are not just spiritual landmarks—they are living legends deeply embedded in the cultural and religious fabric of India and neighboring regions. Each Shakti Peeth is associated with a part of Goddess Sati’s body, which fell to Earth when Lord Shiva carried her charred remains across the universe in grief after her self-immolation.
Let us embark on a divine journey through these 51 sacred temples and uncover the mystical tale of devotion, power, and sanctity that surrounds them.
The Mythological Origin of Shakti Peethas
The story of the Shakti Peethas begins with Daksha Yagna, a sacrificial ritual performed by King Daksha, the father of Sati. Daksha disapproved of his daughter Sati’s marriage to Lord Shiva, and when she attended the yagna uninvited and found her husband insulted, she immolated herself in the sacrificial fire.
When Shiva learned of Sati’s death, he was overcome with sorrow and rage. He began his cosmic dance of destruction, the Tandava, while carrying her body. To save the world, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to dismember Sati’s body. The body parts fell at various places on Earth, which later became the revered Shakti Peethas.
Each site is considered to be a powerful spiritual destination, blessed by the energy of the Goddess.
The Significance of the 51 Shakti Peethas
The word “Shakti Peeth” means “Seat of Power.” These temples are not just religious spots; they are epicenters of cosmic feminine energy. Devotees believe that worshiping at these temples can fulfill wishes, bring spiritual enlightenment, and lead to inner peace.
While the number of Shakti Peethas varies in different scriptures (some say 18, others 108), the most commonly accepted number is 51, each representing a body part or ornament of Sati.
Here is the comprehensive list of the 51 Shakti Peethas, their locations, and the body parts associated with each:
The Complete List of 51 Shakti Peethas with Body Parts
| Sr. No | Shakti Peeth Name | Location | Country | Associated Body Part |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mahamaya | Bilaspur, Uttarakhand | India | Right Breast |
| 2 | Katyayani | Khagaria, Uttar Pradesh | India | Hair |
| 3 | Vishalakshi | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | India | Wrist |
| 4 | Lalita Devi | Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh | India | Finger |
| 5 | Ramgiri | Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh | India | Left Breast |
| 6 | Panch Sagar | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | India | Teeth |
| 7 | Shri Parvat | Ladakh | India | Right Hand |
| 8 | Jwala Devi | Kangra, Himachal Pradesh | India | Tongue |
| 9 | Tripurmalini | Jalandhar, Punjab | India | Left Ankle |
| 10 | Savitri | Kurukshetra, Haryana | India | Abdomen |
| 11 | Patan Devi | Patna, Bihar | India | Right Thigh |
| 12 | Mithila | Darbhanga, Bihar | India | Left Shoulder |
| 13 | Janasthan | Nashik, Maharashtra | India | Chin |
| 14 | Ambaji | Banaskantha, Gujarat | India | Heart |
| 15 | Gayatri Manibandh | Pushkar, Rajasthan | India | Navel |
| 16 | Ambika | Bharatpur, Rajasthan | India | Left Arm |
| 17 | Sarvashail/Rakini | Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh | India | Right Buttock |
| 18 | Bhramaramba | Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh | India | Throat |
| 19 | Bhagavathy Amman | Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu | India | Back Portion |
| 20 | Suchindram | Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu | India | Upper Teeth |
| 21 | Kamakshi Amman | Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu | India | Spine |
| 22 | Maa Phullara | Birbhum, West Bengal | India | Lip |
| 23 | Bahula | Bardhaman, West Bengal | India | Left Arm |
| 24 | Mahishasuramardini | Birbhum, West Bengal | India | Nose |
| 25 | Kali Ghat | Kolkata, West Bengal | India | Toes |
| 26 | Kankalitala | Birbhum, West Bengal | India | Pelvis |
| 27 | Ratnavali | Hooghly, West Bengal | India | Left Anklet |
| 28 | Tristrota | Hooghly, West Bengal | India | Right Foot |
| 29 | Nandipur | Birbhum, West Bengal | India | Necklace |
| 30 | Ujani | Bardhaman, West Bengal | India | Right Hip |
| 31 | Bhargabhima | Purba Medinipur, West Bengal | India | Left Wrist |
| 32 | Kamakhya Devi | Guwahati, Assam | India | Genital Organ |
| 33 | Nartiang Durga | Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya | India | Left Eye |
| 34 | Tripura Sundari | Uttar Chandrapur, Tripura | India | Right Toe |
| 35 | Biraja | Jajpur, Odisha | India | Left Breast |
| 36 | Vimala | Puri, Odisha | India | Feet |
| 37 | Jay Durga | Deoghar, Jharkhand | India | Stomach |
| 38 | Bhairav Parvat | Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh | India | Right Elbow |
| 39 | Kalmadhav | Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh | India | Right Knee |
| 40 | Narmada | Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh | India | Head Hair |
| 41 | Nagapooshani Amman | Nainativu | Sri Lanka | Wrist |
| 42 | Gandaki Chandi | Muktinath | Nepal | Right Cheek |
| 43 | Guhyeshwari | Kathmandu | Nepal | Abdomen |
| 44 | Sugandha | Barisal | Bangladesh | Nose |
| 45 | Shree Aparna | Bhabanipur | Bangladesh | Anklet |
| 46 | Jeshoreshwari | Ishwaripur | Bangladesh | Palms |
| 47 | Bhavanipur | Bogra | Bangladesh | Lips |
| 48 | Maa Lakshmi | – | Bangladesh | Teeth |
| 49 | Manasa | Kailash Mansarovar | Tibet | Right Palm |
| 50 | Shivaharkaray | Karachi | Pakistan | Left Buttock |
| 51 | Hinglaj | Lasbela | Pakistan | Brahmarandhra (Head) |
Top 5 Must-Visit Shakti Peethas
- Kamakhya Devi, Guwahati, Assam – Known for its association with fertility and feminine energy.
- Kali Ghat, Kolkata, West Bengal – A bustling pilgrimage site right in the heart of the city.
- Jwala Devi, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh – Famous for its eternal flame that burns without any fuel.
- Biraja Shakti Peeth, Jajpur, Odisha – A historic temple representing the left breast of Sati.
- Hinglaj Shakti Peeth, Pakistan – One of the most sacred and remote Peethas, deeply venerated even by those across faiths.
Spiritual Importance and Pilgrimage
Visiting the Shakti Peethas is believed to provide spiritual merit, protection from evil forces, and an uplifted sense of being. Devotees often undertake pilgrimages, moving from one Peeth to another in a lifelong quest to feel the divine feminine power across different landscapes, languages, and cultures.
Interestingly, these temples are not just confined to India but extend across Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Tibet, reflecting the ancient spiritual connections of the subcontinent.
Cultural and Historical Impact
Shakti Peethas have also been centers of art, literature, music, and learning. Many have intricate architecture, ancient sculptures, and historical relevance that date back centuries. Local legends, fairs, and festivals associated with these temples are an integral part of regional identity.
Durga Puja, Navratri, and other regional festivals witness a massive influx of pilgrims to these Peethas, especially in places like Kamakhya (Assam), Kalighat (Kolkata), and Hinglaj (Pakistan).
Conclusion: A Sacred Network of the Divine Mother
The 51 Shakti Peethas form a mystical grid of divine energy, compassion, and feminine power. They tell a story of grief, devotion, cosmic balance, and the eternal bond between Shiva and Shakti. Visiting these Peethas is not just a religious act; it’s a spiritual awakening that connects you to the primal forces of the universe.
For those seeking enlightenment, peace, and divine blessings, the Shakti Peethas serve as beacons of hope and transformation—guiding every soul toward the infinite energy of Adi Shakti, the mother of the universe.
May the blessings of Maa Shakti guide your journey and illuminate your soul.