Introduction: The Divine Feminine – Devi and Shakti Peeths
India is not only a land of diverse cultures but also a land of deep spirituality. Among the most powerful symbols of divine energy is Shakti, the supreme feminine power. Shakti represents strength, creation, and transformation, and her devotees worship her in various forms — as Durga, Kali, Parvati, Sati, and more.
The Shakti Peeths are the most sacred shrines dedicated to the goddess. According to Hindu mythology, these are the spots where parts of Sati Devi’s body fell when Lord Shiva carried her after her self-immolation, and the earth absorbed her divine energy. Each Shakti Peeth is unique, having its own legend, deity, and rituals, making them must-visit destinations for pilgrims and travelers alike.
There are 51 major Shakti Peeths in India (some accounts list 52 or 108), spread across different states, each representing a part of the goddess’s body. Visiting these temples is considered a path to spiritual awakening, divine blessings, and fulfillment of desires.
In this blog, we will explore all major Shakti Peeths in India, detailing their legends, deities, rituals, architecture, and travel tips — your ultimate guide for a Shakti pilgrimage.
1. Kamakhya Temple – Assam
- Body Part: Yoni (Genital organ)
- Location: Guwahati, Assam
- Significance: One of the most prominent Shakti Peethas, Kamakhya Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya. The temple is renowned for its annual Ambubachi Mela, celebrating the goddess’s menstruation cycle.
2. Kalighat Kali Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Right Toe
- Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
- Significance: Situated in the heart of Kolkata, Kalighat is a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple’s historical and cultural significance makes it a must-visit for devotees.
3. Vishalakshi Temple – Uttar Pradesh
- Body Part: Earrings
- Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Significance: Located in the spiritual city of Varanasi, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Vishalakshi. It is believed that Sati’s earrings fell here, and the temple is a significant site for spiritual seekers.
4. Tara Tarini Temple – Odisha
- Body Part: Breasts
- Location: Brahmapur, Odisha
- Significance: Perched atop a hill, Tara Tarini Temple is dedicated to the twin goddesses Tara and Tarini. It is one of the oldest pilgrimage centers in Odisha, attracting devotees from across the country.
5. Bimala Temple – Odisha
- Body Part: Feet
- Location: Puri, Odisha
- Significance: Located within the Jagannath Temple complex in Puri, Bimala Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bimala. The temple is an integral part of the Puri pilgrimage circuit.
6. Kankalitala Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Pelvis
- Location: Birbhum, West Bengal
- Significance: Situated near Shantiniketan, Kankalitala Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kankali. The temple is known for its serene environment and spiritual ambiance.
7. Saptashrungi Temple – Maharashtra
- Body Part: Right Arm
- Location: Vani, Maharashtra
- Significance: Nestled in the Sahyadri hills, Saptashrungi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Saptashrungi. The temple is renowned for its scenic beauty and the challenging trek leading to it.
8. Shondesh Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Bones
- Location: Near Midnapore, West Bengal
- Significance: Shondesh Temple is a lesser-known Shakti Peetha, believed to be the site where Sati’s bones fell. The temple is situated amidst lush greenery, offering a tranquil retreat for pilgrims.
9. Jwalamukhi Temple – Himachal Pradesh
- Body Part: Tongue
- Location: Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
- Significance: Jwalamukhi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Jwalamukhi, known for its eternal flame. The temple is a significant site for devotees seeking the goddess’s blessings.
10. Hinglaj Mata Temple – Pakistan
- Body Part: Head
- Location: Lasbela, Balochistan, Pakistan
- Significance: Hinglaj Mata Temple is one of the most revered Shakti Peethas, located in the Hinglaj region of Pakistan. The temple attracts thousands of pilgrims annually.
11. Phullara Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Lower Lip
- Location: Birbhum, West Bengal
- Significance: Phullara Temple is dedicated to Goddess Phullara. The temple is known for its unique rituals and the annual fair held during the festival of Navratri.
12. Bahula Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Left Arm
- Location: Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal
- Significance: Bahula Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bahula. The temple is known for its historical significance and the legends associated with it.
13. Mahishmardini Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Portion of Head between Eyebrows
- Location: Birbhum, West Bengal
- Significance: Mahishmardini Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahishmardini. The temple is renowned for its intricate carvings and spiritual ambiance.
14. Dakshina Kali Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Right Toes
- Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
- Significance: Dakshina Kali Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple is known for its rituals and the vibrant atmosphere during festivals.
15. Devgarbha Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Bone
- Location: Birbhum, West Bengal
- Significance: Devgarbha Temple is dedicated to Goddess Devgarbha. The temple is known for its serene environment and the legends associated with it.
16. Vimla Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Crown
- Location: Murshidabad, West Bengal
- Significance: Vimla Temple is dedicated to Goddess Vimla. The temple is renowned for its architectural beauty and historical significance.
17. Kumari Shakti Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Right Shoulder
- Location: Hooghly, West Bengal
- Significance: Kumari Shakti Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kumari. The temple is known for its vibrant festivals and the legends associated with it.
18. Bhramri Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Left Leg
- Location: Jalpaiguri, West Bengal
- Significance: Bhramri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhramri. The temple is known for its tranquil environment and the annual fair held during festivals.
19. Nandini Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Necklace
- Location: Birbhum, West Bengal
- Significance: Nandini Temple is dedicated to Goddess Nandini. The temple is known for its unique rituals and the legends associated with it.
20. Mangal Chandi Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Right Wrist
- Location: Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal
- Significance: Mangal Chandi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mangal Chandi. The temple is known for its historical significance and the annual fair held during festivals.
21. Kapalini Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Left Ankle
- Location: Purba Medinipur, West Bengal
- Significance: Kapalini Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kapalini. The temple is known for its serene environment and the legends associated with it.
22. Mangal Chandi Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Right Wrist
- Location: Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal
- Significance: Mangal Chandi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mangal Chandi. The temple is known for its historical significance and the annual fair held during festivals.
23. Nandini Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Necklace
- Location: Birbhum, West Bengal
- Significance: Nandini Temple is dedicated to Goddess Nandini. The temple is known for its unique rituals and the legends associated with it.
24. Bhramri Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Left Leg
- Location: Jalpaiguri, West Bengal
- Significance: Bhramri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhramri. The temple is known for its tranquil environment and the annual fair held during festivals.
25. Kumari Shakti Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Right Shoulder
- Location: Hooghly, West Bengal
- Significance: Kumari Shakti Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kumari. The temple is known for its vibrant festivals and the legends associated with it.
26. Vimla Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Crown
- Location: Murshidabad, West Bengal
- Significance: Vimla Temple is dedicated to Goddess Vimla. The temple is renowned for its architectural beauty and historical significance.
27. Devgarbha Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Bone
- Location: Birbhum, West Bengal
- Significance: Devgarbha Temple is dedicated to Goddess Devgarbha. The temple is known for its serene environment and the legends associated with it.
28. Dakshina Kali Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Right Toes
- Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
- Significance: Dakshina Kali Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple is known for its rituals and the vibrant atmosphere during festivals.
29. Mahishmardini Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Portion of Head between Eyebrows
- Location: Birbhum, West Bengal
- Significance: Mahishmardini Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahishmardini. The temple is renowned for its intricate carvings and spiritual ambiance.
30. Bahula Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Left Arm
- Location: Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal
- Significance: Bahula Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bahula. The temple is known for its historical significance and the legends associated with it.
31. Phullara Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Lower Lip
- Location: Birbhum, West Bengal
- Significance: Phullara Temple is dedicated to Goddess Phullara. The temple is known for its unique rituals and the annual fair held during the festival of Navratri.
32. Jwalamukhi Temple – Himachal Pradesh
- Body Part: Tongue
- Location: Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
- Significance: Jwalamukhi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Jwalamukhi, known for its eternal flame. The temple is a significant site for devotees seeking the goddess’s blessings.
33. Shondesh Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Bones
- Location: Near Midnapore, West Bengal
- Significance: Shondesh Temple is a lesser-known Shakti Peetha, believed to be the site where Sati’s bones fell. The temple is situated amidst lush greenery, offering a tranquil retreat for pilgrims.
34. Saptashrungi Temple – Maharashtra
- Body Part: Right Arm
- Location: Vani, Maharashtra
- Significance: Nestled in the Sahyadri hills, Saptashrungi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Saptashrungi. The temple is renowned for its scenic beauty and the challenging trek leading to it.
35. Kankalitala Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Pelvis
- Location: Birbhum, West Bengal
- Significance: Situated near Shantiniketan, Kankalitala Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kankali. The temple is known for its serene environment and spiritual ambiance.
36. Bimala Temple – Odisha
- Body Part: Feet
- Location: Puri, Odisha
- Significance: Located within the Jagannath Temple complex in Puri, Bimala Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bimala. The temple is an integral part of the Puri pilgrimage circuit.
37. Taratarini Temple – Odisha
- Body Part: Breasts
- Location: Brahmapur, Odisha
- Significance: Perched atop a hill, Taratarini Temple is dedicated to the twin goddesses Tara and Tarini. It is one of the oldest pilgrimage centers in Odisha, attracting devotees from across the country.
38. Vishalakshi Temple – Uttar Pradesh
- Body Part: Earrings
- Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Significance: Located in the spiritual city of Varanasi, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Vishalakshi. It is believed that Sati’s earrings fell here, and the temple is a significant site for spiritual seekers.
39. Kalighat Kali Temple – West Bengal
- Body Part: Right Toe
- Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
- Significance: Situated in the heart of Kolkata, Kalighat is a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple’s historical and cultural significance makes it a must-visit for devotees.
40. Kamakhya Temple – Assam
- Body Part: Yoni (Genital organ)
- Location: Guwahati, Assam
- Significance: One of the most prominent Shakti Peethas, Kamakhya Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya. The temple is renowned for its annual Ambubachi Mela, celebrating the goddess’s menstruation cycle.
41. Mahishasuramardini Temple – Maharashtra
- Body Part: Third Eye
- Location: Kolhapur, Maharashtra
- Significance: Mahishasuramardini Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahishasuramardini. The temple is known for its architectural beauty and the legends associated with it.
42. Manikyamba Temple – Draksharamam, Andhra Pradesh
- Body Part: Left Cheek of Sati
- Location: Draksharamam, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh
- Significance: This ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Manikyamba, considered one of the forms of Shakti. The temple attracts devotees seeking blessings for health and family welfare.
- Architecture: South Indian Dravidian style with a sanctum sanctorum adorned with traditional carvings.
- Festivals: Navratri, Dussehra, and annual temple fairs.
- Travel Tips: Accessible by road from Rajahmundry (approx. 50 km).
43. Puruhutika Devi Temple – Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh
- Body Part: Foot of Sati
- Location: Pithapuram, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh
- Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Puruhutika, this temple marks the spot where the foot of Sati fell. Devotees believe that worship here removes obstacles and grants blessings of strength and courage.
- Architecture: Traditional South Indian temple with stone carvings and a simple sanctum.
- Festivals: Navratri and local festivals in honor of the goddess.
- Travel Tips: Pithapuram is connected by road and rail; best to visit during Navratri.
44. Saraswati Devi Temple – Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir
- Body Part: Right Hand of Sati
- Location: Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir
- Significance: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. The site is revered by devotees and scholars alike.
- Architecture: Stone temple built in traditional Kashmiri style.
- Festivals: Vasant Panchami, Navratri.
- Travel Tips: Pilgrimage requires proper permits; access mostly through organized tours.
45. Sarvamangala Devi Temple – Gaya, Bihar
- Body Part: Breast of Sati
- Location: Gaya, Bihar
- Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Sarvamangala, this Shakti Peetha is a key pilgrimage site. Worship here is believed to remove misfortunes and provide spiritual upliftment.
- Architecture: Temple with classic Nagara-style spires and intricate carvings.
- Festivals: Navratri, Durga Puja.
- Travel Tips: Gaya is well-connected by rail, road, and nearest airport is Gaya Airport.
46. Shankari Devi Temple – Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
- Body Part: Groin of Sati
- Location: Trincomalee, Northern Province, Sri Lanka
- Significance: A revered Shakti Peetha outside India, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Shankari. Devotees visit to seek fertility blessings and spiritual protection.
- Architecture: Simple coastal temple, combining Dravidian and Sri Lankan styles.
- Festivals: Navratri, local annual fairs.
- Travel Tips: Accessible via Trincomalee by road; best visited during festival season.
47. Shrikkhala Devi Temple – Pandua, West Bengal
- Body Part: Stomach of Sati
- Location: Pandua, Hooghly, West Bengal
- Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Shrikkhala, this temple marks the sacred spot where Sati’s stomach fell. Pilgrims believe the goddess provides nourishment, both spiritual and material.
- Architecture: Traditional Bengali style with terracotta carvings.
- Festivals: Navratri and local festivals with cultural performances.
- Travel Tips: Accessible by road from Kolkata (~180 km).
48. Vaishnavi Devi Temple – Jwalamukhi, Himachal Pradesh
- Body Part: Tongue of Sati
- Location: Jwalamukhi, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
- Significance: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Vaishnavi and is famous for the natural eternal flames representing the tongue of Sati. Devotees pray for wisdom and spiritual awakening.
- Architecture: Hilltop temple with natural flame sanctum.
- Festivals: Navratri, Diwali.
- Travel Tips: Accessible by road; nearest railway station – Pathankot, nearest airport – Gaggal.
49. Mahamaya Temple – Amarnath, Jammu & Kashmir
- Body Part: Throat of Sati
- Location: Amarnath, Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir
- Significance: Situated in the Himalayas, this temple is part of the famous Amarnath Yatra. Devotees believe worshipping here grants protection and divine guidance.
- Architecture: Himalayan stone temple with a sanctum inside a cave.
- Festivals: Amarnath Yatra in summer.
- Travel Tips: Accessible via trekking routes; permits required.
50. Katyayani Temple – Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
- Body Part: Hair of Sati
- Location: Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
- Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, worship here is believed to grant blessings of marital happiness and prosperity.
- Architecture: Ancient North Indian temple with domed sanctum and intricate carvings.
- Festivals: Navratri, Holi.
- Travel Tips: Mathura is well-connected by road, rail, and nearby airport – Agra Airport.
51. Bhramaramba Temple – Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
- Body Part: Neck of Sati
- Location: Srisailam, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh
- Significance: This is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas and a key pilgrimage site in South India. Devotees visit for spiritual liberation, strength, and prosperity.
- Architecture: Dravidian style with stone carvings, gopurams, and sanctum sanctorum.
- Festivals: Navratri, annual temple fairs.
- Travel Tips: Accessible by road from Kurnool; nearest railway station – Markapur Road.