Powerful Shakti Peethas

After the completion of the oblation performed by Daksha, Lord Vishnu had severed the corpse of Sati that is Parvatidevi with his ‘Chakra’. Various organs scattered over different places. Later on these places where the organs had fallen, became famous as ‘Shakti-Peetha’. The sanctity of these places has been described in the following way.

In the era of ‘Satya’, Daksha once performed an oblation named Vrihaspati, with a desire of taking revenge with lord Shiva. Daksha was angry because his daughter Sati had married Shiva against his wishes. Daksha invited all the deities except Lord Shiva and Sati. This did not deter Sati from reaching at her father’s house. She expressed her desire to Lord Shiva. He (Shiva) tried his best to dissuade her from going but Sati was unrelenting. Shiva then allowed her to go escorted by his followers known as ‘ganas' But Sati being an uninvited guest was not given any respect. Moreover Daksha insulted Shiva, by calumniating him. Sati became sad by her husband’s dishonour. She gave up her life by jumping into the altar of oblation-fire.

When Lord Shiva heard about her death he became furious. He went to the place where Daksha was performing his oblation, along with his ‘ganas’ (followers). The oblation site was destroyed and Daksha was killed by his ‘ganas’. Lord Shiva then carried the dead-body of Sati and started wandering all over the place like a lunatic. Lord Vishnu severed the dead body with his chakra. Various organs fell at different place. These places became famous as Shakti-Peeth, in due course of time.

Goddess Shakti is very powerful. Devi is worshipped with many names like parvathi, durgadevi, dakshayani etc.

Bhairava refers to her consort, a manifestation of Shiva.

Organ or Ornament refers to the body part or piece of jewelry that fell to earth, at the location on which the respective temple is built.

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.

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