The 51 Shakti Peeths are sacred and deeply revered places of worship for Hindus, symbolizing the embodiment of divine feminine energy known as Shakti. These temples and shrines are located across the Indian subcontinent and are associated with the mythology of Goddess Sati, Lord Shiva’s consort. According to ancient Hindu scriptures, when Sati self-immolated at her father Daksha’s yagna (ritual), Lord Shiva, devastated and enraged, carried her corpse across the universe. As her body disintegrated, the parts fell in different locations, each of which became a powerful spiritual site known as a Shakti Peeth.
These Shakti Peethas are not only religiously significant but also serve as spiritual energy centers that attract millions of devotees, sadhaks, and tourists. The energy at each of these places is believed to be incredibly potent, capable of transforming lives and fulfilling wishes.
Spiritual Significance of Shakti Peethas
The Shakti Peeths represent the unity of Shakti (Goddess) and Bhairava (Shiva) at each location. Every site has a Shakti form and a Bhairava form, both of whom are worshipped together. Visiting all 51 Peethas is considered highly meritorious and spiritually rewarding, often believed to grant moksha (liberation).
These temples are also central to Shakta traditions (worship of the goddess), Tantric practices, and festivals like Navratri and Durga Puja. Each Shakti Peeth has unique rituals, legends, architecture, and vibrational energy that distinguish it from the others.
The 51 Shakti Peeth List
Below is the comprehensive list of 51 Shakti Peeths, along with the corresponding body parts of Goddess Sati that are believed to have fallen at each location, and their geographical placements.
| S.No | Shakti Peeth Name | Body Part / Ornament | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kamakhya | Yoni | Guwahati, Assam |
| 2 | Jwalaji | Tongue | Kangra, Himachal Pradesh |
| 3 | Kalighat | Toes | Kolkata, West Bengal |
| 4 | Vaishno Devi | Skull | Katra, Jammu & Kashmir |
| 5 | Kamakhya (Bihar) | Vagina | Munger, Bihar |
| 6 | Naina Devi | Eye | Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh |
| 7 | Ambaji | Heart | Banaskantha, Gujarat |
| 8 | Hinglaj Mata | Brahmarandhra (Top of Head) | Balochistan, Pakistan |
| 9 | Tara Tarini | Breasts | Ganjam, Odisha |
| 10 | Bahula | Left arm | Bardhaman, West Bengal |
| 11 | Bhairavi (Chattal) | Hair | Bangladesh |
| 12 | Dakshina Kali | Right Toes | Kolkata, West Bengal |
| 13 | Kireet | Crown | Murshidabad, West Bengal |
| 14 | Vibhash | Ankles | Tamluk, West Bengal |
| 15 | Sugandha | Nose | Bangladesh |
| 16 | Jaintia | Left thigh | Meghalaya |
| 17 | Mahalaxmi | Ears | Kolhapur, Maharashtra |
| 18 | Chandranath | Right arm | Bangladesh |
| 19 | Kanchipuram | Back | Tamil Nadu |
| 20 | Prabhas | Stomach | Gujarat |
| 21 | Ujjaini | Elbows | Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh |
| 22 | Manikarnika | Earring | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| 23 | Viraja (Odisha) | Navel | Jajpur, Odisha |
| 24 | Sarvashail | Right breast | Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh |
| 25 | Gandaki | Chin | Nepal |
| 26 | Ramgiri | Right shoulder | Andhra Pradesh |
| 27 | Srisailam | Neck | Andhra Pradesh |
| 28 | Draksharamam | Left cheek | Andhra Pradesh |
| 29 | Amarnath | Throat | Jammu & Kashmir |
| 30 | Janakpur | Left shoulder | Nepal |
| 31 | Bhabanipur | Left ankle | Bangladesh |
| 32 | Attahas | Lips | West Bengal |
| 33 | Nalhati | Tubular bones | Birbhum, West Bengal |
| 34 | Sainthia | Palms | West Bengal |
| 35 | Mithila | Left shoulder | Bihar |
| 36 | Shriparvata | Right anklet | Telangana |
| 37 | Tripura Sundari | Right foot | Udaipur, Tripura |
| 38 | Trisrota | Left leg | Jalpaiguri, West Bengal |
| 39 | Chhinamastika | Head | Chintpurni, Himachal Pradesh |
| 40 | Gandhmardan | Left breast | Odisha |
| 41 | Kalika | Finger | Ratnavali, West Bengal |
| 42 | Mahur | Navel | Maharashtra |
| 43 | Sthaneswar | Chest | Haryana |
| 44 | Panchsagar | Teeth | Bangladesh |
| 45 | Suchindram | Upper teeth | Tamil Nadu |
| 46 | Varanasi | Earrings | Uttar Pradesh |
| 47 | Guhyeshwari | Hips | Kathmandu, Nepal |
| 48 | Gandheswari | Bones of knees | West Bengal |
| 49 | Manivedika | Palm | Pushkar, Rajasthan |
| 50 | Devipuram | Thigh | Andhra Pradesh |
| 51 | Yashor | Left thumb | Bangladesh |
How to Plan a 51 Shakti Peeth Yatra
If you’re planning a spiritual journey across the 51 Shakti Peeths, it’s essential to:
- Map the Regions: Group temples by region (North India, East India, South India, etc.) to save time and resources.
- Get Required Permissions: For international Peeths (Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh), secure travel permits and visas.
- Understand Local Traditions: Rituals may vary from temple to temple. Learning about local customs ensures a respectful and fulfilling visit.
- Health & Safety: Some shrines are located in high-altitude regions like Himachal and Jammu & Kashmir—prepare accordingly.
The Mythology Behind Each Peeth
Each Shakti Peeth has its own story—often tied to local legends or folk traditions. For example:
- Kamakhya Temple in Assam is known for its annual Ambubachi Mela, symbolizing the menstruation of the goddess.
- Jwalaji is famous for its eternal flame that burns without fuel.
- Hinglaj Mata in Pakistan is nestled in a remote cave and requires an arduous trek through deserts.
These legends and stories enhance the divine aura of each temple and connect devotees to the sacred history of the goddess.
Rituals and Offerings
While each Shakti Peeth has its own set of rituals, common offerings include:
- Red flowers symbolizing fertility and power
- Coconuts and sweets as symbols of purity and devotion
- Sindoor and bangles offered by married women for marital bliss
During Navratri and Kali Puja, these temples become centers of grand spiritual activity, hosting large-scale yajnas and processions.
Conclusion
The 51 Shakti Peethas are more than just temples; they are cosmic energy points that have preserved the spiritual legacy of India for thousands of years. Whether you’re a devout Shakta, a curious traveler, or a spiritual seeker, embarking on this journey can be a life-changing experience.
In an age of spiritual awakening and pilgrimage revival, especially post-2020, these ancient shrines offer hope, healing, and transformation. May your journey across the 51 Shakti Peeths be filled with divine blessings and inner elevation.
