The word Shaktipeeth is composed of two Sanskrit words, Shakti and Pitha, which together mean the seat of power dedicated to Shakti, the divine feminine energy. Shaktipeeths in India are powerful spiritual sites that are deeply connected to the story of Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva.
While some sources state varying counts, it is typically believed that there are 51 Shaktipeeths in India. These places, now temples, are more than just places of worship. They hold an important spot in Indian mythology.
For devotees and spiritual travellers, visiting Shaktipeeth is indeed a divine journey. Read on as we discuss what Shaktipeeths mean, the list of Shaktipeeths in India, and a few travel tips.
The Legend Behind Shaktipeethas
The journey through the Shaktipeeths begins with the sacred story of Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati. Sati, the daughter of King Daksha, chose to marry Lord Shiva despite her father’s strong disapproval.
In time, King Daksha organised a grand yajna, inviting all deities except Lord Shiva. Though uninvited, Sati attended the ritual, only to be insulted by her father. Unable to bear the humiliation directed at her husband, she immolated herself in the sacrificial fire.
Grief-stricken and enraged, Lord Shiva carried Sati’s charred body and performed the Tandava, the cosmic dance of destruction. To restore balance to the universe, Lord Vishnu intervened. Using his Sudarshan Chakra, he dismembered Sati’s body. It is believed that wherever her body parts and ornaments fell, those sites became revered as the Shaktipeeths.
It is important to note that the association of specific body parts with each Shaktipeeth varies across texts and regional traditions. There is no single, universally accepted list that standardises these identifications.
The 51 Shaktipeeths in India
Given below is a detailed 51 Shaktipeeth list with states. The table also shows the body parts or ornaments associated with the place.
| No. | Shakti Peeth Name | Place | Body Part |
| 1 | Amarnath | Jammu & Kashmir | Throat |
| 2 | Ambaji | Ambaji, Gujarat | Heart |
| 3 | Ambika | Bharatpur, Rajasthan | Left foot |
| 4 | Aparna | Bogra, Bangladesh | Anklet/Ribs of left chest/Right eye |
| 5 | Avanti | Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh | Upper Lips/Elbow |
| 6 | Bahula | West Bengal | Left Arm |
| 7 | Bhavani | Chittagong, Bangladesh | Right Arm |
| 8 | Bhramaramba | Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh | Right Anklet |
| 9 | Bhramari | Nashik, Maharashtra | Chin |
| 10 | Bhramri | Jalpaiguri, West Bengal | Left leg |
| 11 | Biraja | Jajpur, Odisha | Navel |
| 12 | Dakshayani | Burang, Tibet | Right Palm |
| 13 | Dakshina Kali | Kolkata, West Bengal | Right Toes |
| 14 | Devgarbha | Birbhum, West Bengal | Bone |
| 15 | Gandaki Chandi | Mustang, Nepal | Cheek |
| 16 | Gayatri | Pushkar, Rajasthan | Wrist |
| 17 | Hinglaj | Pakistan | Head |
| 18 | Jai Durga | Deoghar, Jharkhand | Ear |
| 19 | Jayanti | West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya | Left Thigh |
| 20 | Jeshoreshwari | Khulna, Bangladesh | Palm |
| 21 | Jwala Devi | Kangra, Himachal Pradesh | Tongue |
| 22 | Kalmadhav | Annuppur, Madhya Pradesh | Left Buttock |
| 23 | Kapalini | Purba Medinipur, West Bengal | Left Ankle |
| 24 | Katyayani | Mathura, Uttar Pradesh | Hair |
| 25 | Khamakya | Guwahati, Assam | Yoni (Genitals) |
| 26 | Kumari Shakti | Hooghly, West Bengal | Right Shoulder |
| 27 | Lalita | Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh | Fingers |
| 28 | Mangla Gauri | Gaya, Bihar | Breast |
| 29 | Maha Lakshmi | Bangladesh | Neck |
| 30 | Mahashira | Kathmandu, Nepal | Hips |
| 31 | Mahishasuramardini | Kolhapur, Maharashtra | Third Eye |
| 32 | Mahishmardini | Birbhum, West Bengal | Portion of the head between the eyebrows |
| 33 | Mangal Chandika | Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal | Right Wrist |
| 34 | Mithila | Nepal | Left Shoulder |
| 35 | Nagapooshani | Northern Province, Sri Lanka | Anklets |
| 36 | Nandini | Birbhum, West Bengal | Necklace |
| 37 | Narayani | Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu | Upper Teeth |
| 38 | Narmada | Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh | Right Buttock |
| 39 | Panch Sagar | Haridwar | Teeth (lower jaw) |
| 40 | Phullara | West Bengal | Lower Lip |
| 41 | Ramgiri | Chitrakuta | Right Breast |
| 42 | Ratnavali | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Right Shoulder |
| 43 | Sarvashail | East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh | Left cheek |
| 44 | Savitri | Kurukshetra, Haryana | Right Ankle |
| 45 | Sravani | Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu | Back and spine |
| 46 | Sri Parvat | Ladakh, Kashmir | Right Anklet |
| 47 | Sugandha | Barishal, Bangladesh | Nose |
| 48 | Tripura Sundari | Gomati, Tripura | Right Foot |
| 49 | Tripurmalini | Jalandhar, Punjab | Left Breast |
| 50 | Vimla | Murshidabad, West Bengal | Crown |
| 51 | Vishalakshi | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | Earrings |
Please keep in mind that the number of Shaktipeeths is not universally fixed and may vary across different religious texts and traditions. While 51 Shaktipeeths are widely recognised, some sources mention there were originally 108 sites. These variations arise from differing interpretations in ancient scriptures and regional beliefs.
Must-Visit ShaktiPeeths in India
While the entire list of Shaktipeeths in India is worth visiting, some temples are more popular. There are 18 Shaktipeeths collectively known as the Astadasha Maha, which are important in medieval Hindu texts.
Let us take a look at some of the must-visit Shaktipeeths, along with some travel tips:
1. Jwalaji Temple
Location: Himachal Pradesh
Organ Associated: Tongue
One of the most popular Shaktipeeths, Jwalaji, also called Jwalamukhi Temple, is situated in the lap of the Shivalik range of Kangra valley. It is believed that Sati’s tongue fell at the very place where the temple is now situated. No deity or idol is worshipped, but a holy flame that is perpetually burning.
Every year, during Navratris in March to April and September to October, many colourful fairs are held.
2. Kamakshi Amman Temple
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Organ Associated: Nabhi (navel)
Located in the holy city of Kanchipuram, Kamakshi Amman Temple reflects deep traditions of Shakti worship. The temple is about 75 kilometres from Chennai and is well connected by road. The best time to visit is typically between October and February.
3. Shrunkala Devi Temple
Location: Hoogly district, West Bengal
Organ Associated: Abdomen
It is believed that the abdomen of Goddess Sati fell here. The original structure is believed to have been lost or destroyed during an invasion. There is no formal temple structure. Some say that while the original temple was in West Bengal, the holy organ was later taken to Sringeri in Karnataka.
4. Mahakaleshwar Temple
Location: Ujjain
Organ Associated: Upper lip
The Mahakaleswar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is believed that the temple has a history spanning over two millennia. The temple is also famous for its unique Bhasm Aarti, performed with sacred ash. The temple comes alive with grand celebrations during Mahashivratri.
5. Kamakhya Temple
Location: Guwahati
Organ Associated: Yoni (womb/ genitals)
Kamakhya Temple is associated with the yoni and symbolises creation and feminine power. Known for the Ambubachi Mela, the temple honours a woman’s ability to give birth, and couples who wish to have a baby visit this temple to seek the Goddess’s blessings.
The best time to visit Kamakhya Temple is from October to March.
6. Mahalakshmi Temple
Location: Kohlapur, Maharashtra
Organ Associated: Eyes
Mahalakshmi Temple is a major pilgrimage site, especially known for the blessings of prosperity and abundance. It is believed that Sati’s three eyes fell here.
The temple stands out for its intricate stone carvings and the goddess’s diamond-studded crown. It draws devotees from across the country, seeking wealth and success, especially during the Navratris.
7. Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple
Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Organ Associated: Neck
The Bhramaramba Devi Temple is located within the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple complex. Srisailam is said to be the only place in India where a Jyotirlinga (Mallikarjuna) and a Shaktipeeth (Bhramaramba) coexist. The temple is, therefore, known for its powerful spiritual energy and is said to grant divine blessings and fulfil devotees’ wishes.
8. Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple
Location: Pitapuram town, Andhra Pradesh
Organ Associated: Left arm
The Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple is an important Shakti Peetha dedicated to divine feminine energy. The temple is situated in Pithapuram, one of the oldest and most popular pilgrimage sites in India. Blending Shaivite and Shakti traditions, the temple offers a deeply spiritual experience.
9. Alopi Devi Mandir
Location: Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Organ Associated: Right hand or Fingers
The Alopi Devi Mandir is a unique temple. Unlike most Hindu temples, this one has no physical deity. The word ‘alopi’ means to disappear, and thus, Sati received the name Alopi Devi here. It is believed that it was here that Sati’s organs fell and then disappeared. It is also considered that this was the last body part to fall here.
While Tuesdays and Fridays typically see large numbers of devotees, Navratris are the most celebrated festivals here.
10. Bhimeswara Swamy Temple
Location: Samarlakota, Andhra Pradesh
Organ Associated: Left Cheek
The Bhimeshwar Swamy temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. One of the Ashta Shakthipeetha, it was here that Sati’s left cheek fell. It is a stone-built temple in the Chalukya and Chola architectural styles. Some of the famous festivals celebrated here are Shivratri, Navratri, and Karthika Deepam.
11. Mangla Gauri Temple
Location: Gaya, Bihar
Organ Associated: Breast
Another must-visit Shaktipeeth is the Mangla Gauri Temple in Bihar. This sacred place is where Goddess Sati’s breast is believed to have fallen. This temple symbolises nourishment and kindness. The temple is often visited by newlyweds seeking the Goddess’s blessings for a prosperous married life.
12. Vishalakshi Temple
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Ornament Associated: Earrings
The earrings of the goddess Sati were said to have fallen here in Varanasi. The temple has served as a spiritual anchor for pilgrims for centuries. In a city like Varanasi, the temple is said to create a divine balance, with Lord Shiva reigning here as Vishwanath.
Conclusion
In India, Shaktipeethas are more than just a place of worship. These are sacred places that are embodiments of divine feminine energy, devotion, and mythology. So, if you want to undertake a journey to any of these sacred places, you can check the list of 51 Shaktipeeths, state-wise.
As they are spread across India, planning your travel is essential to ensure a smooth, fulfilling, and transformative experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Shaktipeeths?
Shaktipeeths are sacred temples dedicated to Goddess Shakti, marking places where parts of Goddess Sati’s body fell.
Is the Amarnath temple in Srinagar a Shaktipeeth?
Yes, it is among the 51 Shaktipeeths in India. Better known as the Amarnath Mandir, the Shri Amarnath Cave Temple is located on the Amarnath Mountain in Jammu & Kashmir. Considered to be one of the holiest sites for Hindus, the temple is a Shaktipeeth where Goddess Sati’s throat fell.
Can all Shaktipeeths be visited in one trip?
It is not possible to visit all the Shakthipeethas on a single trip due to their wide geographical spread. You should plan to visit them in phases.
Are all 108 Shaktipeeths located in India?
No. It is believed that some are located in neighbouring countries, including Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
Is there any Shaktipeeth temple in Vrindavan?
Vrindavan, also called Brij Bhoomi, in Uttar Pradesh, is a city full of sacred places. It is stated that the hair of Goddess Sati fell in Brij, and that spot is known as Katyayani Peeth. Situated on the banks of the River Yamuna, Vrindavan is 150 kilometres from New Delhi and is well connected by road.
Is the Shankari Devi Temple in Sri Lanka a Shaktipeeth?
Yes, it is. The Shankari Devi Temple is associated with the groin, and it symbolises fertility. While the original Shankari Devi Temple is believed to have been destroyed by invaders, Sati’s idol is said to have been preserved in a nearby temple.
What is the Kalighat Temple in West Bengal famous for?
The Kalighat Temple is one of Kolkata’s holiest shrines. The best time to visit this Shaktipeeth is from October to March. The temple sees a rise in visitors during Durga Puja.
