Pushkar, October 7 (Daily Kiran) : The upcoming Navratri festival, starting on October 11, holds immense significance in Sanatan Dharma. This nine-day celebration involves worshipping nine forms of the divine mother, Adi Shakti, across the country. Among the various rituals, visiting the 51 Shakti Peethas is considered especially auspicious, believed to fulfill the devotees’ wishes.
Shakti Peethas hold a vital place in India’s spiritual history. They are not just centers of faith but also symbols of cultural unity. According to mythology, these sacred sites were established where the body parts of Goddess Sati fell. Today, 51 Shakti Peethas can be found across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. During Navratri, these sites host special rituals, spiritual practices, and fairs.
Located near Pushkar, about 11 kilometers northwest of Ajmer, the Gayatri Shakti Peeth is said to be the site where the goddess’s wrist fell. Known as the Manidevi Temple, it is revered for its divine energy. Visitors can easily reach Pushkar via trains and buses from Ajmer, with taxis and rickshaws available for the final leg of the journey. The nearest airport is in Jaipur.
In the heart of Rajasthan lies the Shri Ambika Shakti Peeth, dedicated to Goddess Ambika, symbolizing divine feminine power. This sacred temple attracts devotees from across the globe. Nestled in the tranquil village of Papdi, near Viratnagar, it is believed to be the site where Sati’s left toe fell. Historically, Papdi was known as Pava Padi, and Viratnagar served as the capital of the ancient Matsya Empire. Perched atop the scenic Bijak hill, this Peeth offers an ideal setting for meditation and prayer, promoting inner peace. The nearest airport is also in Jaipur.
Chandrabhaaga Shakti Peeth is another significant site among the 51, representing female strength. The Shakta philosophy, which regards the goddess as the supreme power, enhances its importance. It conveys that women embody not just the foundation of creation but also strength, wisdom, and compassion. The goddess is perceived as both nature and the masculine force, responsible for the universe’s creation, sustenance, and destruction. The temple is located in the Prabhas region of Junagadh district, Gujarat, where it is believed that the goddess’s abdomen fell. The area is well-connected by trains and private bus services.
In Kolhapur, Maharashtra, the Karveerpur or Shivharakar Shakti Peeth marks the spot where the goddess’s three eyes fell. The deities Mahishasuramardini and Bhairav Krodhish are worshipped here. The region was historically referred to as Karveer and is mentioned in the Devi Gita. It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva performed the Tandava dance in sorrow over his beloved’s absence, leading to the emergence of Goddess Mahishasuramardini to vanquish demons. Kolhapur is well-connected by road, rail, and air.
In Tripura, near Udaipur, lies the Radha Kishorpur village, where the goddess’s right foot is said to have fallen. Known as Tripura Sundari or Matabari, this temple is situated on a small hill resembling a turtle’s back, earning it the name Kuurm Peeth. It is the second most visited temple in Northeast India, after Assam’s Kamakhya Temple, and the state of Tripura derives its name from this sacred site. Built in 1501 AD in the Bengali Ek-Ratna style by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya, the temple is accessible from the nearest airport in Agartala and the Kumarghat railway station, located 140 kilometers away.
As Navratri approaches, these Shakti Peethas beckon devotees, offering a blend of spirituality, history, and cultural heritage.
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