52 Shaktipeeth

The Shakti Peethas (holy places of cosmic power) are places of worship
consecrated to the goddess 'Shakti', the female principal of Hinduism and the main
deity of the Shakti sect. Shaktipeeth are sprinkled throughout the Indian
subcontinent. This goddess is often associated both with Gorri / Parvati, the
benevolent goddess of harmony, marital felicity and longevity, with Durga,
goddess of strength and valour, and with Mahakali (the black one) , goddess of
destruction of the evil.

Legend
According to legend, at some time in Satya Yuga, Daksha (who was the son of
Lord Brahma) performed a yagna in a place called Kankan (near Haridwar) This
Yagya was named Vrihaspati Yagna. He performed this Yagna with a desire of
taking revenge on Lord Shiva. Daksha was angry because his daughter Sati (one
of his 27 daughters) had married the 'yogi' God Shiva against his wishes. Daksha invited all the deities to the yagna
except for Shiva and Sati. The fact that she was not invited did not deter Sati from attending the yagna. She had
expressed her desire to attend to Shiva, who had tried his best to dissuade her from going. Shiva eventually allowed
her to go escorted by his ganas.
But Sati, being an uninvited guest, was not given any respect by his father. Further more, Daksha insulted Shiva. Sati
was unable to bear her father's insults toward her husband, so she committed suicide by jumping into the yagna fire
(sacrificial fire). When Lord Shiva heard about her death he became furious. He along with his ganas (followers) went
to the place where Daksha was performing his oblation. The oblation site was completely destroyed by Shiva and his
ganas (mainly by the great Veerbhadra) and killed Daksha.
Lord Shiva then carried the corpse of Sati and started dancing furiously all over the place like a lunatic. The other
gods intervened to stop this dance.
To bring down his anger, Lord Vishnu severed the dead body with his Sudarshan chakra. Various parts of the body
fell at several spots all through the Indian subcontinent and formed the sites of which are known as Shaktipeeth.

List of 52 Shakti Peethas

In order to view the index, which is based on Tantra-Chudamani , reveals as to which organ fell at which place and
which Bhairav and which Shakti have their dwellings at which place.
S.
ORGAN AND
LOCATION
SHAKTI
NO.
ORNAMENT

1.

HINGULA

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

SHARKRAR
SUGANDHA
KASHMIR
JWALAMUKHI
JALANDHAR
VAIDDYANATH
NEPAL

THE SUTURE ON
THE TOP
OF THE HEAD
EYES
NOSE
THROAT
TONGUE
BREAST
HEART
KNEE

BHAIRAV

KOTTVISHA

BHIMALOCHAN

MAHISHMARDINI
SUNANDA
MAHAMAYA
SIDDHIDA
TRIPURMALINI
JAYA DURGA
MAHAMAYA

KRODHISH
TRAYAMBAK
TRISANDHYESHWAR
UNMAT BHAIRAV
BHISHAN
VAIDDYANATH
KAPALI

9.
10.
11
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.

MANAS
VIRJA IN UTKAL
GANDAKI
BAHULA
UJJAYINI
TRIPURA
CHAHAL
TRISTROTA
KAMGIRI
PRAYAG
JAYANTI
YUGADDYA

21. KALIPEETH
22. KIREET
23. VARANASI
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.

KANYASHRAM
KURUKSHETRA
MANIBANDH
SHRI SHAIL
KANCHI
KALMADHAV

30. SHONDESH
31. RAMGIRI
32.

VRINDAVAN

33. SHUCHI
34. PANCHSAGAR
35. KARTOYATAT
36. SHRI PARVAT

RIGHT HAND
NAVEL
TEMPLE
LEFT ARM
WRIST MANGAL
RIGHT LEG
RIGHT ARM
LEFT LEG
GENITAL
FINGER (HAND)
LEFT THIGH
GREAT TOE
(RIGHT)
RIGHT TOE
CROWN

DAKSHAPANI
VIMLA
GANDAKI
GODDESS BAHULA
CHANDIKA
TRIPUR SUNDARI
BHAWANI
BHRAMRI
KAMAKHYA
LALITA
JAYANTI

AMAR
JAGANNATH
CHAKRAPANI
BHIRUK
KAPILAMBAR
TRIPURESH
CHANDRASHEKHAR
BHAIRAVESHWAR
UMANAND
BHAVA
KRAMADISHWAR

BHOOT DHATRI

KSHEER KHANDAK

KALIKA
VIMLA
VISHALAKSHI AND
EAR RING
MANIKARNI
BACK
SARVANI
ANKLE BONE
SAVITRI
TWO WRISTLETS GAYATRI
NECK
MAHALAXMI
BONE
DEVGARBHA
BUTTOCK (LEFT) KALI
BUTTOCK
NARMADA
(RIGHT)
BREAST
SHIVANI
RINGLETS OF
UMA
HAIR
TEETH (UPPER
NARAYANI
JAW)
TEETH (LOWER
VARAHI
JAW)
TALPA
ARPANA
(ORNAMENT)
RIGHT ANKLE

37. VIBHASH
LEFT ANKLE
38. PRABHAS
STOMACH
39. BHAIRAVPARVAT UPPER LIP
CHIN (TWO
40. JANSTHAL
PARTS)

NAKULEESH
SANWART
KALBHAIRAV
NIMISH
STHANU
SARVANAND
SHAMBARANAND
RURU
ASITANG
BHADRASEN
CHANDBHAIRAV
BHUTESH
SANHAR
MAHARUDRA
VAMAN BHAIRAV

KAPALINI
CHANDRABHAGA
AVANTI

SUNDARANAND
BHAIRAV
SARVANAND
VAKRATUND
LAMBKARNA

BHRAMARI

VIKRITAKSH

SHRI SUNDARI

41. SARVASHAIL
42. GODAVARITIR
43. RATNAVALI
44. MITHILA
45. NALHATI
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.

KARNAT
VAKRESHWAR
YASHOR
ATTAHAS
NANDIPUR
LANKA
Danteshwari

LEFT CHEEK
RIGHT CHEEK
RIGHT
SHOULDER
LEFT
SHOULDER
TUBULAR
BONES OF THE
FEET
EAR
MIND
HAND & FOOT
LIPS
NECKLACE
ANKLETS
Daant (Teeth)

RAKINI
VISHVESHI

VATSNABH
DANDPANI

KUMARI

SHIVA

UMA

MAHODAR

KALIKA DEVI

YOGESH

JAYADURGA
MAHISHMARDINI
YASHORESHWARI
PHULLARA
NANDINI
INDRANI
Danteshwari

ABHIRU
VAKRANATH
CHAND
VISHVESH
NANDIKESHWAR
RAKSHASESHWAR

These names of Bhairavs are not mentioned in other books except Tantra-Chudamani. All the Shakti-Peeths have
secondary deity as Bhairav, besides the primary deity- Shakti. While having a darshan of Shakti-Peeth, a devotee
should also have a darshan of Bhairav also, keeping in mind shivas Shakti.

Locations
1). Hingula (Hinglaj) Devis 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

towards

125

km

from

Karachi,

Pakistan.

2). Sharkarare or Karavipur Devis 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, Kangra, Devis tongue fell here and the idols are Devi as Ambika (Mother) and Shiva as Unmatta
(Furious).

This

is

located

near

Pathankot,

H.P.,

Jwalamukhi

Road.

4). Sugandha Devis 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 Devis temple is located and Shivas temple is in a village
called

Ponabalia,

nearest

railway

station

is

Jhalkati.

5). On Bhairabha mountain near Avanti Devis 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) Devis 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

major

pilgrimage

and

tourist

attraction.

7). In Prabhas Devis 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). In Yanasthana Devis 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) Devis left cheek fell here and the idols are Viswamatuka (mother of the world) and Shiva as
Dandapani

(the

one

who

holds

staff).

10). Inside Gandaki (river) Devis 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 Devis upper teeth fell here and the idols are Devi as Narayani (the wife of Narayan) and Shiva as
Sanghar. Panchasagar - Devis lower teeth fell here and the idols are Devi as Barahi and Shiva as Maharudra (the
angry

one).

12).In Bhavanipur or Karota (river) Devis 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.
13). In Shriparvata or Shri mountain Devis right seat fell here and the idols are Devi as Shri Sunadari (beautiful) and
Shiva

as

Sundaranand

(the

handsome

one).

14). Karnat Devis two ears fell here and the idols are Devi as Jai Durga (the victoriuos Durga) and Shiva as
Avirooka.
15). Vrindavana Devis hair fell here and idols are Devi as Uma (Devi) and Shiva as Bhootesh (or provider of all
desires).

Playgorund

of

Lord

Krishna

and

the

gopis.

16). Kirit Devis crown or headdress fell here and idols are Devi as Vimala (Pure) and Shiva as Sangbarta. Take the
train to Ajimganj. The temples are on the shore of the ganges near Batnagar. (in Bangladesh )
17). Shrihatta Devis nape of the neck fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahalakshmi (the goddess of prosperity and
wife of Mahavishnu) and Shiva as Sarvananda (the one who makes everyone happy). Devis temple is Near Shrihatta
town and Shivas temple is near Jainpur. Shivaratri and Ashokashtami are celebrated with a Mela (carnival). Take
train from Calcutta to Goalanda and steamer to Kechuaganj. Then either take a boat or walk about five miles (6
koshas).
18). Nalhati Devis vocal pipe fell here and the idols are Devi as Kalika (Durga) and Shiva as Yogesh. By train from
Howrah

station.

19). Kashmir Devis neck fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahamaya (the great Illusion) and Shiva as
Trisandhyasvar. The famous pilgrimage is Amarnath. There is a Shiva linga of glacial ice which expands and
contracts

with

the

seasons.

20). Ratnabali Devis right shoulder fell here and the idols are Devi as Kumari (Durga) and Shiva as Bhairabha
(Remover

of

fear).

21). Mithila Devis left shoulder fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahadevi (Devi) and Shiva as Mahodara (the big
belied

one).

This

is

near

Janakpur

station.

22). In Chattagram (also called Chattal) Devis right arm fell here and the idols are Devi as Bhavani (Devi) and Shiva
as Chandrashekhar (the one who has the moon as the crown). It is said that Mahadeva has himself pronounced that
he will visit Chandrashekhar mountain regularly during Kali yuga. This is near Sitakunda station. This is in
Bangladesh.
23). In Manav Kschetra (Field) Devis right hand or palm fell her and the idols are Devi as Dakhchayani (Durga) and
Shiva as Amar (Immortal). Take train from Howrah station to Guskar station and then a few miles to Kogram.
Mahadeva

is

considered

Siddhidayaka

or

provider

of

all

wishes.

24).In Ujjaini Devis elbows fell here and the idols are Devi as Mangalchandi (Durga) and Shiva as Kapilambar (one
who

wears

the

brown

clothes).

Shiva

is

siddhidayaka.

25). Manibandha Devis middle of the palms fell here and the idols are Devi as Gayatri (Saraswati) and Shiva as
Sarvananda

(the

one

who

makes

everyone

happy).

26). Prayag (three rivers meet here) Devis ten fingers fell here and the idols are Devi as Lalita (beautiful). Another
name is Alopi and Shiva as Bhava. Near Tribeni ghat there is Banitirtha ghat (Quay for boats). Allahabad is the train
station.
27). Bahula Devis left arm fell here and the idols are Devi as Bahula (Abundant) and Shiva as Bhiruk (who is also
Sarvasiddhadayaka). Arrive at Katoa rail station and then go to Ketugram which is a pilgrimage.
28). Jalandhar Devis right breast fell here and the idols are Devi as Tripurmalini (Durga) and Shiva as Bhisan
(Gruesome).

Jwalamukhi

is

the

nearby

Tirtha

and

train

goes

from

Delhi

to

Jalandhar.

29). Ramgiri (or Chitrakoot mountain) Devis left breast fell here (another opinion is that her Nala or Jaghanasti fell
here) and the idols are Devi as Shibani (the wife of Shiva) and Shiva as Chanda. Near Bilaspur station and a walk of
2

miles.

30). Vaidyanath Devis heart fell here and the idols are Devi as Jaidurga (Victorious Durga) and Shiva as Vaidyanath.
It

is

in

Bihar.

Joshidi

is

the

train

station.

31). Utkal, Orissa, Devis navel fell here and the idols are Devi as Vimala (the pure one) and Shiva as Jagannath (the
ruler

of

the

world).

This

is

near

the

Jagannath

temple

of

Puri

in

the

state

of

Orissa.

32). Kanchidesh Devis skeleton fell here and the idols are Devi as Devagarbha and Shiva as Ruru. Bolpur station to
Kopar

river

banks.

There

is

well

for

worship.

33). Kalmadhava Devis right hips fell here and the idols are Devi as Kali (another form of Durga) and Shiva as
Asitananda.

By

praying

to

the

Devi

profusely

pilgirms

can

obtain

their

desired

objective.

34). Sone (near Sone river) Devis left hips fell here and the idols are Devi as Narmada and Shiva as Vadrasen.
35). Kamakhya (or Kamroop) Devis yoni fell here and the idols are Devi as Kamakhya (personification of love) and
Shiva as Umananda. This is near Gauhati in the state of Assam on the banks of the Brahmaputra (the son of
Brahma) river. The temple is on top of the Nilachal Hill. This is a famous pilgrimage for women seeking fertility or
love. The temple is supposedly built by Kamdev, the god of love. The Umananda temple is nearby in an islet on the
river.

It

has

many

pet

monkeys.

36). Nepal Devis two knees fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahashira and Shiva as Kapali.
37). Jayanti Devis left thigh fell here and the idols are Devi as Jayanti and Shiva as Kramadiswar. In Bengal near Sri
Hatta.
38). Magadha Devis right thigh fell here and the idols are Devi as Sarvanandari and Shiva as Bomkesha. Inside
Shrihatta at Jayantipargana near the base of the Kahshia mountain Devis legs are placed here. Srihatta to
Kanairghat

by

boat

and

then

walk

miles.

In

West

Bengal.

39) Tripura Devis right foot fell here and the idols are Devi as Tripurasundari and Shiva as Tripuresh. Devi is grantor
of

all

wishes

or

Sarvavishta

pradyani.

40). Khirgram Devis right toe fell here and the idols are Devi as Yogadaya and Shiva as Khirakantha. Take Eastern
Indian Railway to Bardwhan station. Take Bardhwan Katoa Rail to Nigam station. Nigam station to Khirgram (village)
is

miles.

mela

(fete)

is

held

during

Baisakha

Sankranti.

41). Kalighat (Kolkotta) Devis four small toes from her right foot fell here and the idols are Devi as Kali and Shiva as
Nakulish or Nakuleswar. Famous pilgrimage located in Kolkotta in the state of West Bengal. Kali is a dark
complexioned form of Shakti who has taste for blood and death. She rules over the cremation sites and is worshipped
by devotees on a dark and moon less night. She is a popular deity of Bengal. kali is the female version of Kala or end
of

time.

42). Kurukchetra (or fields belonging to the Kuru family where the battle of the Mahbharata was fought between the
Kurus and Pandus) Devis right ankle fell here and the idols are Devi as Savitri or Sthanu and Shiva as Aswanath.
43). Bakreswar Devis mind or the centre of the brows fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahishamardini (the slayer

of Mahishasur or Durga) and Shiva as Bakranath. Near Ahmedpur station. There are seven hot springs and also the
Paphara (remover of sins) river. The Mahamuni Ashtabakra found enlightenment here. On Shivaratri (night) there is a
grand

Mela

(fete)

here.

44). Jessore Devis centre of the hands fell here and the idols are Jashoreswari and Shiva as Chanda (Moon or the
one

who

holds

the

moon).

45). Nandipur Devis necklace fell here and the idols are Devi as Nandini and Shiva as Nandikishore.
46). Varanasi (Benaras) Devis earrings (Kundal) fell here and the idols are Devi as VishwaLakschmi (The provider of
wealth to all) and Shiva as Kala (Time or the end of time). Famous pilgrimage in UP and one of the oldest cities in the
world.

The

Puranas

say

that

this

city

exists

even

after

the

Pralaya.

47). Kanashram or Kalikashram Devis back fell here and the idols are Devi as Sharvani and Shiva as Nimisha.
48). Lanka Her feet bells (Nupur) fell here and the idols are Devi as Indrakschi and Shiva as Rakchaseswara.
Indrakschi

was

created

and

worshipped

by

Indra

in

person.

49). Virat Devis small toes of the feet fell here and idols are Devi as Ambika and Shiva as Amrita (nectar of
immortality).
50). Bivasa Devis left ankle fell here and the idols are Devi as Bhimarupa and Shiva as Sarvananda.
51). Trisnota Devis left feet fell here and the idols are Devi as Vramari (Bumblebee) and Shiva as Iswar (God). On
the

banks

of

Tista

river

in

Shalbari

village

in

Jalpaiguri

district

in

West

52). The Danteshwari ( Kuldevi Of Baster State ), Dantewada Baster 80 km's from Jagdalpur Chhattisgarh.

Om Shiv Shakatyei Namah

Bengal.