When we talk about the term shakti, we refer to many different ideas. The general definition of it is a dynamic energy which is responsible for creation, maintenance, and the destruction of the universe.

Shakti is recognized as a female energy as it is responsible for creation, in the same way that mothers are responsible for birth. Without  it, the universe would never exist, and nothing would even happen. She stimulates Shiva (a passive energy in the form of consciousness, to be a creator).

There is a Hindu Deity called Ardhanarishvara, who is half male and half female and they are a fabulous representation of this idea!!! Ardhanarishvara is equally male and female, whose body illustrates that the creation, maintenance, and destruction of the universe is dependent on both forces.

Shakti also refers to the manifestations of this energy, mainly the goddesses. Some goddesses are known to embody the destructive aspects of shakti, like illness, death, and degeneration, while there are also other goddesses that embody the creative and celebratory powers of shakti, like nature, the elements, art, dance, prosperity, music, etc.

Shakti can also be personified as the gentle Uma, wife of Shiva, or of Kali, who is famously known for her terrifying force which destroys evil, or also like Durga, who is the warrior, she conquers forces that threaten and hamper the stability of the universe.

The people who worship goddesses view their deity as the all- mighty and powerful Supreme Being, they don’t even assume them to be second to any male god. There are a number of goddess traditions in India, especially in West Bengal and the southern states of India.

As per the Devi Purana, after the death of Goddess Sati, Lord Shiva became furious and grief stricken and started performing Tandava – the dance of destruction. To quieten Lord Vishnu had to cut her body into 51 pieces with the Sudarshan Chakra. These parts fell in various places and each of this place is called the Shakti Peetha.

The Shakti Pithas, also known as Shakti Peethas, are important sacred sites and really popular pilgrimage destinations which are dedicated to worshiping the Goddess Durga in all her forms. Several Hindu texts mention that there are quite a number of these shrines, with 51, 52, 64, or even 108 Shakti Pithas.

Among these however, 18 are particularly revered as the Astadasha Maha Shakti Pithas in medieval Hindu writings. According to the traditions, the body of the goddess was divided into 51 parts, which then fell in different locations around the world.

 Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur

Known as Matabari, the name means the abode of Mother. This temple is located on the outskirts of Udaipur in Tripura, around 51 km from Agartala City.

The temple is placed in a peaceful and calm environment. The constant chanting by priests and devotees, the ringing of bells, and the overall vibe creates a divine atmosphere for those who visit. It's believed that the foot of Devi Sati fell here, and the goddess is worshipped as ‘Soroshi,’ a sixteen-year-old girl.

Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati

The Kamakhya Temple is dedicated to Devi Kamakhya. She is one of the most visited and powerful Shakti Pithas in India. Situated atop Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, it is considered the seat of Supreme Energy or Maha Shakti. Thousands and thousands of devotees gather here during the Ambubachi Mela.

 According to Devi Purana, the female reproductive organ or Mahamudra of Devi fell in a cave here, and it is worshipped in the form of a stone. The temple is also home to many other shrines that are dedicated to different incarnations of Durga and Lord Shiva.

Nalateshwari Temple in Birbhum

The Nalareshwari temple is located amidst the natural beauty of Birbhum. This temple is a tranquil place along the banks of the River Brahmani.

This temple is specifically dedicated to an incarnation of the Goddess Kali. This place is believed to be the location where Devi Sati’s vocal chord and a part of the trachea fell. The temple is on a hillock and it features walls adorned with terracotta panels.

Tarapith Temple in Birbhum

The Tarapith temple is a major Shakti Pitha dedicated to Goddess Durga, specifically Goddess Tara, an incarnation of Kali. It is situated in the Birbhum District, in West Bengal. Widely, it is believed that the eyeball of Sati fell here.

The temple is also known for its mystical atmosphere, offerings, and tantric activities. The deity’s idol is made of silver. It is quite unique, with two hands and a garland of a snake around her neck which depicts the Lord Shiva sucking her breast as a child.

Vishalakshi Devi Temple in Varanasi

This temple is located in Varanasi near the banks of the Holy River Ganges. This temple is believed to be where Devi Sati’s earrings fell. The goddess Vishalakshi is seen as the energy of Lord Vishwanath.

Many pilgrims come here to seek blessings and to bathe in the waters of the Ganges, they believe that it will grant them moksha, the liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Kalighat Temple in Kolkata

Another major temple that is dedicated to the Goddess Kali, is the Kalighat Temple. It is believed to be where the toes of Devi Sati’s right foot fell.

Closely following the Siddha tradition, the temple's unique statue of the goddess features large eyes, golden hands, and a golden protruding tongue. During the holy bathing ceremony, the priests cover their eyes with a cloth.

Mahakali Temple in Ujjain

This temple, which is placed in Ujjain is dedicated to Maha Kali who is the fierce form of Adi Shakti. Located on a small hillock by the Kshipra River, Ujjain is seen as the royal seat of Devi Mahakali and King Vikramaditya.

Many believe that the upper lip of Sati fell here, making it a significant site for devotees of Goddess Kali. A lot of people flock here.

Shakti is your inner power and beauty. Working the goddess invokes our inner power. To explore more about interesting facts about Indian tradition do keep visiting our blog