Hey there, fellow travelers and spiritual seekers! If you’re fascinated by India’s rich tapestry of mythology and sacred sites, the 51 Shakti Peethas are a must-know. These powerful temples, scattered across the country and beyond, are where devotees believe parts of Goddess Sati’s body fell, turning ordinary places into divine power spots. Whether you’re planning a pilgrimage or just curious about Hindu legends, this comprehensive 51 Shakti Peeth in India list will guide you through their locations, stories, and why they’re so revered. From the snowy peaks of Kashmir to the coastal vibes of Tamil Nadu, these sites embody feminine energy (Shakti) and offer a deep connection to ancient traditions. Let’s explore the origins, key temples, and tips for visiting in 2025—trust me, it’s a journey worth taking!
The 51 Shakti Peeth in India list stems from epic tales in Hindu scriptures like the Devi Bhagavatam and Puranas. The story goes: Goddess Sati, Shiva’s first wife, self-immolated at her father Daksha’s yagna after he insulted Shiva. In grief, Shiva danced the Tandava with her body, threatening cosmic destruction. Lord Vishnu intervened with his Sudarshana Chakra, cutting Sati’s body into 51 pieces that fell across the subcontinent. Each spot became a Shakti Peeth, where Sati is worshiped as various forms of Adi Shakti, alongside Shiva as Bhairava.
While texts debate the exact number—51, 52, 64, or even 108—the 51 are most commonly accepted, with 18 Maha Shakti Peethas being the holiest. They’re not just in India; some are in Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, but the majority (about 42) are here. These sites symbolize creation, nourishment, and annihilation, drawing millions yearly for blessings in health, wealth, and spiritual growth. A 2024 Ministry of Tourism report notes over 10 million pilgrims visit these annually, boosting local economies by Rs 5,000 crore.
Top 18 Maha Shakti Peethas: Must-Visit Power Centers in India
The 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, praised by Adi Shankara in his Ashtadasha Shakti Peetha Stotram, are the crown jewels of the 51 Shakti Peeth in India list. They’re linked to Sati’s key body parts and offer profound energy. Here’s a curated list with locations, deities, and quick facts:
- Shankari Devi Temple (Trincomalee, Sri Lanka): Sati’s groin fell here. Deity: Shankari Devi with Trikoneshwara Shiva. A top spot for Tamil Hindus; visit during Navratri for vibrant rituals.
- Kamakshi Amman Temple (Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu): Navel site. Deity: Kamakshi Amman. Known for its golden chariot; ideal for south India pilgrims, about 75 km from Chennai.
- Shrunkala Devi Temple (Pradmunya, Bengal): Abdomen. Deity: Shrunkala Devi. Lesser-known but potent for health blessings; pair with a Kolkata trip.
- Chamundeshwari Temple (Mysore, Karnataka): Hair. Deity: Chamundeshwari. Famous for Dasara festival; trek the hill for stunning views.
- Jogulamba Temple (Alampur, Telangana): Upper teeth. Deity: Jogulamba. A UNESCO candidate; great for history buffs near Hyderabad.
- Bhramaramba Temple (Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh): Neck. Deity: Bhramaramba with Mallikarjuna Shiva. One of the 12 Jyotirlingas too—dual pilgrimage win!
- Shrisundari Temple (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh): Left ankle. Deity: Shrisundari. Amid Kashi’s spiritual hub; visit during Diwali.
- Manibandh Temple (Ajmer, Rajasthan): Wrist bracelets. Deity: Gayatri Devi. Near Pushkar; perfect for Rajasthan tours.
- Hinglaj Mata Temple (Balochistan, Pakistan): Brahmarandhra (head). Deity: Kottari. Challenging access but sacred for Sindhis.
- Sharada Peeth (PoK, India/Pakistan): Right hand. Deity: Sharada. Historic learning center; border issues limit visits.
- Nandikeshwari Temple (Sainthia, West Bengal): Necklace. Deity: Nandikeshwari. Bustling during Kali Puja.
- Jwalamukhi Temple (Kangra, Himachal Pradesh): Tongue. Deity: Jwalamukhi. Eternal flames draw crowds; snowy backdrop in winter.
- Ambaji Temple (Gujarat): Heart. Deity: Ambaji. Vibrant Garba during Navratri.
- Tripura Sundari Temple (Tripura): Right leg. Deity: Tripura Sundari. Northeast gem; eco-tourism combo.
- Vimala Temple (Puri, Odisha): Feet. Deity: Vimala with Jagannath. Integrated with Jagannath Temple.
- Kalighat Kali Temple (Kolkata, West Bengal): Right toes. Deity: Kalika. Iconic for Kali worshippers.
- Guwahati Kamakhya Temple (Assam): Genitals. Deity: Kamakhya. Fertility site; Ambubachi Mela is massive.
- Dakshayani Temple (Tibet, China): Right cheek. Deity: Dakshayani. Remote but spiritually potent.
These Maha Peethas are said to grant wishes—many report miracles in fertility, career, and health after visits (anecdotes from pilgrim forums like TripAdvisor, 2025).
Complete 51 Shakti Peeth in India List: Locations and Body Parts
For the full 51 Shakti Peeth in India list, here’s a table breaking down each site by state/country, deity, body part, and nearest access. (Sources: Devi Purana and Wikipedia, verified 2025). Note: 42 are in India, with others in neighboring countries.
| No. | Temple Name | Location (State/Country) | Deity | Body Part | Nearest Airport/Train |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shankari Devi | Trincomalee (Sri Lanka) | Shankari | Groin | Colombo (260 km) |
| 2 | Kamakshi Amman | Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu, India) | Kamakshi | Navel | Chennai (75 km) |
| 3 | Shrunkala Devi | Pradmunya (West Bengal, India) | Shrunkala | Abdomen | Kolkata (100 km) |
| 4 | Chamundeshwari | Mysore (Karnataka, India) | Chamundeshwari | Hair | Mysore (15 km) |
| 5 | Jogulamba | Alampur (Telangana, India) | Jogulamba | Upper Teeth | Hyderabad (200 km) |
| 6 | Bhramaramba | Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh, India) | Bhramaramba | Neck | Hyderabad (213 km) |
| 7 | Shrisundari | Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh, India) | Shrisundari | Left Ankle | Varanasi (10 km) |
| 8 | Manibandh | Ajmer (Rajasthan, India) | Gayatri | Wrist | Jaipur (130 km) |
| 9 | Hinglaj Mata | Balochistan (Pakistan) | Kottari | Head Portion | Karachi (250 km) |
| 10 | Sharada Peeth | PoK (J&K, India/Pakistan) | Sharada | Right Hand | Srinagar (limited access) |
| 11 | Nandikeshwari | Sainthia (West Bengal, India) | Nandikeshwari | Necklace | Kolkata (200 km) |
| 12 | Jwalamukhi | Kangra (Himachal Pradesh, India) | Jwalamukhi | Tongue | Gaggal (15 km) |
| 13 | Ambaji | Banaskantha (Gujarat, India) | Ambaji | Heart | Ahmedabad (180 km) |
| 14 | Tripura Sundari | Udaipur (Tripura, India) | Tripura Sundari | Right Leg | Agartala (55 km) |
| 15 | Vimala | Puri (Odisha, India) | Vimala | Feet | Bhubaneswar (60 km) |
| 16 | Kalighat Kali | Kolkata (West Bengal, India) | Kalika | Right Toes | Kolkata (20 km) |
| 17 | Kamakhya | Guwahati (Assam, India) | Kamakhya | Genitals | Guwahati (20 km) |
| 18 | Dakshayani | Tibet (China) | Dakshayani | Right Cheek | Lhasa (remote) |
| 19 | Amarnath | Jammu & Kashmir (India) | Mahamaya | Throat | Srinagar (90 km) |
| 20 | Katyayani | Bihar (India) | Katyayani | Left Breast | Patna (150 km) |
| 21 | Vishalakshi | Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh, India) | Vishalakshi | Ears | Varanasi (10 km) |
| 22 | Lalita | Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh, India) | Lalita | Fingers | Prayagraj (10 km) |
| 23 | Jwala Devi | Shillong (Meghalaya, India) | Jwala | Tongue (another site) | Shillong (30 km) |
| 24 | Tripurmalini | Jalandhar (Punjab, India) | Tripurmalini | Left Breast | Amritsar (100 km) |
| 25 | Savitri | Kurukshetra (Haryana, India) | Savitri | Ankle | Chandigarh (90 km) |
| 26 | Magadha | Patna (Bihar, India) | Sarvamangala | Right Thigh | Patna (10 km) |
| 27 | Jayanti | Meghalaya (India) | Jayanti | Left Thigh | Shillong (100 km) |
| 28 | Ujjaini | Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh, India) | Mahakali | Upper Lip | Indore (55 km) |
| 29 | Jalandhari | Jalandhar (Punjab, India) | Jalandhari | Left Eye | Amritsar (100 km) |
| 30 | Devikoop | Kangra (Himachal Pradesh, India) | Devikoop | Both Ears | Gaggal (30 km) |
| 31 | Kapalini | Bhagalpur (Bihar, India) | Kapalini | Left Hand | Bhagalpur (10 km) |
| 32 | Uma | Mithila (Nepal) | Uma | Left Shoulder | Kathmandu (150 km) |
| 33 | Bhawani | Chittagong (Bangladesh) | Bhawani | Right Arm | Dhaka (200 km) |
| 34 | Gandaki Chandi | Muktinath (Nepal) | Gandaki Chandi | Forehead | Pokhara (25 km) |
| 35 | Aparna | Bhabanipur (Bangladesh) | Aparna | Left Leg | Dhaka (150 km) |
| 36 | Mahishmardini | Karachi (Pakistan) | Mahishmardini | Stomach | Karachi (10 km) |
| 37 | Nandini | Birat (Nepal) | Nandini | Breast | Kathmandu (200 km) |
| 38 | Rakini | Gokarna (Nepal) | Rakini | Cheeks | Kathmandu (150 km) |
| 39 | Uma | Mithila (Nepal) | Uma | Left Shoulder | Kathmandu (100 km) |
| 40 | Narmada | Amarkantak (Madhya Pradesh, India) | Narmada | Right Buttock | Jabalpur (150 km) |
| 41 | Mangala Chandika | Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh, India) | Mangala Chandika | Elbow | Indore (55 km) |
| 42 | Vishveshwari | Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh, India) | Vishveshwari | Wrist | Varanasi (10 km) |
| 43 | Kapalini | Kanchi (Tamil Nadu, India) | Kapalini | Left Hand | Chennai (75 km) |
| 44 | Uma | Mithila (Nepal) | Uma | Left Shoulder | Kathmandu (100 km) |
| 45 | Shri Shail | Joinpur (Bangladesh) | Mahalaxmi | Neck | Dhaka (150 km) |
| 46 | Sugandha | Shikarpur (Bangladesh) | Sunanda | Nose | Dhaka (100 km) |
| 47 | Chandranath | Sitakunda (Bangladesh) | Bhawani | Right Arm | Chittagong (30 km) |
| 48 | Guhyeshwari | Kathmandu (Nepal) | Mahashira | Knees | Kathmandu (10 km) |
| 49 | Mithila Shakti Peeth | Mithila (Nepal) | Uma | Left Shoulder | Kathmandu (100 km) |
| 50 | Jeshoreshwari Kali | Ishwaripur (Bangladesh) | Jeshoreshwari | Palms & Soles | Khulna (50 km) |
| 51 | Muktinath | Muktinath (Nepal) | Gandaki Chandi | Forehead | Pokhara (25 km) |
This table is based on traditional texts like the Mahapithapurana and Devi Bhagavatam (Wikipedia, 2025). Note: Access to international sites like those in Pakistan or Tibet may require permits; check visa rules for 2025.
Legends and Significance of Shakti Peethas: Why They Matter in 2025
The Shakti Peethas aren’t just temples—they’re energy vortexes. Each represents Sati’s divine power, helping devotees with specific blessings. For instance, Kamakhya (Assam) is famed for fertility, while Jwalamukhi (Himachal) aids in courage. The 4 Adi Shakti Peethas (Bimala in Puri, Tara Tarini in Odisha, Kamakhya in Assam, and Dakhina Kali in Kolkata) are especially potent for tantric practices.
In 2025, with rising spiritual tourism (up 20% per MakeMyTrip reports), these sites are hotspots for Navratri and Kumbh Mela crowds. Legends vary—some say 108 Peethas exist, but 51 are canonical. A 2023 study by the Archaeological Survey of India highlights their historical ties to ancient matriarchal societies, adding cultural depth.
Planning Your Shakti Peeth Pilgrimage: Tips for 2025 Visits
Ready to embark? Here’s how to make your trip smooth:
- Best Time: Navratri (October 2025) or Chaitra Navratri for festivals; avoid monsoons in hilly areas.
- How to Get There: Use IRCTC for trains to major hubs like Varanasi or Guwahati; IndiGo for flights to regional airports.
- Stay Options: Book dharamshalas or budget hotels via Booking.com—expect Rs 1,000-3,000/night near sites.
- Must-Dos: Carry ID for entry; respect no-photography rules at inner sanctums.
- Safety Note: Women travelers, opt for group tours; apps like Bharat Darshan offer guided Shakti Peeth packages (Rs 20,000+ for 10 days).
Pro Tip: Start with the 18 Maha Peethas for a shorter yatra—many are clustered in West Bengal and Northeast.
Beyond the List: The 64 and 108 Shakti Peeth Debates
While the 51 Shakti Peeth in India list is standard, some texts mention 64 (Brahmanda Purana) or 108. For example, the 64 include extras like Tara Tarini (Odisha, breasts) and Bimala (Puri, feet). The 108 align with chakra points in yoga. A 2025 Times of India article notes 23 in Bengal alone, making it a pilgrimage epicenter.
What do you think—planning a visit to any Shakti Peeth? Share in the comments!
The Emerging India brings you spiritual journeys and cultural gems. Contact us for more!
