Introduction to 51 Shakti Peeth

Devotees of Goddess Sati visit the 51 Shakti Peeths across India, Nepal, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan where the holy shrines of Goddess Sati have been built. Each of the Shakti Peeth has a story associated with the particular dismembered body part of the Goddess Sati. 

Shakti Peeths represent the abode of the divine power of the Goddess Sati. The legend of the origin of different Shakti Peeths revolves round an unsavory episode that happened at the Yagya ceremony organized by none other than the father of Goddess Sati- the King Daksh Prajapati.

The 51 Shakti Peeths include- Amarnath, Katyayani, Vishalakshi, Lalita, Jwala Devi, Tripurmalini, Savitri, Magadha, Dakshayani, Mahishasuramardini, Bhramari, Ambaji, Gayatri, Ambika, Sarvashail, Sravani, Bhramaramba, Narayani, Phullara, Bahula, Mahishmardini, Dakshina Kali, Devgarbha, Vimla, Kumari Shakti, Bhramri, Nandini, Mangal Chandika, Kapalini, Kamakhya, Jayanti, Tripura Sundari, Biraja, Jai Durga, Avanti, Narmada, Nagapooshani, Gandaki Chandi, Mahashira, Hinglaj, Sugandha, Aparna, Jesoreshwari, Bhavani, Maha Lakshmi, Sri Parvat, Panch Sagar, Mithila, Ratnavali, Kalmadhav and Ramgiri.

Mythological legend of 51 Shakti Peeth List with Name, Location & Body Part:

According to the Hindu mythological story, Daksh Prajapati, the son of Lord Brahma was not happy with the proposal of marrying his daughter, Goddess Sati to Lord Shiva (Mahadev). It is believed that he had disapproved the marriage of his daughter Sati with Lord Shiva.

Daksha Prajapati, the father of Goddess Sati held a Yagya and invited all the Gods and Goddesses but for his daughter Goddess Sati and her husband Lord Shiva. 

Mata Sati desired to attend the Yagya ceremony but Lord Shiva did not want to go uninvited but when Goddess Sati insisted, Lord Shiva sent her to her father’s place along with His attendants. Goddess Sati was humiliated and castigated by her father, King Daksha.

Infuriated at the maltreatment at the hands of King Daksha Prajapati during the Yagya ceremony hosted by him, and to uphold the honour of her husband, Lord Shiva, Goddess Sati sacrificed her life by self-immolating herself in the sacrificial fire of the Yagya. 

At this tragic end of her wife, Lord Shiva lost control and uprooted the Yagya ceremony. As per the mythological legend, Virbhadra severed the head of King Daksha Prajapati. The Gods and Goddesses requested Lord Shiva to show mercy, and thus, the Lord Shiva restored his father-in-law’s life by transplanting the head of a goat.

Lord Shiva lost his cool and did Tandava Nritya by holding the body of his wife Goddess Sati on His head.  In order to save the world from turmoil and destruction, and to distract and separate Lord Shiva from the body of Goddess Sati, Lord Vishnu speared the body of Goddess Sati into 51 pieces with His divine Sudarshan Chakra. 

The body parts of the Maa Sati that fell in different regions, represent the divine power and are worshipped and revered. The 51 Shakti Peeth’s with varied name, location and body part associated with the place are considered holy shrines and are located in India, Tibet, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

The Name, Location & Body Part of Goddess Sati

The Name, Location & Body Part that fell on the ground came to be known as Shakti Peeths. 51 Shakti Peeths are worshipped by devotees and pooja archana is performed. People throng at these temples to seek blessings of Goddess Sati. 

The list of the 51 Shakti Peeths with their Name, Location & Body Part are given below to enable pilgrims to propitiate and worship the Goddess and seek eternal blessings by visiting the holy shrines.

List of the 51 Shakti Peeths with Name, Location, and Body parts:

Conclusion:

The Shakti Peets located in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are the holy shrines where a large number of devotees come around the year to worship the Goddess. 

During the festivals of Navaratri, Vijayadashmi, and Deepawali, a special Pooja Archana is performed. Shakti Peeths denote the seats of divine power. Many legends are associated with her prowess. According to mythological legends, the Goddess killed demons by displaying her valor and courage.

At the 51 Shakti Peeths, the pilgrims and devotees visit in large numbers to worship the Goddess and seek her blessings.

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FAQs About Shakti Peeths

1. What are the Shakti Peeths?
   Ans. Shakti Peeths are holy shrines denoting the seat of divine power in India, Nepal, Tibet, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Each one is associated with the body part of the Goddess that fell there. 
2. Who was Sati?
   Ans. Goddess Sati, the daughter of King Daksha, was married to Lord Shiva; however, the King didn’t approve of the marriage. According to mythological legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati were insulted by the King, and, therefore, she preferred to end her life by jumping in the Yagya fire.
3. Why did Sati end her life?
   Ans. Goddess Sati laid down her life in a sacrificial fire for the sake of the honour and respect of her and her husband, Lord Shiva who were subjected to insult by King Daksha at Yagya organised by him. King Daksha deliberately didn’t invite his daughter and son-in law to the Yagya while other Gods and Goddesses were invited. 
4. How did Lord Shiva react to Sati’s death?
   Ans. Lord Shiva became infuriated to know of the demise of his wife Goddess Sati. According to the legend, he severed the head of King Daksha but later showed mercy by restoring his life. Lord Shiva did Tandava Nritya with the body of Goddess Sati. In order to pacify and disengage him, Lord Vishnu dismembered Sati’s body into 51 pieces which fell at different places which are revered as Shakti Peeths. 
5. What is the significance of the Shakti Peeths?
   Ans. The Shakti Peeths are holy pilgrimage sites for Hindus, symbolizing the divine power. 
6. How can one seek blessings at the Shakti Peeths?
   Ans. Devotees can seek blessings by visiting the Shakti Peeths, offering prayers, and performing rituals. 
7. Are there any specific rituals associated with visiting Shakti Peeths?
   Ans. Rituals and Pooja-Archana are primarily the same with minor variations based on region to region. 
8. Where are the 51 Shakti Peeths located?
   Ans. The 51 Shakti Peeths are spread across various states in India and in Nepal, Tibet, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
9. Can both men and women visit Shakti Peeths?
   Ans. Yes, both men and women can visit Shakti Peeths. 
10. Are there any special festivals celebrated at Shakti Peeths?
    Ans. Yes. Navratri festival is celebrated with gaiety and religious fervour. 
11. Are there any stories or legends associated with specific Shakti Peeths?
    Ans. Yes, each Shakti Peeth has its own unique mythology and stories attached to the dismembered body part of the Goddess Sati.