Begin your Navaratri this year by visiting the 51 Shakti Peethas, from the North to the South, and the East to the West, where Goddess Sati’s body parts fell. Let’s explore the first 13 of these holy Shakti Peethas of North India.
Located in the Trikuta Hills, Jammu & Kashmir, the skull of Mata Sati is said to have fallen here, and is one of the most visited Shakti Peethas, reflecting the faith and devotion of her worshippers. Pilgrims trek through caves to reach the main temple complex.
Mata Sati’s tongue fell at the Jwala Ji Temple in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. According to legend, it is said that eternal flames burn here naturally and show the Goddess’s power. Devotees believe wishes come true by offering prayers at this flame of Shakti.
Known as Chhinnamastika Devi, Chintpurni Temple is a place where Mata Sati’s feet fell. The temple is situated in the Una district of Himachal Pradesh. She removes all chintas (worries) of her bhakts. The temple attracts lakhs of devotees during Navaratri for peace and prosperity.
Eyes (naina) of Maa Sati fell at Naina Devi Temple, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. It represents the Goddess’s seeing power and divine protection. It is a major pilgrimage centre where the Goddess blesses her devotees with vision, wisdom, and clarity in life.
The spot where the hair of Mata Sati fell. The temple is located in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to the fierce form of Shakti. Chamunda Devi is worshipped for protection and strength against evil forces.
Brajeshwari Devi Temple, situated in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, is the place where Mata Sati’s left breast fell. The temple is rich in tantric importance and known for powerful healing blessings. Bhakts offer butter to soothe the Goddess’s wounds.
Located in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, the Mansa Devi Temple is a place where Mata Sati’s head fell. She fulfils the wishes of her devotees. Bhakts, especially those who tie threads of faith on sacred trees at the temple, are said to have their wishes fulfilled.
In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the holy city of Lord Shiva, Mata Sati’s earrings fell; the place is known as the Vishalakshi Temple or Manikarnika. She is worshipped as the wide-eyed goddess, granting wisdom, beauty, and prosperity to her devotees.
The Mahamaya Temple is located high in the Himalayas at Amarnath, Jammu & Kashmir. It is a place where Mata Sati’s throat (Kanth) fell. Mahamaya Devi is worshipped here and blesses her bhakts with courage and spiritual power.
Kalika Devi, where Maa Sati’s upper lip fell and is known as Maa Gadhkalika, is situated in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. This powerful temple is part of the Ujjain pilgrimage trip. Here, Shakti is worshipped for strength, victory, and protection from negativity.
Known as the Alopi Devi, located in Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh, here, the Maa Sati’s fingers that fell and then disappeared, the goddess got the name Alopi. It is also part of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas. The temple is strange because it doesn't have a traditional idol but instead worships a wooden cradle.