India is a spiritual land where devotion, mythology and holy geography merge into one. The most sacred places for Goddess worship are Shakti Petas. These holy temples are dedicated to Goddess Shakti – divine female energy which symbolizes power, fertility and safety.
The concept of Shakti Petas comes from the legend of Goddess Sati. When Sati sacrificed her life to her father, her father Daksha insulted Lord Shiva, Shiva suffering from sorrow took her body into the universe. To calm him, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to cut Sati’s body into pieces. Wherever his body parts, clothes, or jewels fell, temples were born – these power became petas.
There are many Shakti Peeths all over South Asia, but 18 are considered particularly important. Each temple represents a part of the goddess and has its own spiritual aura. Pilgrims believe that visiting these Shakti Peethas gives freedom from blessings, protection and sorrow.
Here is a complete list of 18 Shakti Peethas in India:
1. Sri Mahalakshmi Temple – Kolhapur, Maharashtra
One of the most famous Shakti Peethas, Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that Goddess Sati’s three eyes fell here. Pilgrims seek wealth, prosperity and happiness.
2. Sri Mahakali Temple – Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Located in the holy city of Ujjain, this temple respects Goddess Mahakali. Temple is a powerful center of Shakti Puja and is visited by thousands of people during Navratri.
3. Sri Bramarambika Devi – Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Located on the banks of the Krishna River, this temple is dedicated to Brahmumbika Devi, one of the most prestigious forms of power. It is part of Mallikarajun’s famous Jyotiringa Shrine, making it a unique site where Shiva and Shakti are worshiped together.
4. Sri Kamakshi Devi – Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
The city of temples is the holy Kamakshi Devi temple in Kanchipuram. Here Goddess represents compassion and power. Pilgrims believe that their blessings brings knowledge and spiritual power.
5. Sri Chamundeshwari Devi – Mysore, Karnataka
Located atop Chamundi Hills in Mysore, this temple is dedicated to Chamundeshwari, a fierce form of Goddess Durga who defeated the demon Mahishasura. The temple is a landmark of Mysore and a symbol of divine victory.
6. Sri Jogulamba Devi – Alampur, Telangana
This temple, one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, is dedicated to Jogulamba Devi, who is depicted with a fierce form symbolizing destruction of evil. The temple is highly revered in South India.
7. Sri Mahalakshmi Devi (Vishalakshi) – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Located near the holy Ganges in Varanasi, this temple is dedicated to Vishalakshi Devi, a form of Mahalakshmi. Devotees believe that worship here brings peace and satisfaction.
8. Sri Avanti Mahakali Devi – Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Another holy Shakti Petha, Avanti Mahakali Devi Temple in Ujjain is worshiped for protection from negative forces and for spiritual progress.
9. Sri Biraja Devi – Jajpur, Odisha
Birja Devi Temple is one of the oldest Shakti pilgrimages in Odisha. The goddess is depicted as stabbing the demon Mahishasura with a spear, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
Also Read : Top 30 Famous Hindu Temples in India | Swadeshi Sanchaar
10. Sri Sarvamangala Devi – Gaya, Bihar
It is located in the holy city of Shakti Petha, Gaya, a famous site for ancestor rituals. Goddess Sarvamangala is worshiped here, which removes obstacles and gives best wishes.
11. Sri Tara Tarini Devi – Berhampur, Odisha
Situated on the Kumari Hills, this temple is dedicated to Tara Tarini Devi, twin goddesses believed to be guardians of fertility and motherhood. It is a major pilgrimage site in Odisha.
12. Sri Kanya Kumari Devi – Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
There is a famous Kanya Kumari temple at the southern end of India. Here the goddess is worshiped as an eternal virgin (Kumari) which is a symbol of purity, devotion and power.
13. Sri Ekaveera Devi – Mahur, Maharashtra
This Shakti Petha is dedicated to Ekvera Devi, the goddess of courage and protection. The temple is surrounded by beautiful hills, which combines its spiritual attraction.
14. Sri Sharada Devi – Sringeri, Karnataka
Sriringari is dedicated to Sharada Petha Devi Sharada, who is the goddess of knowledge and learning. Established by Adi Shankaracharya, it is an important seat of education and spirituality.
15. Sri Annapoorna Devi – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
This temple is dedicated to Kashi Vishwanath, the goddess of nutrition, Annaporna Devi. Devotees believe that anyone who prays here is never suffering from hunger.
16. Sri Pratyangira Devi – Sholapur, Maharashtra
Although there was a debate in some traditions, this temple is often associated with Shakti Petas. Goddess Pratangira represents immense power and security against evil forces.
17. Sri Jwalamukhi Devi – Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
Unique among all temples, Jwalamukhi Devi Temple has no idol. Instead, natural eternal flames are burnt from the earth, which is worshiped as the expression of the Goddess.
18. Sri Kamakhya Devi – Guwahati, Assam
Perched on Nilachal Hill, Kamakhya Devi Temple is one of the most famous Shakti Peethas in India. Believed to be the spot where Goddess Sati’s womb and genitals fell, the temple celebrates the power of fertility and divine energy.
Significance of Visiting Shakti Peethas
In India, 18 Shakti Petas are not only places of worship, but centers of cosmic energy. Each temple reflects a unique form of the goddess and has its own rituals, festivals and traditions. Pilgrims believe that visiting all Shakti Peeths ensures divine blessings, safety and spiritual liberation from negativity.
For travelers, these temples are also a journey through diverse culture, architecture and legends of India. From the mountains of Himachal to the sea shore of Kanyakumari, Shakti makes a sacred circuit that symbolizes eternal devotion for the divine woman of India.
Also Read : Famous Temples in North Tamil Nadu : You Must Visit
Conclusion
In India, 18 Shakti Peethas is not only a holy temple, but also a living symbol of the spiritual and cultural heritage of India. Each temple takes the energy of Goddess Shakti in a unique form, which leads the devotees to power, knowledge and security. The pilgrimage of these divine sites is believed to purify the soul, remove obstacles and bring inner peace.
For fans, visiting Shakti Peethas is more than only one religious journey – it is the experience of dedication to the divine mother of India. Whether you want blessings, knowledge, or spiritual awakening, power of power, faith and energy remains.
