Rajarajeswari Polali DT Nt pg 8 - Page 22

Uma Katyayini pith Vrindavan

Katyayani Peeth Vrindavan otherwise known as uma shakti peeth is one among the 51 Shakti Peethas. It is said that, the Ringlets of Hair of Maa Sati fell here, when lord Vishnu in order to relieve lord Shiva from grief of losing his wife Sati, used his Sudarshan Chakra' to incise Maa Sati Body. Here the idol of Maa Sati is called as Uma' and lord Shiva is worshiped as Bhotesh'.

The most significant thing about this temple is that here five separate deities of the five sects, or sampradayas are worshipped. Each idol is worshipped by the sampradaya's different worship methodology. Also, the Ashtadhatu idol of Goddess Katyayani, was installed after the performance of Sanatan Dharm rites by religious scholars or pandits from Varanasi, Bengal, etc. Along with the goddess Katyayani ,(Shakt sampradaya) other idols installed are, Lord Shiva (Shaiv sampradaya), Lord Laxmi Naarayan (Vaishnav sampradaya), Lord Ganesh (Ganpataya sampradaya), Lord Surya (Surya Sampradaya). Along with these five main deities, Jagatdhatri Devi is also worshipped here.

The Katyayani Peeth temple has undergone a lot of renovations over the decade, but the main part of the temple is still intact. From outside the whole temple is made of white marble and huge pillars support the temple. Pillars are made with black stone and presents a picturesque view. Just adjacent to the steps that lead to the main courtyard, two golden colored lions are standing and they represent the vehicle or vahana of Maa Durga. Devi has got a sword in the temple which is popularly known as Uchawal chandrahaas.

MARGSHIRSH is dedicated to the worship of DEVI KATYAYANI.

Avantika Saktipith Ujjain

The Bhairav Parvat Shakti Peeth in Madhya Pradesh is located on the Bhairav Hills on the banks of the River Shipra in the city of Ujjaini. Locals also call this temple Gadkalika. Ujjain is also known as Sapta-puri'- one of the seven sacred cities. It is considered one of the holiest cities in the world due to the presence of several important temples in Ujjain. It is also famous for being the place where Lord Krishna, Balaram and Sudama received an education from the sage Rishi Sandipani.

The temple architecture of the Bhairav Parvat Shakti Peeth is unique: different coloured stone have been used in constructing it. In fact, the roof and walls of the temple have beautiful stone inscriptions. The idol of Devi Avanti is always adorned with a red sari as the colour red is considered sacred by married women in India.

It is said that after the Sudarshan Chakra of Lord Shiva cut the burnt corpse of Ma Sati into fifty-two pieces, her elbow fell on the Bhairav Hills. The Mother is worshipped as Avanti in this temple and is protected by the Bhairav Lambkarna. Many say that it was not her elbow but rather her upper lips that fell there but that is highly debatable

Devi Avanti is worshipped in the Bhairav Parvat Temple and is protected by the Bhairav Lambakarna. Both are said to be manifestations of the divine energy that combine to form the main force that governs the universe. AdiShakti and Shiva fuse together to maintain balance in the universe and must always be together for goodness to prevail. Avanti' literally means modest and Lambakarna' refers to the long-eared one. Devi Avanti is also called Ma Avantika and MahaKali. Incidentally, lambakarna' is what Shiva-Parvati's second son Ganesh is also called.

Ujjain is famous for the Kumbh Mela that takes place once in every 12 years in Ujjain. Festivals specific to the temple include Navratri and MahaShivratri celebrations where a special bhog is prepared. Aratis are done in the temple everyday at 6 in the morning and 6 in the evening. The former is called Prabhat arati and the latter is referred to as Sandhyarati.

Bhramari Sakti pith Janasthan

Bhramari Sakti pith is in Janasthan. Sati's chin fell here. Devi is worshipped as Bhramari or Chibuka (meaning Chin) and Lord Shiva as Vriktaksh/Vikrakataksha (one with crooked eyes) or Sarvasiddhish (one who grants all wishes).

Here Devi is worshipped as Maa Saptashringi, as there are seven peaks (Sapta Shrunga) around the Devi. Brahmari Devi Shakthi Peeta is also known as Janasthan Shakti Peeta.

Janasthan Shakti Peeta is located in a village, Vani which is 40 kms from Nasik, Maharastra

The deity has 18 arms holding different things like Battle axe, Arrow, Beads, Sword, Bell, Sudarshan Chakra, Mace, Thunderbolt, Lotus, Bow, Cudgel, Lance, Trident, Conch, Noose, Shield, Water pot etc. The idol is 10 ft high. The Goddess is smeared with Sindoor all over the body.

There is also a stone image of a buffalo representing the demon (Mahishasur) at the foot of the hill whom, the devi as Mahishasura Mardini had slain. There is a trishul or trident in the courtyard to which bells and lamps are tied. Devi is believed to be a Swayambu (self manifestation) and residing at one of the rocks of Saptashrunga. The temple is also considered as the Bhadrakali Mandir of old Nasik.

Bhramari means bees in Sanskrit. There are black bees around the Devi. Maa Bhramari is said to be manifestation of Maa Kalika. The "Hrin sound produced by her bees is one of the Seed-Mantra or Beejakshar mantra of the Devi.

In Ramayana, there is a mention of Dandakarnya forest which is part of Saptashrungi Mountain. It is believed that Lord Rama and Devi Sita visited Dandakarnya forest and worshipped Goddess Amba.

Sage Markandeya (who later came to be known as Bhakth Markandeya and composer of Devi Mahatmaym) a devotee of the Goddess Bhramari and Sage Parasher, believed to be a manifestation of Sriman Narayan, accomplished their meditation and tapasya at Saptashrungi.

Once a demon, or Daitya called Aruna, wanted to defeat all the Gods. He had a strange desire of not wanting to be killed by any God, any weapon, nor by any man or woman, or by any two legged or four legged creature. He did meditation and prayed to Lord Brahma for thousands of years.

Finally Lord Brahma pleased with his prayer granted him the boon he desired. With the blessings of Lord Brahma, the demon Aruna with other Rakshasas announced a war on the gods/ devatas to establish his supremacy on earth by conquering the Devatas. The Gods, prayed to the Mother of the Universe, requesting her help in conquering the demons.

When the Goddess appeared to help the Devtaas, a swarm of black bees came out of the Devi's body. These bees killed all the demons and thus the Gods/ devtas were saved. From then on the goddess came to be known as Bhramari Devi, or Goddess of Bees.

The story of Arunasur killed by bees is associated with goddess Bhramarambika of Srisailam the famous Jyotirling Kshetr and one of the Ashtadasa Pithas.

There is another temple here is considered as Sita Gufaa (Sita Gufaa temple complex) which is located on the western side door of Kalaram temple near Panchavati. The cave can be accessed only through a narrow. There is a Shiva Ling which is believed was worshipped by Lord Rama, Lakshman and Sita during their exile.

In Ramayana war, when Lakshmana was lying unconscious in the war field, Hanuman came to Saptashringi to get medicial herbs to restore his life.

The deity is given a religious abishekam or bath daily, after which the goddess is dressed in new clothes. The god is dressed with precious ornaments like silver nose ring, necklaces etc.

Navaratri and Durga Puja is celebrated with great splendour.

Kumbha Mela is held in Nasik once in 12 years on the banks of river Godavari.

Rakini Sakti pith Godavari teer.

Godavari tir Shakti Peeth or Sarvashail is the famous Shakti Peetha where it is said that the Left Cheek of Maa Sati fell and the idols worshiped at this religious place are Vishweshwari (Vishweshi) or Rakini or Viswamatuka (The mother of the whole world) and Lord Shiva as Vatsnabh or Dandapani (The one who holds a staff). This Shakti Peetha is located at Kotilingeswar temple on the banks of Godavari River near Rajamundry, Andhra Pradesh, India. Godavari Tir Shakti peeth is also known as Sarvashail.

Godavaritir or Sarvashail Shakthi Peeth is an ancient temple. The temple's architecture is splendid. The temple looks massive, as the temple's gopuram is at a great height. The gopuram has several images of gods and goddess sculpted on it. River Godavari is one of the sacred rivers. Bathing in the River Godavari is said to wash away the sins of the devotees. River Godavari (1465 kms) is the second longest river next only to the River Ganga.

According to the Hindu mythology, this ancient pilgrimage site is also known as Maa Vishweshwari Godavaritir Shakti peetha, where the "Left Cheek of Sati's body fell.

The main idols of this legendary divine place are Devi as "Vishwamatuka or Viveshi (a divine mother of universe) and Lord Shiva as "Dandapani or Vatsnabh (one who holds a force), worshipped here.

There is one puranic reference about Sage Gautama who lived on the Brahmagiri hills at Trayambakeshwar with his wife Ahalya. Sage Gautama, once tried to chase away a cow which ate all the stock of rice in his granary. As the sage was chasing the cow with Durbha grass, the cow fell dead. The sage meditated upon Lord Shiva and wanted to rid himself of the Gohatya. (Act of killing the cow). He requested Lord Shiva to bring the Ganges to purify his hermitage. Lord Shiva was pleased with the worship of Sage Gautama and appeared as Triambaka and brought down River Ganges to Trayambakeshwar. The river is also known as Gautami, as it was brought down by Sage Gautama. The river gets the name Godavari, as the river was brought down to absolve Sage Gautama from the sins of "Gohatya.

Some of the renowned people in the Hindu Culture like Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Baladev also took bath in the Godavari River. There is no exact information about who and when this temple was built. But, it is said and also written in Puranas and Vedas that the left cheek of Maa Sati fell. So, in order to embark importance to this place and pray the Maa Sati, this Godavari tir Shakti Peeth temple was constructed.

Navaratri that falls two times in a year- one in the month of March or April and other in the September or October month depending on the Hindu calendar, is the major festival here. Every twelve years once, Pushkaram fair is held on the banks of the river Godavari. Millions of people from all over the country take a dip in the river for cleansing their sins. The whole ambience of temple during this festival is mesmerizing to see and people all over the country come here to celebrate this auspicious occasion. Navaratri are celebrated with full energy, faith, dedication and devotion. Another festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm is the Shivaratri'.

Gandaki Sakti pith Nepal

This is the place where Sati's Right Cheek has fallen. Devi Sati is worshipped as Gandakichandi (one who overcomes obstacles or Gandi) and Lord Shiva as Chakrapani. (one who holds discus).

Mukthinath Shakthi peeth is located in Nepal near the banks of the River Gandaki. The temple is about 125 kms from Pokhara. Non Nepalis have to take a visa grant to visit this temple. Nearest airport is from Kathmandu to Pokhara and from Pokhara to Jomsom. From Jomsom, pilgrims either trek upto the temple or hire private vehicles

Balmiki Ashram : Sita Mata stayed here after she was exiled from Ayodhya. Sita mata also gave birth to Lava and Kush here.

Damodar Himal, Damodar Kunda, Devghat are some of the ancient temples which attracts devotees.

Mukthinath Shakthi Peeth built in Pagoda style is an ancient temple. Mukthinath temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3800 meters. The temple is one among the eight most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The other seven temples are Srirangam, Srimushnam, Tirupathi, Namisharanya, Todatri, Pushkar and Badrinath. The tall idol of Lord Vishnu is made of gold. In the courtyard of the temple is a pond in which water from 108 bull faces fall into the pond. The water from 108 bull faces is believed to be from all 108 Sri Vaishnav temples including the seven most sacred Vishnu temples. There are 108 water springs near the temple.

The temple is sanctified with the flowing of the River Gandaki. Shaligram stones are found in the depths of the River Gandaki.

There is mention of Mukthinath temple in Vishnu Purana.

The Shaligram which is required for building Lord Vishnu temple is formed due to the water flowing downstream along River Kali Gandaki at Mukthinath. People who take bath in the stream are said to wash away all their sins and attain salvation.

Navaratri is celebrated for nine days during Chaitra masa (March- April) and Ashvija masa (Sep- Oct). Special pujas and Yagnas are offered to Gandaki Devi during Navaratri. Shivaratri is also another festival celebrated with great fervour.

Kapalini Saktipith West Bengal

Bheemakali Temple or Vibhasha Shakti Peeth is among the 51 Shakti Peeth of Maa Sati, located on the banks of the River Roopnarayana at Tamluk village, Purab Medinipur in West Bengal, India. It is the place where Devi Sati's left ankle fell. Here Devi is worshipped as Kapalini or Bhimarupa and Lord Shiva as Sarvanand.

In the Sanctorum of the temple, there is a large Shiv Ling' and it is made of black stone. Priest and pilgrims worship here and Yagas are also carried from time to time. All around the Shiv Ling' is the White marble boundary. The temple is also known as Bheemakali

Historically this Bheemakali Temple dates back in the time when it is said that the left ankle of Maa Sati fell to this place.

Tamluk village is also considered as an important Vaishnava Tirtha. According to Jaimini Mahabharat and Kashidas Mahabharat, Lord Krishna came to Tamluk and released the Divine Horse of Ashwameda Yagna. Tamluk is considered sacred as it is sanctified by the lotus feet of Lord Krishna.

Durga Puja is among the most celebrated festival here. Sharad Purnima, Deepawali, Somvati Amavasya, Ram Navami are some of the other important festivals being celebrated here.

Barunir Mela is celebrated during Makara Sankranti in January. Bhima Mela is celebrated on Magha Shuddha Ekadashi (11th day of Magha masa- Jan- Feb). Bhim Mela is celebrated at Rajarampur in the Bengali month of Chaitra. Ratha Jatra at Harir Hat is celebrated in the Bengali month of Ashar (ashada), besides Charak Mela also being celebrated.

Kapalini Mata is worshipped with reverence by devotees coming even from far away places. It is believed that she will protect children from all kinds of illness and keep them healthy.

Phullara Saktipith Attahas

This is the famous Shakti Peetha where it is said that the "Lower Lip of Maa Sati fell and the idols are Devi Maa as Phullara or Fullara (Blooming) and Lord Shiva as Vishwesh (Lord of the universe) Bhairav. It is located in Labhpur, W.B, India.

The temple of Attahas, also known as Fullora Attahas, is believed to be one of the 52 Shakti Peethas at which the body parts and jewelry of the Hindu goddess Shakti fell to Earth. The goddess is so large that the lower lip is about 15 to 18 feet wide. The temple is a site of Hindu pilgrimage throughout the year. December is a particularly popular time for visitors to picnic at the site.

Attahas Sanskrit comes from Atta and Hasa (laughter) meaning extreme loud laughter. The temple of Attahas is considered as a Shakti Peetha. Shakti Peethas are shrines that are prominent places of worship for the Shakta sect (Shaktism) of Hinduism. These are places where the body parts of Sati Devi's corpse fell when Lord Shiva carried her body after her death. The place where her body parts fell were enshrined by the divine presence of Shakti. The story of origin is the mythology of Daksha yaga and Sati's self immolation. The Lips of Sati Devi is said to have fallen here. Each Shakti Peetha has a name for the Shakti an Kalabhairava associated with the temple. The Shakti of the Attahas shrine is addressed as Phullara and the Kalabhairava as Vishvesh. There are 51 Shakti Peeth linking to the 51 alphabets in

There is a big pond beside the temple. According to legend Hanuman collected 108 blue lotuses from the pond when Sri Ramachandra required them for the worship of Goddess Durga.

Image of Devi and the Shiva temple is next to the Devi temple. It is a major pilgrimage and tourist attraction. From Birbhum to Ahmedpur to Labhpur (6.5 miles). Attahas is just East of Labhpur, around 115 miles from Kolkata.

Goddess is offered annabhog here which will be distributed among devotees.The Navaratri celebrations are done with great pomp. The goddess is the caretaker of health and wealth..so say the people who worship her with single minded devotion.