Shakti Peethas (Tantra Peethas) of India

Shakti Peethas (Tantra Peethas) of India

By Dr.K.K.Debnath                                                                                       January 2011

Acknowledgements: In this article, author has tried to capture all pertinent information relating to Shakti Peethas, their location, accessibility, etc in most cases in and around India. The author is grateful to various authorities/agencies on their books and articles on Tantra and other Indian literatures, without which it is not possible to compile the information on Sakti Peethas.

Chapter I:  Introduction about Tantra/Shakti Sadhana

It is a “Non-Vedic beliefs and practices that emphasized the existence in man of divine powers that could be activated and experienced by means of special spiritual procedures.” However, it was adapted and adopted by Hinduism at a later stage.

Chapter II: The Mythological Story of Hindu Literature

When Sati, the wife of Shiva and the first incarnation of Parvati, Sacrificed herself at a yagna performed by her father King Daksha; a very distraught Shiva started dancing with her body. The world was terrorized from this Tandava Nritya and to stop the devastating penance, Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra (The whirling knife on his finger tip) and completely cut up Sati's Body in several pieces. Wherever her body parts fell, a temple was erected to commemorate different manifestations of Shiva and Parvati and became a Hindu pilgrimage. They are called Peetha or Sakti Peethas. Sati is also called Devi or Shakti (Strength). These temples are scattered from present day Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Chapter III: Religious Tradition of Bengalis and ancient Bangadesh

Traditionally it is observed that Bengalis are culturally inclined to Shakti Sadhana. They built a Kali Bari where they are in a position to do it, irrespective of the place. This is true for all Bengalis, who are believer of faiths originated in Indian subcontinent. The Kali Puja is basically a Shakti Sadhana, which is also known as “Dakhshinachari Tantra Sadhana” and also known as Shakti Sadhana. Ancient Bangadesh means the area of the Valley formed by River Ganga and River Brahmaputra and little part of present MP, as specified in ancient Indian literatures.

Chapter IV: Shakti Peethas

There are about 55 Shakti Peethas or Centers of Shakti spread over present India, Bangladesh,

Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However there are differences of opinion.. Out of all Shakti Peethas, 4 are known as Adi Shakti Peethas, which are in and around ancient Bangadesh (comprising of Present West Bengal of India; Kamrup at present with Assam of India; Part of present Bihar of India; Tripura of India and present Bangladesh) and Orissa. Besides this, around 50% of total Shakti Peethas are found to be in ancient Bangadesha. This only indicates the Shakti culture of Bengalis. We find a variation and difference in opinion. It may be primarily due to lack of proper historical records and documents.

The chapter is divided in to three sections as follows:

1)      Section I: This section depicts details on Adi Shakti Peethas .

2)      Section II: This section describes the details of Shakti Peethas in ancient Bangadesh (comprising of Present West Bengal of India; Kamrup at present with Assam of India; Part of present Bihar of India; Tripura of India, part of present MP and present Bangladesh).

3)      Section III: In this section Sakti peethas located in adjoining/neighboring areas of ancient Bangadesh.

4)  SectionIV: This section contains the details of other Shakti Peethas

Efforts have been made to furnish the details on location/place, importance/belief and how to reach the place, wherever possible.   

Section I: Four Adi Shakti Peethas

The great religious texts like the Shiva Purana, the Kalika Purana and the Asta Shakti recognize four major Shakti Peethas (centers), like Bimala (Pada Khanda, Inside Puri Jagannatha Temple), Tara Tarini (Stana Khanda, Breasts, Near Berhampur, Orissa), Kamakshi (Yoni Khanda, Near Guwahati, Assam) and Dakhina Kalika (Mukha Khanda, Kalighat, West Bengal) originated from the limbs of the Corpse of Mata Sati. The Asta Shakti and Kalika Purana clearly say (IN SANSKRIT):

Bimala Pada khandancha,
Stana khandancha Tarini (Tara Tarini),

Kamakhya Yoni khandancha,
Mukha khandancha Kalika (Dakhina Kalika)
Anga pratyanga sanghena
Vishnu Chakra Kshyta nacha……..

1. Puri Jagannatha, Puri at Orissa: For Sakta Tantric Jagannatha is Bhairava and Bimala is Bhairavi. In the month of Asvina, during the Durga Puja, animal sacrifice is made before goddess Bimala which is the only of its kind in the otherwise bloodless rituals performed in the temple. The holy food offered to Shri Jagannatha is sanctified only after it is presented to Bimala and then acquires the character of Mahaprasad. According to historians, it was originally a Buddhist shrine; this was converted to Vaishnava shrine at a later period. The Goddess Bimala, a manifestation of the Mother Goddess and considered as Shakti of Lord Jagannatha.  

Puri is a prime Hindu pilgrimage centre located in Orissa. It is famous for Rath Yatra held in the month of Sravana. The place is well connected by Rails. Pilgrims may get down either at Bhubaneswar or at Khurda road Jn. on Main Howrah Chennai railway line and go to Puri by road or by Train.

2. Tara Tarini, Raipura, Ganjam; Orissa: It is said that the breasts of Sati fell at the Kumari Hills where the famous Tara Tarini Shakti Pitha has stood. It is said that the breasts of Sati fell at the Kumari Hills

Tara-Tarini Temple is on the Top of the Kumari hills on the bank of River Rushikulya near Purushottampur in Ganjam District. It is one of the most Prominent ancient Shakti peetha or Tantra Pitha of Orissa and this Pitha is among four of most important Shakta centers in India and Orissa has been considered to be one of the most important Shakti centre. According to historians and researchers, it was originally a Buddhist Tantric temple. Historically Tara and Tarini both are Buddhist Goddesses.

The Goddesses Tara-Tarini has been regarded as the presiding deity (Ista-Devi) in almost every house in South Orissa. This important and famous Temple is situated on the top of the Kumari hill or popularly known as Tara-Tarini Pahad (Hill). The height of the hill is about 708 ft. and it has spread over 180 Acres of land surrounded by natural beauties. The picturesque panorama of the temple and the river Rushikulya gives enormous pleasure and exciting experience of nature and divinity to each pilgrim or visitors and often enchant its mind and soul. You have to climb 999 steps on the front side of the hill leading to the temple or can reach at the top through a pucca road for vehicle on the backside of the hill. Provisions of electricity, drinking water and a small market complex at the site with articles for worship are there to enhancing the facilities.

The Temple is small but beautiful one and famous Shrine of Tara-Tarini. Worship at this important Shakti Pitha has been continuing since time of immemorial. Two stones has been anthropomorphized by the addition of gold and silver ornaments and shaped as human faces are the main Shrine of this temple which represents the Goddesses Tara and Tarini. One can find two fully celebrated and beautiful brass heads as their Living Idols (Chalanti Protima) have been placed in between two Main shrines. It has been said that from a tribal cult Tara-Tarini have been transformed into Shakti cult through the process of Brahminization, as the name Tara was the Primordial deity of the Mahayana Buddhist Pantheon , indicates Buddhist influence at the Tara - Tarini Peetha.

How to Reach: The Tara-Tarini Pitha is situated at a distance of 32 Kms towards north of Berhampur on the south bank of river Rushikulya near Purushottampur. The Distance of Tara-Tarini Hill is from Jagannatha pur on N.H.-5 is about 22 K.M and you can find Cars to reach there. The National High way is connecting Kolkota to Chennai. From Humma on Chilika it will be about 35 Kms. and from Berhampur it is 32 KMs.

3. Kamakhya Kamroop, at present Assam

Devi's yoni fell here and the idols are Devi as Kamakhya (personification of love) and Shiva as Umananda.

The Kamakhya Temple is a Shakti temple situated on top of the Nilachal Hill in western part of Guwahati city in Assam on the northern banks of the river Brahmaputra (the son of Brahma), India. It is the main temple in a complex of individual temples dedicated to different forms of the mother goddess as the Dasa Mahavidya, including Bhuvaneshvari, Bagalamukhi, Chinnamasta, Tripura Sundari and Tara. It is an important pilgrimage destination for general Hindu and Tantric worshipers.

This is a famous pilgrimage for women seeking fertility or love. The temple is supposedly built by Kamdev, the god of love. The Umananda temple is nearby in an islet on the river. It has many pet monkeys.

Historically, it was a famous Buddhist Tantra Peetha.  At a later stage, it became the place of Sadhana of Lord Matsyendranath Nath and a temple was made. He was the great Guru of Lord Gorokhsha Nath, and the founder of “Kula System” of Tantra in Bengal. The temple was renovated by Cooch Bihar Kings.

The current temple structure was constructed in 1565 by Chila Rai of the Koch dynasty in the style of medieval temples. The form of the earlier structure, destroyed by the Kala Pahar, is unknown. The current structure has a beehive-like shikhara with delightful sculptured panels and images of Ganesha and other Hindu gods and goddesses outside.

The temple consists of three major chambers. The western chamber is large and rectangular and is not used by the general pilgrims for worship. The middle chamber is a square, with a small idol of the Goddess, a later addition. The walls of this chamber contain sculpted images of Naranarayana, related inscriptions and other gods. The middle chamber leads to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in the form of a cave, which consists of no image but a natural underground spring that flows through a yoni-shaped cleft in the bedrock. During the Ambuvaci festival each summer, the menstruation of the Goddess Kamakhya is celebrated. During this time, the water in the main shrine runs red with iron oxide resembling menstrual fluid.

It is likely that this is an ancient Khasi sacrificial site, and worshiping here still includes sacrifices. Devotees come every morning with goats to offer to Shakti.

The Kalika Purana, an ancient work in Sanskrit describes Kamakhya as the yielder of all desires, the young bride of Shiva, and the giver of salvation. Shakti is known as Kamakhya.

The Kamakhya Temple in Assam symbolizes the "fusion of faiths and practices" of Brahmanism and non-Aryan elements in Assam .The different names associated with the goddess are names of local Aryan-Brahmanism and non- Brahmanism goddesses. The Yogini Tantra mentions that the religion of the Yogini Pitha is of Kirata origin. According to Assamese literature, there existed a tradition among the priests established by Naranarayana that the Garos, a matrilineal people, offered worship at the Kamakhya site by sacrificing pigs.

The goddess is worshiped according to both the Vamachara (Left-Hand Path) as well as the Dakshinachara (Right-Hand Path) modes of worship. Offerings to the goddess are usually flowers, but might include animal sacrifices. In general, female animals are exempt from sacrifice, a rule that is relaxed during mass sacrifices.

According to the Kalika Purana, Kamakhya Temple denotes the spot where Sati used to retire in secret to satisfy her amour with Shiva, and it was also the place where her yoni fell after Shiva danced with the corpse of Sati. However, this is not corroborated in the Devi Bhagavata, which lists 108 places associated with Sati's body, though Kamakhya finds a mention in a supplementary list. The Yogini Tantra, a latter work, ignores the origin of Kamakhya given in Kalika Purana and associates Kamakhya with the goddess Kali and emphasizes the creative symbolism of the yoni.

4.  Kalighat (Calcutta) at West Bengal

Devi's four small toes from her right foot fell here and the idols are Devi as Kali and Shiva as Nakulish or Nakuleswar. Famous pilgrimage located in Calcutta in the state of West Bengal. Kali is described as dark complexioned form of Shakti who has taste for blood and death. She rules over the cremation sites and is worshipped by devotees on a dark and moon less night. She is most popular deity of Bengal. Kali is the female version of Kala or end of time. As per historical records Lord Gorokhsha Nath, a great religious and social reformer, who converted left hand Tantra to right hand Tantra, by transforming the Tantric Kula Bhairavi in to mother Goddess.  His Guru Lord Matsendra Nath was the founder of Kula System in Bengal. One of his disciples Chourangi Nath used to look after this temple and his seat was named as Chourangi and the road from ashram to temple was named as Chourangi road.

Section II: Peethas Located in ancient Bangadesha

1. Attahas (laughter) /Maa Fullora Birbhum (at present West Bengal)

Devi's lower lips fell here and the idols are Devi as Fullara (Blooming) and Shiva as Bhairabhvishesya (Lord of the universe). The place is in Bengal near Birbhum. Image of Devi and the Shiva temple is next to the Devi temple. It is a major pilgrimage and tourist attraction.

We need to go from Birbhum to Ahmedpur to Labhpur (6.5 miles). Attahas is just East of Labhpur, around 115 miles from Kolkata. The temple of Bhairab is beside the temple of Fullora. The deity is made of stone. It is so large that the lower leap of the goddess is about 15 to 18 feet wide.

2.  Maa Bahula of Katoa, Bardhaman (at Present West Bengal)

Devi's left arm fell here and the idols are Devi as Bahula (Abundant) and Shiva as Bhiruk (who is also Sarva Siddhi Dayaka). Arrive at Katoa rail station and then go to Ketugram which is a pilgrimage.

3. Bakreswar of   Birbhum (at present West Bengal)

Devi's mind or the centre of the brows fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahishamardini (the slayer of Mahishasur or Durga) and Shiva as Bakranath. It is near to Ahmedpur station. There are seven hot springs and also the Paphara (remover of sins) river. The Mahamuni Ashtabakra found enlightenment here. On Shivaratri night a grand Mela (fete) is celebrated here.

4. Bhavanipur or Karota (river) at Nator of present Bangladesh (ancient Bangadesh)

Devi's left seat or her clothing fell here and idols are Devi as Aparna (the one who ate nothing, not even leaves) and Shiva as Bhairabha (Destroyer of fear). The temple of karatoya is situated at village Bhavanipur, 28 Kms from Sherpur in Bogura district, Bangadesha.

The King of Nator and his grandson the Maharajah Ramakrishna used to meditate here. The seat, the yognakunda and five skulls are still there. In the month of Baisakha according to the Bengali calendar, there is a large fete or Mela organized here to celebrate Ramanavami or Deepanwita.

5. Bivasa – Midnapur (at present West Bengal)

Devi's left ankle fell here and the idols are Devi as Bhimarupa and Shiva as Sarvananda. It is situated in Tamluk of Midnapur district of West Bengal.

6. Chattagram (also called Chattal) at present Bangladesh (ancient Bangadesh)

Devi's right arm fell here and the idols are Devi as Bhavani (Devi) and Shiva as Chandrasekhar (the one who has the moon as the crown). It is said that Mahadeva has himself pronounced that he would visit Chandrasekhar Mountain regularly during Kali Yuga. The famous Chandra Nath Temple on the top of the hill is the Bhairava temple of this Shakti Peetha. This is near Sitakunda station, Chattagram in Bangladesh.

7. Jayanti (jayantia) at present Bangladesh  (ancient Bangadesh)

Devi's left thigh fell here and the idols are Devi as Jayanti and Shiva as Kramadiswar. Jayanti is situated at Kalajore Baurbhag village of Falzur Pargana under Jayantia Thana of Sylhet district, Bangladesh. This Shakti Peetha is locally known as Falizur Kali Bari.

Other Versions:

Adorned by mountains, forests and a river, Jayanti is a quiet little village 11 km. away from Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri District of West Bengal. Tall forests of Sal, Segun, Simul, Palash and Sirish trees hide the mountains and sky, while the sparkling Jayanti River flows beneath. Though normally accessible, the pathways may become difficult to negotiate during the monsoon.

A two-hour trek takes one to the top of a hill from the Jayanti Railway station, where there is a Sati Temple. There is also a Mahakaal Temple in three adjacent caves. In the first cave there are idols of the Brahma-Vishnu- Maheshwar trinity, in the second there is one of Lord Shiva, and in the third, that of Goddess Mahakali.

8. Jessore / Yashohar/ Yashor in present Bangladesh (ancient Bangadesh)

Devi's centre of the hands fell here and the idols are Devi as Jashoreswari and Shiva as Chanda (Moon or the one who holds the moon). Jashoreswari, situated at Ishwaripur, Shyamnagar, district Satkhira, Bangladesh. The temple complex was built by Raja Pratapaditya, whose capital was Ishwaripur.

9. Kanchidesh (Konkaal or Skeleton) at Bolpur – Bardhaman, present West Bengal

Devi's skeleton fell here and the idols are Devi as Devagarbha and Shiva as Ruru.  The name Kanchi means very thin bamboo branches, which is like kankal or skeleton, so the name Kanchidesh appeared. The place is known as Kankali tala. The Devi is locally known as Kankaleshwari. There is a well for worship, on the banks of Kopai or Kopar River 10 km towards north-east from Bolpur station of district Birbhum, West Bengal.

Other Views: Kanchipuram, a very famous pilgrimage spot, is situated in Tamil Nadu and is very widely known for the spiritual powers of the Devi Kamakshi. This is one of the Pancha Budha Shrines situated in Tamil Nadu and represents the earth form. The Shiva is called “Ekambara Natha”. Kanchi is also famous for the Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt, from where the Great Sage Sri Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati (also affectionately called as “Sri Maha Perival”) enshrined his blessings to the thousands of devotees thronging the mutt for a glimpse of him.

However, it cannot be a Shakti Peetha due to the fact that Lord Adi Sankara converted all the Buddhist monks/intellectuals of Kanchipuram University in to Brahmanism/Vedic religion and made it a seat for himself. This university was built by King Asoka in line with Taxila University.

Therefore the famous Devi Kamakshi must be originally Buddhist tantric goddess which was converted and renamed as “Goddess Kamakshi”.

10. Khirgram (Yogadaya) at Bardhaman, West Bengal

Devi's right big toe fell here and the idols are Devi as Yogadaya and Shiva as Khirakantha. Take Eastern Indian Railway to Bardhawan station. Take Bardhawan Katoa Rail to Nigam station. Nigam station to Khirgram (village) is 2 miles. A mela (fete) is held during Baisakha Sankranti.

It is also widely opined that this is the same as the Chintapurni Temple, where the toes of Sati goddess had fallen being cut off by the Chakra of Lord Vishnu when he was cutting away the pieces of Sati's dead body carried by Lord Siva during Tandava Nritya.

The Pindi represents Sati's feet and is a manifestation of her. Chintapurni Devi is believed to fulfill the desires of a person who comes there and devotedly worships her. The Mantra repeated in the Puja is said to have been revealed by the Devi herself when she appeared in human form.

11. Kirit – Ajimganj, Murshidabad in present West Bengal

Devi's crown or headdress fell here and idols are Devi as Vimala (Pure) and Shiva as Sangbarta.  It is situated at Kirit at Kirit Kona village, 3 km from Lalbag Court Road station under district Murshidabad, West Bengal, India. Take the train to Ajimganj. The temples are on the shore of the Ganges near Batnagar.

12. Magadha (Patna) at Shrihatta at present Assam (Ancient Bangadesha)
Devi's right thigh fell here and the idols are Devi as Sarvanandari and Shiva as Bomkesha. Inside Shrihatta at Jayanti pargana near the base of the Kahshia Mountain Devi's legs are placed here. One has to go from Shrihatta to Kanaier ghat by boat and then walk 2 miles..

Other version says it is at Patna may be due to the name “Magadha”.

13. Manav Kschetra (Field) Kogram, Bardhaman at present West Bengal

Devi's right hand or palm fell here. Idols are Devi as Dakhshayani (Durga) and Shiva as Amar (Immortal). Take train from Howrah station to Guskar station and then a few miles to Kogram. Mahadeva is considered Siddhidayaka or provider of all wishes. Other Version says it is Manas, located at Tibet near Mansorovar.

14. Mithila at present Bihar ( ancient Bangadesh)

Devi's left shoulder fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahadevi (Devi) and Shiva as Mahodara (the big belied one). This is near Janakpur station (Present Bihar). According to ancient literature, Mithila was a part of Ancient Bangadesh.

15. Nalhati in Birbhum, West Bengal 

Devi's vocal pipe fell here and the idols are Devi as Kalika (Durga) and Shiva as Yogesh. The temple is known as "Nalateshwari Temple", near Nalhati station of Birbhum district, West Bengal. One needs to go by train to Nalhati Railway station from Howrah station (145 Km) and then by Rickshaw to temple.

16. Nandipur at Birbhum, West Bengal

Devi's necklace fell here and the idols are Devi as Nandini and Shiva as Nandikishore. The temple is locally known as "Nandikeshwari" temple. Nandipur is now in Saithia Town. The temple is only 1.5 km East of Saithia rail station (120 miles from Kolkata) under a banyan tree within a boundary wall, Birbhum district, West Bengal.

17. Shrihatta, Bangladesh (ancient Bangadesh)

Devi's nape of the neck fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahalakshmi (The goddess of prosperity and wife of Mahavishnu) and Shiva as Sarvananda (The one who makes everyone happy). Devi's temple is Near Shrihatta town and Shiva's temple is near Jainpur. Shivaratri and Ashokashtami are celebrated with a Mela (carnival). Take train from Calcutta to Goalanda and steamer to Kechuaganj. Then either take a boat or walk about five miles.

18. Sone (near Sone River) at present MP Sate

 Devi's left hips fell here and the idols are Devi as Narmada and Shiva as Vadrasen. The place is located in present MP state.

19. Sunanada (Sugandha) at Barisal, Bangladesh (ancient Bangadesh)

Devi's nose fell here and idols are Devi as Sunanada (Pleasing) and Shiva as Traimbak (Rudra). Devi's temple and Shiva's temple are situated in a village called Ponabalia on the banks of the river Sunanda. It is under Shikarpur or Shivahri Karpur village, Gournadi, about 20 Kms from Barisal town. The nearest railway station is Jhalkati. A large numbers of worshippers visit this place during Shiva chaturdashi day of March.

20. Tripura (ancient Bangadesha)

Devi's right foot fell here and the idols are Devi as Tripurasundari and Shiva as Tripuresh. Devi is grantor of all wishes or Sarvavishta pradyani. It is situated at the top of the hills known as Tripura Sundari temple near Radhakishore pur village, a little distance away from Udaipur town, ancient capital of Tripura.

21. Trisnota (Tristrota) at District Jalpaiguri, West Bengal

Devi's left feet fell here and the idols are Devi as Bhramari (Bumblebee) and Shiva as Iswar (God).  It is situated on the banks of Tista River in Shalbari village of Falakata in Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal.

22. Ujaani at Bardhaman District, West Bengal

Devi’s right wrist (Elbow) fell here. Devi is worshiped as “Mangala chandika” and Shiva as “Kapilambar”. The place Ujaani is 16 Kms from Guskar Station under Bardhaman district of West Bengal.

23. Vaidyanath at Deoghar in Jhar Khand state (Ancient Bangadesh)

Devi's heart fell here and the idols are Devi as Jaidurga (Victorious Durga) and Shiva as Vaidyanath. It is in Present Bihar. Joshidi is the train station. One of the only 12 Jyotir Linga Shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva throughout India is here.

Section III: Peethas in adjoining/neighboring areas of ancient Bangadesh.

1. Gandaki (river), Nepal

Devi's right cheek fell here and the idols are Devi as Gandakichandi (the one who overcomes obstacles or Gondi) and Shiva as Chakrapani (Holder of the discus). It is a famous pilgrimage centre. It is adjacent to Mukti Nath temple (Tantric) at Nepal.

2. Prayag (three rivers meet here) or Allahabad

Devi's ten fingers fell here and the idols are Devi as Lalita (beautiful). Another name is Alopi and Shiva as Bhava. Near Tribeni ghat there is Banitirtha ghat, Allahabad is the Railway station. As per Jaina and Vedic literature the first Jaina Tirthamkar Bhagawan Brishav Nath or Adi Nath was a prince of Prayag.

3. Varanasi (Benaras) or Kasi the place of Shiva and Adi Nath

Devi's earrings (Kundal) fell here and the idols are Devi as VishwaLakschmi (The provider of wealth to all) and Shiva as Kala (Time or the end of time). It is a famous pilgrimage in UP and one of the oldest cities in the world. The Puranas say that this city exists even after the Pralaya. The famous place ‘Manikarnika’ is located here and named so because the ear ring of goddess was like pearl (Mani).

4. Vrindavana

Devi's hair fell here and idols are Devi as Uma (Devi) and Shiva as Bhootesh (or provider of all desires). It was Play ground of Lord Krishna and the gopis. The vana or forest or garden is where the young Krishna grew up in the home of Yasoda the wife of a cow herd. Krishna was capable of amazing feats and saved the village from many perils such as the Naga Kaliya and the great rage of Indra by holding up a mountain above the village. But his time was mostly spent with the beautiful gopis or cow girls with whom he had many affairs. The principle of illicit love is the basis of this aspect of philosophy where a person harbors a secret love for god which he cannot reveal to others.

Section IV: Other Shakti Peethas

1. Amar Kantak, M.P.

There are varying opinions on whether AmarKantak or Kalmadhava is the perfect spot. The most adapted view is for AmarKantak, is the originating point of River Narmada and is situated in Madhya Pradesh. It is also said that Devi's right hips fell here and the idols are Devi as Right Nipple Asitananda Kali and Shiva as Asitananda.

2. Amarnath at Amarnath Cave, Kashmir

Devi's Neck (throat) fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahamaya (the great Illusion) and Shiva as Trisandhyasvar. This is famous for pilgrimage of Amarnath temple. There is a Shiva lingam of glacial ice which expands and contracts with the seasons.

3. Bhairava Parvat at Ujjain, MP

Devi's upper lips fell here and idols are Devi as Avanti (Modest) and Shiva as Lambakarna (Long eared one). It is located This is located at Bhairava hills on the banks of Shipra River a little distance from Ujjain town, in Madhya Pradesh near Ujjain.

4. Chitrakoot at Ramgiri hills, MP

The right breast of Devi Shivani fell here (another opinion is that her Nala or Jaghanasti or Bone of the Abdomen fell here) and the idols are Devi as Shivani (the wife of Shiva) and Shiva as Chanda. This is located in Madhya Pradesh near Katni Railway station.

5. Dantewada at Baster, Chhattisgarh

Devi’s daanta (teeth) fell here. Devi is worshipped as Danteshwari (Kuldevi of Baster State) and Shiva as Kapali Bhairava. The place is about 80 km's from Jagdalpur Chhattisgarh. The place has come to limelight due to recent Maoist movement.

6. Godavari Tirtha or Sarva Shaila, Andhra Pradesh

Devi's left cheek fell here and the idols are Viswamatrika (mother of the world) and Shiva as Viveshi Dandapani (the one who holds a staff). The famous Koti Lingeswar temple is on the banks of Godavari River near Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India

7. Hingula or Hinglaj, Pakistan

Devi's mind or brain fell here and the idols are Devi as Kotari (Brahmarandhra Kottawisha Bhairavi) Durga and Shiva as Bhimlochan (Triple eyed or the third eye).

The location is in a cave on the western part of Pakistan near Karachi and is about 90 miles away from Karachi. The road from Karachi to Hingula (Hinglaj) is alongside the Arabian Sea. Usual Transport is Camel or Camel driven cart. A beam of light can be seen within the dark cave, where the temple is located.

8. Jalandhar, Punjab

The left breast of Devi fell here and the idols are Devi as Tripurmalini (Durga) and Shiva as Bhisan (Gruesome). Jwalamukhi is the nearby Tirtha and train goes from Delhi to Jalandhar. There is Devi Talab (Pond) in Jalandhar, a large masonry tank sacred to Hindus.

There is also a very famous Shiva temple in Jalandhar, the temple is a blend of Muslim Hindu architecture situated at Gur Mandi near Imam Nassir mausoleum dates back to the Lodhi Era. It is believed to be built by the Nawab of Sultanpur Lodhi. The main gate was built in the style of a mosque while the rest of the building in Hindu style. There is a legend that when Jalandhar was in Nawab territory he had eyed a newly married Hindu girl who was a devotee of lord Shiva and Lord Shiva in the form of a serpent saved her honour. Awed by the appearance of this serpent the Nawab apologized to the girl and built the temple on her bidding.

9. Janasthan, Panchavati, Nasik, Maharashtra

Devi's chin fell here and the idols are Devi as Bhramari (female Bumble bee or attendant of Durga) and Shiva as Vikrakatakkha (one with the crooked eyes or look). Other names are Devi as Chibuka (the one with the chin) and Shiva as Sarvasiddhish (the one who can fulfill all desires). Bhramari Devi is a dark goddess identified as another form of Kalika and said to be "as brilliant as a million dark suns". She is surrounded by black bees and holds black bees in the first of her hands, others of which are in the "boon-granting" and "fear-allaying" gestures. She destroys egoistic demons while her bees make the seed-Mantra "Hring" sound.

10. Jwalamukhi, Kangra at Himachal Pradesh

Devi's tongue fell here and the idols are Devi as Ambika (Mother) and Shiva as Unmatta Bhairava (Furious). This is located near Jalandhar in Punjab. One can hire a local transport from

Jalandhar to Jwalamukhi. It is 34 Kms south of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh.

The Temple of Siddha Jwalamukhi Devi is an astounding sacred power point, an adventure unto itself. Within Jwalamukhi is an archaic sanctuary to the tongue of Kali, the source of the flame of transformation. The sanctuary contains a shallow pool of water. Floating above the water is perpetual natural-gas-fueled blue flames. Kangra, in Himachal Pradesh,

11. Kanyakumari at Tamil Nadu

Devi's back fell here and the idols are Devi as Sharvani and Shiva as Nimisha. There are varying opinions about whether this is Kanyasharm or Kalikashram or Kanyakumari. There is a Bhadra Kali temple within the precincts of Kumari temple. Other view: It also thought to be situated in Chittagong, Bangladesh.

12. Kolhapur or Karavipur or Shivaharkaray, Maharastra

Devi's three eyes fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahishmardini (Durga the destroyer of Mahishashur) and Shiva as Krodhish (the one who can be angry). Kolhapur also houses the famous Mahalakshmi Temple.

13. Kurukchetra, Haryana

Devi's right ankle fell here and the idols are Devi as Savitri or Sthanu and Shiva as Aswanath.

Kurukchetra is the fields belonging to the Kuru family where the battle of the Mahabharata was fought between the Kurus and Pandus.

14. Manivedika, Pushkar at Rajasthan

Devi's middle of the palms fell here and the idols are Devi as Gayatri (Saraswati) and Shiva as Sarvananda (the one who makes everyone happy). The place is also varyingly referred to as “Manibandha “or “Manivedika”.

15. Nellore at Sri Lanka

Devi’s feet bells (Nupur or Anklet) fell here and the idols are Devi as Indrakschi and Shiva as Rakchaseswara. Indrakschi was created and worshipped by Indra in person. The Lord here was worshipped by the Demon King Ravana, who was the Ruler of Sri Lanka.

However Nellore is now at Andhra Pradesh, thus there is confusion. However it is most likely at Andhra Pradesh as Andhra is heavily influenced by Tantra and Nellore is a district of Andhra Pradesh.

16. Pancha Saagar – Place not known

Panchasagar - Devi's lower teeth fell here. Idols are Devi as Barahi and Shiva as Maharudra (the angry one). It is believed at a place near to Hardwar.

17. Pashupatinath, Kathmandu of Nepal

Devi's two knees fell here. Idols are Devi as Guhyeshwari Mahamaya and Shiva as Kapali Bhairava. This again is a very famous pilgrimage spot and located in Nepal.

18. Prabhas, Girnar Hills at Maharashtra

Devi's stomach fell here and the idols are Devi as Chandrabhaga (Throne of the moon) and Shiva as Bakratunda (the one with the bent staff). This is near Bombay (now Mumbai) here a launch/steamer goes to Bharoal (also Veroal) which is near to Prabhas (also Provas).

There is another way to Prabhas all thru by train. Very close to this place is the famous Som Nath Temple, which is very ancient.

19. Ratnabali, Chennai at Tamil Nadu

Devi's right shoulder fell here. Idols are Devi as Kumari (Durga) and Shiva as Bhairava (Remover of fear). This place is supposedly located near Madras (now Chennai) in Tamil Nadu.

Other views: Ratnabali is on the banks of Ratnakar River at Khanakul; district Hooghly, West Bengal, and India.

20. Sri Sailam of Mallikharjuna Hill, Andhra Pradesh

Part of Devi’s neck fell here. This place is located in Andhra Pradesh and is a very famous pilgrimage spot. Lord Shiva is called as “Mallikharjuna Swami” and Parvati or Amba Devi is known as “Brahmara Ambika”. This is a very famous divine place where one of the only 12 Jyotir Linga Shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva is established. Other Views: Shri Shaila is situated at Jainpur village, near Gotatikar, towards north-east 3 km from Sylhet town, Bangladesh. Devi is worshipped as “Mahalakshmi” and Shiva as “Sambaranand”.

 21. Shriparvata near Ladakh in Nepal

Sole of Devi's right foot fell here. Idols are Devi as Shri Sundari (beautiful) and Shiva as Sundaranand (the handsome one) Bhairava. The place is situated near Ladakh in Nepal.

22. Suchindram of Kanya Kumari, Tamil Nadu

Devi's upper teeth fell here. Idols are Devi as Narayani and Shiva as Samhar/Sanghar. They are worshipped in a Shiva temple at Shuchi Tirtham 11 km on Kanyakumari Trivandrum road, Tamil Nadu, India. This place is near the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu.

23. Ujjain at Madhya Pradesh (MP)

Devi's elbows fell here and the idols are Devi as Mangalchandi (Durga) and Shiva as Siddhidayaka Kapilambar (one who wears the brown clothes).

24. Virat (Present Jaipur) of Rajasthan

Devi's small toes (leg fingers) of the feet fell here. Idols are Devi as Ambika and Shiva as Amrita (nectar of immortality).

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