Monday, 28 January 2013
Sunday, 6 January 2013
ASTADASA SAKTHIPEETALU
ASTADASA SAKTHIPEETALU
The Shakti Peethas (holy places of cosmic power) are places of worship consecrated to the goddess 'Shakti', the female principal of Hinduism and the main deity of the Shakta sect. They are sprinkled throughout the Indian subcontinent.
This goddess is often associated both with Gowrī/Parvati, the benevolent goddess of harmony, marital felicity and longevity, with Durga, goddess of strength and valour, and with Mahakali, goddess of destruction of the evil.
History:
This goddess is often associated both with Gowrī/Parvati, the benevolent goddess of harmony, marital felicity and longevity, with Durga, goddess of strength and valour, and with Mahakali, goddess of destruction of the evil.
History:
There was a great king called Daksha Prajapati who was son of Lord Brahma. He had 27 daughters and Sati devi is one among them. Sati devi got married to Lord Shiva. When Dashka entered the arena of a yaga performed by Agni, every one except Lord Shiva stood up as a mark of respect. Daksha felt insulted by Lord Shiva's behaviour. Later when Daksha conducted a yaga him self , he did not invite his daughter and his son in law.Though Sati felt bad because of the non invitation, she wanted to attend the yaga against the wish of Lord Shiva.When Sati, attended the yaga no body has cared for her and she felt insulted by the actions of her sisters and parents. Then when her father started abusing her husband she could not control her feelings and scarified herself at the place of yagna by creating agni from earth with her right thumb of her foot.Knowing this Lord Shiva removed one bunch of Jhatha from his head and hit it on the earth. From that Lord Veerabhadra has born and rushed to yaga spot and killed Daksha by cutting his head. Later Shiva went to the spot and taken the body of sati from the fire and started dancing with it. The world was terrorized from this Tandava Nritya and to stop this Nritya, Vishnu used his Sudarshan chakra and completely cut the Sati's body in to pieces. These body parts have fallen at various places in India and Srilanka. Where ever these parts have fallen the places are called Shaktipeethas. There are 18 such places and they are called Ashta(8) Dasa (10) Shaktipeethas.
This list of Ashtadasa Shakti peethas ( 18 Shakti Temples / Temples of Mother Goddess). It is a clear representation of Aadi Shankaracharya’s Astadasha Shakti peeta Stotram:
Lankayam Shankari devi, Kamakshi Kanchika pure /
Pradyumne Shrinkhala devi, Chamunda Krouncha pattane //
Alampure Jogulamba, Sri shaile Bhramarambika /
Kolha pure Maha lakshmi, Mahurye Ekaveerika //
Ujjainyam Maha kali, Peethikayam Puruhutika /
Odhyane Girija devi, Manikya Daksha vatike //
Hari kshetre Kama rupi, Prayage Madhaveshwari /
Jwalayam Vishnavi devi, Gaya Mangalya gourika //
Varanasyam Vishalakshi, Kashmire tu Saraswati /
Ashtadasha Shakti peethani, Yoginamapi durlabham //
Sayamkale pathennityam, Sarva shatri vinashanam /
Sarva roga haram divyam, Sarva sampatkaram shubham //
Meaning
Goddess Shankari in Sri lanka, Kamakshi in Kanchipuram,
Goddess Shrinkhala in Pradyumna and Chamunda in Mysore
Goddess Jogulamba in Alampur, Goddess Brhamarabika in Sri Shailam,
Goddess Maha Lakshmi in Kolhapur and Goddess Eka veera in Mahur
Goddess Maha Kali in Ujjain Purhuthika in Peethika,
Goddess Girija in Odhyana and goddess Manikya in the house of Daksha,
Goddess Kama rupi in the temple of Vishnu, Goddess Madhevaswari in Allahabad,
The flame giving Goddess in Jwala muki and Mangala Gouri in Gaya.
Goddess Visalakshi in Varanasi, Goddess Saraswathi in Kashmir,
Are the 18 houses of Shakthi, which are rare even to devas.
Sr. No. | Place | Part of the body fallen | Name of Shakti |
1 | Groin | Shankari devi | |
2 | Back part | Kamakshi Devi | |
3 | Stomach part | Sri Srunkhala devi | |
4 | Hair | Chamundeshwari devi | |
5 | Upper teeth | Jogulamba devi | |
6 | Neck part | Bhramaramba devi | |
Eyes | Mahalakshmi devi | ||
8 | Right hand | Eka Veerika devi | |
9 | Upper lip | Mahakali devi | |
10 | Left hand | Puruhutika devi | |
11 | Navel | Girija devi | |
12 | Left cheek | Manikyamba devi | |
13 | Vulva | Kamarupa devi | |
14 | Fingers | Madhaveswari devi | |
15 | Head part | Vaishnavi devi | |
16 | Breast part | Sarvamangala devi | |
17 | Wrist | Vishalakshi devi | |
18 | Tooth | Danteswari devi | |
19 | Right hand | Saraswathi devi |
Among these, the Shakti Peethas at Kamkhya, Gaya and Ujjain are regarded as most sacred as they symbolize three most important aspects of mother Goddess viz. Creation (Kamarupa Devi), Nourishment (Sarvamangala Devi/Mangalagauri) and Annihilation (Mahakali Devi). When observed carefully one can see that they lie in a perfect straight line from Kamakhya to Ujjain via Gaya symbolizing that every creation in this universe will annihilate one day without fail. Together with Kanchi Kamakshi, Madurai Meenakshi, and Kashi Vishalakshi we have the most potent Shat Sakthi Peethams.
Alopi Devi Madhaveswari Devi (Prayaga, Allahabad)
Alopi Devi/Madhaveswari Devi (Prayaga, Allahabad)
Alopi Devi / Madhaveswari Devi)This temple is peculiar in a way that there is no statue of any Deity in this temple rather there is a wooden carriage or 'doli' which is worshipped. The origin of the name, Alopi (disappeared) Bagh lies in the Hindu belief that when after the death of his wife Sati, the grieving Lord Shiva travelled through skies with her dead body. Lord Vishnu, to relieve him from this agony, threw his Chakra at the corpse, resulting in the fall of various parts of the body at various places in India, which were sanctified by the touch of the Goddess' body parts and hence were thereby deemed holy places for pilgrimage. The last part fell at this location thereby named as "Alopi" (where disappearance was concluded)and the holiest of all.
The other more convincing version dates back to the time when the entire region was covered by dense forests infested with dreaded dacoits. Once upon a time in that forest happened to pass a marriage procession. Marriage processions, in those days used to be the most vulnerable targets of robbers as they used to return loaded with gold and other riches. While deep into the jungle this marriage party found itself surrounded by robbers, robbers after killing all the men and looting the wealth turned to the 'doli' or carriage of the bride. To their dismay when they unveiled the carriage they found there was no one inside. The bride had magically disappeared. The word went around, history became legend and legend became myth. A temple came up at the site where this incident had happened and locals started worshiping the bride as "Alopi Devi" or the 'virgin goddess who had disappeared'. However, this story provides no convincing explanation as to why the place would be deemed so holy.
Alopi Devi continues to be worshiped by thousands of people living in the region who share every festival, marriage, birth and death with their guarding deity.
Part of the body fallen - fingers
Jwala Devi (H.P)
Jwala Devi (H.P)
Dedicated to Goddess Jwala Devi epitome of Shakti or Immense Power
About Jwala Devi:
The Jwala Devi is one of the most popular Hindu temples. It is situated on a small branch line on the Shimla to Dharamashala road and at a distance of twenty kilometers from the Jwalamukhi road. . The temple is in a town known as Jwalamukhi in Kangra district. This temple is visited by lakhs of devotees every year. Many curious people also visit this place to view the nine jwalas or flames that have been burning for centuries without any fuel. This temple also has a copper pipe through which natural gas is pushed out continuously.
The Jwala Devi Temple is one of the fifty one Shaktipeeths in India. The beautiful temple is set against a cliff. The dome of temple is aureate is of gold and has pinnacles. It also has a picturesque folding doorway of silver plate which was gifted by Sikh Raja Kharak Singh. The temple has an Indo-Sikh feel to it.The Legend:
There was once a time when devils dwelled over Himalayas and hassled the gods. Lord Vishnu and other gods decided to defeat and destroy them once and for all. The gods transformed their energy into huge flames of fire. The devils were destroyed but a girl was born from the fire. The girl came to be known as Goddess Parvati or Sati. After death the pieces of Sati’s body fell in 51 places. Her tongue fell at Jwalaji and the deity manifested itself as tiny flames that burn blue through cracks in the ancient rocks. The Pandavas have been known to visit the holy shrine on their voyage.
Main Features:
The aarti sessions at the temples are so beautiful and serene that it takes ones bredth away. The Aartis are essential rituals in all the temples in the country. Five Aartis are performed by Pujaris in worship of Goddess.One aarti is performed in early morning, one at sun rise, one at mid noon, one in the evening and one at the bed time of the Goddess. The names of the aartis are as under :-
1. Mangal Aarti ( Morning 5.00 A.M)
2. Panjupchaar Pujan (After Aarti )
3. Bhog Ki Aarti ( 12.00 A.M)
4. Aarti (Evening 7.00 P.M)
5. Shaiyan Ki Aarti (Evening 10.00 P.M)
However, the Shaiyan Aarti performed at Jawala Ji before bed time is unique. The bed of Goddess is decked up with rich dresses and ornaments during aarti. First part of it is done in the main temple of Goddess and the second part is done in the 'Sejabhavan' Salokas from 'Sondarya Lahri' by Shri Shakracharya are recited.
There is no idol in the temple. The goddess is believed to be present in the fire flames. The temple has 9 incessant fire flames that are known as Mahakali, Annapurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Vindhya Vasini, Mahalakshmi, Saraswati, Ambika and Anji Devi.
The festival at Jwala Devi:
During the festival of Navratra thousands of devotees visit the temple to make offerings and receive blessings. Many colorful and joy filled fairs are organized during Navaratri in the months of March-April and September-October.
Located at a distance of 34 kilometers to the south of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh
The temple was built by Raja Bhumi Chand Katoch
Jwala Devi is also referred to as the Flaming Goddess or the Jwalamukhi Devi
There are total 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, and Jwala Delvi is one of them
How to reach:
The temple was built by Raja Bhumi Chand Katoch
Jwala Devi is also referred to as the Flaming Goddess or the Jwalamukhi Devi
There are total 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, and Jwala Delvi is one of them
How to reach:
The nearest airport from Jwala Devi temple is at a distance of fifty kilometers at Gaggal. The next closest airport is at Chandigarh at a distance of two hundred kilometers.
The closest railroad track terminal is at Jawalaji road Ranital situated at a distance of twenty kilometers from the temple.
One can easily reach Jwala Devi Temple from Kangra by road. Frequent buses or cabs can be hired. The way from Kangra to the shrine is flanked by beautiful hills on both sides.
Body part : Devi's head part has fallen here.
The Mangalagauri temple in Gaya (Bihar)
The Mangalagauri temple in Gaya (Bihar)
The Mangalagauri temple in Gaya (Bihar) has been mentioned in Padma Purana, Vayu Purana and Agni Purana and in other scriptures and tantric works. The present temple dates back to 1459 AD. The shrine is dedicated to Shakti or the mother Goddess in the predominantly Vaishnavite pilgrimage center of Gaya. Mangalagauri is worshiped as the Goddess of benevolence. This temple constitutes an Upa-Shakti Pitha - where it is believed that a part of the body of Shakti fell - according to mythology. Here Shakti is worshiped in the form of a breast symbol, a symbol of nourishment.The temple is facing east, and is built on top of the Mangalagauri hill. A flight of steps and a motorable road lead to the temple. The sanctum houses the symbol of the Goddess and it also has some finely carved ancient relief sculptures. A small hall or mandap stands in front of the temple. The courtyard also houses a fire pit for the home. There are also two minor shrines dedicated to Shiva and images of Mahishasura MardiniGaya is one of the most famous spiritual destinations in India. Gaya is located in Bihar and stands on the bank of Falgu River. Gaya in India is held holy and pious by both Hindu and Buddhists. The narrow by lanes with age old buildings, beautiful natural surroundings with rocky hills on the three sides and river flowing by the city on the western side makes the city look beautiful and elates the spiritual atmosphere of the place.
The city derived its name from the demon, Gayasur who is said to have resided in this area. It is said that Lord Vishnu killed the demon by crushing him under his feet. On his being crushed, the demon got transformed into numerous rocky hills that form the topography of the city today. Then the deities decided to sit over the dead demon and that is the reason why one can find numerous temples over these surrounding rocky hills. It is said that any one who touched him or looked at him were fred of all sins. Mangla Gauri, Rama Shila, Brahmayoni and Shringa Sthan are the places where one can find temples on the hill tops and which comprise of the pilgrimage circuit of the city.
The Mangla Gauri shrine in Gaya, one of the most holy sites has two rounded stones which symbolizes the breasts of the Goddess Sati, who is regarded as the first wife of Lord Shiva.
Vishnu pad Temple is marked by a footprint of Vishnu. This footprint is the significance of the act of Lord Vishnu crushing Gayasur under his foot. The temple that stands today was rebuilt by Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar in the 18th century. As per the Buddhist tradition and culture, this footstep mark is regarded that of Lord Buddha who is said to be the avatar of Vishnu.
The temples and the Ghats that are present by the River Falgu are also of great spiritual significance. Some trees are also held sacred by the Hindus and in Gaya one would find Pipal trees, Akshayavat and the undying Banyan which are also offered prayers and offerings in huge numbers by the pilgrims coming into the city.
Gaya is held as an important spiritual center by Hindus as a site which offers salvation to the souls. Buddhists hold Gaya as an important pilgrimage center because of the presence of the Brahmayoni or the Gayasia hill where Buddha preached the Fire Sermon or the Adittapariyaya Sutta.
History:
The Mangla Gauri shrine in Gaya, one of the most holy sites has two rounded stones which symbolizes the breasts of the Goddess Sati, who is regarded as the first wife of Lord Shiva.
Vishnu pad Temple is marked by a footprint of Vishnu. This footprint is the significance of the act of Lord Vishnu crushing Gayasur under his foot. The temple that stands today was rebuilt by Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar in the 18th century. As per the Buddhist tradition and culture, this footstep mark is regarded that of Lord Buddha who is said to be the avatar of Vishnu.
The temples and the Ghats that are present by the River Falgu are also of great spiritual significance. Some trees are also held sacred by the Hindus and in Gaya one would find Pipal trees, Akshayavat and the undying Banyan which are also offered prayers and offerings in huge numbers by the pilgrims coming into the city.
Gaya is held as an important spiritual center by Hindus as a site which offers salvation to the souls. Buddhists hold Gaya as an important pilgrimage center because of the presence of the Brahmayoni or the Gayasia hill where Buddha preached the Fire Sermon or the Adittapariyaya Sutta.
History:
Sati killed herself by self-immolation after her father insulted her husband, Lord Shiva. arrived a little too late upon hearing the news, after his wife’s body was already burning. He took the body from the fire and started his dance of cosmic destruction. The other gods wanted to stop his dance and they requested Lord Vishnu to convince him. Lord Vishnu with the help of his sudarshan chakra cut Sati’s body into 51 pieces and made Siva stop the dance. It is said in Gaya Sati’s breast fell, and hence here Sati is worshiped in the form of a breast symbol, a symbol of nourishment.
Body part : Devi's breast part has fallen here.
Body part : Devi's breast part has fallen here.
Visalakshi (Varanasi)
Visalakshi (Varanasi)
Visalakshi is the second consort of Shiva in this holy city of Kashi. This temple is one among the 52 Shakti peethams, and is part of the famous triad of temples- Kanchi Kamakshi, Madurai Meenakshi and Kashi Visalakshi. This small temple is situated in one of the narrow lanes around the Vishwanath temple, and it is mainly south Indians who seek out this temple.
Though the temple is quite small, the idol of the goddess is very beautiful. Behind the main stone idol of the goddess is another idol (some say it is a silver casting, others say it is an idol), believed to be the idol prayed to in ancient times. One of our guides told us that it was the swayambhu idol of the goddess, while another refuted this claim. Whatever it is, it is certainly worth a look, so remember to look behind the idol when you visit the temple.
Adi Shankaracharya, when he visited the temple, performed prayers to renew the powers of the temple and the goddess which had borne the brunt of several invasions. He also installed a Sri Yantram there, and it is to this Yantram that puja is done. Kumkumarchana to this Sri Yantram is considered very special, and can be performed by asking the pujari there.
LOCATION
Devotees can find Vishalakshi temple at Mir Ghat. They can travel upto Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gulli or Bansphatak Vishwanath Gulli by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. Devotees generally combine prayers at this temple along with darshan of Visweshwar / Annapurna temple.
Vishalakshi Gauri is one of the 9 Gauris which are worshiped in Navratri falling in March-April (9 days preceding Ram Navami).
The entire area encompassing Vishalakshi Devi, Dharmeshwar, Vishwa Bhuja Gauri etc. is a powerful Shakti Peeth known as Dharma Peeth.
Body part : Devi's wrist has fallen here.
Body part : Devi's wrist has fallen here.
Danteshwari Temple (Chattisgarh)
Danteshwari Temple(Chattisgarh)
Danteshwari Temple is temple dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari, and is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, shrines of Shakti, the divine feminine, spread across India. The temple built in 14th century by the Chalukyas of the South, is situated in Dantewada, a town situated 80 km from Jagdalpur Tehsil, Chattisgarh. Dantewada is named after the Goddess Danteshwari, the presiding deity of the earlier Kakatiya rulers. Traditionally she is the Kuldevi (family goddess) of Bastar state,
The temple is as according legends, the spot where the Daanth or Tooth of Sati fell, during the episode when all the Shakti shrines were created in the Satya Yuga.
Every year during Dusshera thousands of tribals from surrounding villages and jungles gather here to pay homage to the goddess, when her idol was taken out of that ancient Danteshwari temple and then taken around the city in an elaborate procession, now a popular tourist attraction part of the 'Bastar Dussehra' festival.
Body part :Devi's Tooth has fallen here.
Body part :Devi's Tooth has fallen here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Facebook
