51 Shakti Peeth in Maharashtra – A Complete Guide

The Shakti Peethas are of great significance in Hinduism, being the divine residences of Goddess Shakti, the supreme feminine power. According to legend, when Goddess Sati sacrificed herself at her father Daksha’s yagna, Lord Shiva carried her burning body in grief. To calm him, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to dismember her body, and the parts fell across the Indian subcontinent. Wherever the parts of Goddess Sati’s body fell, those places became known as 51 Shakti Peethas in Maharashtra.

There are a total of 51 Shakti Peethas, located in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. All Shakti Peeths are distinct and hold a profound spiritual importance. Although most devotees want to know how many Shakti Peethas there are in Maharashtra, as a matter of fact, Maharashtra is privileged to have some of these divine Shakti temples where the Goddess is worshiped by devotees with immense faith.

The Mythology of Shakti Peethas

The myth of Shakti Peethas starts with Daksha Yagna. Daksha, the father of Sati, disrespected Lord Shiva by not inviting him to the yagna. As he could not tolerate the disrespect, Goddess Sati immolated herself in the sacrificial fire. When Lord Shiva, in anger and sorrow, carried her body across the world, the universe was shaken. To restore balance, Lord Vishnu released his Sudarshan Chakra, cutting Sati’s body into 51 parts. Each part fell at different places, which became powerful centers of divine energy – the Shakti Peethas.

Each Shakti Peeth has two main presiding deities:

The Goddess (Shakti) 

 representing the divine feminine power.

The Bhairava (Shiva) 

symbolizing the protective form of Lord Shiva.

Shakti Peethas in Maharashtra

Although Maharashtra does not house all 51 Shakti Peethas, it has some important ones that draw pilgrims from across India. These are highly revered temples and are included in pilgrimages by Goddess worshippers.

1. Mahur – Renuka Devi Temple

Situated in Nanded district, the Renuka Devi Temple at Mahur is among the Shakti Peethas. Renuka Devi is revered as Parashurama’s mother, who was the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple is extremely holy and attracts thousands of pilgrims, particularly during Navratri.

2. Tuljapur – Tulja Bhavani Temple

The Tulja Bhavani Temple in Osmanabad district is one of Maharashtra’s most significant Shakti temples. Goddess Bhavani is said to have presented the Bhawani sword to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which represents divine assistance in his mission. She is revered as the destroyer of evil powers.

3. Kolhapur – Mahalaxmi Temple

Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple, or Ambabai Temple, is a Shakti Peeth where one of the eyes of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen. It is one of the most popular temples of Maharashtra and is included in the Shakti Peeth Yatra as well.

4. Saptashrungi – Vani (Nashik District)

The Saptashrungi Devi Temple, located in the hills of Nashik, is another important Shakti shrine. It is said that the right arm of Goddess Sati fell here. Devotees climb more than 500 steps to reach the temple, seeking blessings for protection and prosperity.

5. Ambejogai – Yogeshwari Temple

Situated in Beed district, Ambejogai Yogeshwari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Yogeshwari, another incarnation of Shakti. The temple is said to be a site of intense spiritual vibrations, frequently consulted by those who desire relief from troubles and fulfillment of wishes.

Spiritual Significance of Shakti Peethas

The Shakti Peethas are not just temples but intense power houses of energy where divine femininity is perpetually present. Believers feel that pilgrimages to these shrines assist in:

Elimination of sins and karmic obstructions.

Shielding from negative energies and evil forces.

Marriage, fertility, and prosperity blessings.

Achieving spiritual development and inner peace.

Receiving the divine grace of Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva.

Pilgrimage Significance in Maharashtra

Mahur, Tuljapur, Kolhapur, Saptashrungi, and Ambejogai are the five important Shakti temples of Maharashtra, which together create a strong spiritual circuit for the devotees. Pilgrims from far and wide take a yatra to all these temples, particularly during Navratri.

These temples are also linked with illustrious saints and kings. For instance, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a staunch believer in Goddess Bhavani of Tuljapur, whereas saints such as Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Eknath have also praised the Goddess in their religious compositions.

Conclusion

The 51 Shakti Peethas are holy sites of great power and piety, representing the divine presence of Goddess Shakti forever. Maharashtra is blessed with five key Shakti Peethas – Mahur, Tuljapur, Kolhapur, Saptashrungi, and Ambejogai, all of which combine to create a powerful spiritual pilgrimage circuit.

Visiting all these temples not only satisfies worldly needs such as wealth, marriage, and children but also elevates the devotee spiritually. They ensure protection, guidance, and blessings from both Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva.

As Shakti Peethas are remedies for karmic doshas, similarly specific astro imbalances such as Kaal Sarp Dosh also need specific rituals to be done for relief. For afflicted individuals with such doshas, the most revered location for performing Kaal Sarp Puja is Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra.

Among Trimbakeshwar priests, Shivendra Guru Ji is best known as the finest pandit for Kaal Sarp Puja. With years of experience, profound spiritual insight, and successful conduct of innumerable pujas, he has led countless devotees toward peace, prosperity, and divine grace.

One of the most seasoned and reliable pandits for  51 Shakti Peethas, he is renowned for conducting the rituals with full Vedic practices and dedication. Book your  51 Shakti Peethas with an experienced and knowledgeable Pandit for authentic rituals and peace of mind. Contact us !

Author: Shivendra Guru Ji

For an accurate and authentic puja, Shivendra Guru Ji is the best pandit for Kaal Sarp Puja in Trimbakeshwar. With years of experience and unmatched spiritual discipline, he ensures each ritual is conducted with precision, sanctity, and divine energy.

Feel free to connect with me on Instagram, and book your Kalsarp Dosh Shanti Pooja at Trimbakeshwar Temple in Nashik with an experienced and knowledgeable Pandit for authentic rituals and peace of mind.

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