1) Lankayam Shankari devi

Shankari Devi in the new Temple



1) Lankayam Shankari Devi:The temple of Shankari Devi supposed to be in Sri Lanka at Trimkomali. At present there is no temple availble at this place and it is said that the temple was destroyed by Portugese people between 16th to 17th century. My friend who was posted from air force in Sri Lanka has confirmed the same.

The following report on the visit of Sri Sachidhananda Swamiji to Sri Lanka in search of Sri Shankari Devi Temple confirms the above statement.

Report on SRI SWAMIJI visit to  SRI LANKAfrom 2nd to 5th May 2005

Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji decided on to go to Sri Lanka to visit the famed SHANKARI Temple, one of the 18 Devi Temples (Ashta Dasha Shakti Peethas). Sri Swamiji flew Bangalore - Colombo on 2nd May 2005 morning.

Many have heard the Ashtadasha Shakti Peetha Shloka starting with LANKAAYAAM SHAANKARI DEVI........... - composed by Sri Adi Shankara which means Shankari in Lanka.This Shloka enumerates the list of places of Devi temples which are considered to be part of the 18 Devi Peethas.

But almost nobody we contacted in Sri Lanka knew of any famous Devi Temple in the country. Even on Internet, not much authentic information was available. Sri Swamiji opined that the temple should be in the famed town of Trincomalee on the eastern coast. With that hope we left India.

In Colombo Dr. Sudarshan Kumari and Dr. Kumar received Sri Swamiji at the airport.

Sri Harshith Dharma Dasa of Nawaloka group came for Darshan and welcomed Sri Swamiji to Sri Lanka. In the evening, Sri Swamiji visited the home of Smt. Dr. Sudarshan Kumari and a Buddhist temple situated on a lotus pond. On 3rd May (Tuesday), Sri Swamiji traveled from West Coast of Sri Lanka (Colombo) thru the centre of the island nation to the east coast town of Trincomalee, the journey which took eight hours. All along we listened to the the audio CD SHAANKARI and the song LANKA SHAANKARI PAALAYAMAAM in particular. Crossing the entire mid section of a country in just 8 hours - from west coast to east coast is amazing.

Later that evening, the temple of Sri Shankari Devi was inquired and visited that place. As per the priest's account, the Portuguese who invaded the island in the 17th century completely cannon balled from their ship and demolished the cliff top Devi temple. In its site stands a lone pillar, as a mute spectator.

 I have observed that many travels are announcing visits to Sri Lanka including the Shankari Devi Shakti peetha which may not be correct.

shankari devi image by an artist

Body part : Devi's Groin has fallen here.

18) Kashmiretu Saraswati

Saraswathi devi temple in POK

Goddess Sarswathi

 18) Kashmire tu Saraswati : The Sharda Temple is located in Kishanganga Valley just across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) in a small village called Shardi at the confluence of River Kishanganga and River Jhelum which flows from Kashmir.
In 1948, during raids by Pakistani tribal raiders, the village fell into Pakistani hands.
A famous learning centre of Kashmiris, it is identified by noted historians and chroniclers including Al Beruni (1130 ad) and M A Stein, who visited the temple in 1892, (in Rajtarangini) as one of the most important temples of the Hindus equivalent to the Shiva Lingam of Somnath, Vishnu of Thaneshwar and Surya of Multan.
Abul Fazl in Ain-i-Akbari (16th century) says that on every eighth day of the month at the time of full moon, the temple "shakes and produces the most extraordinary effect." He however does not explain the "extraordinary effect."
The temple is so vital to Kashmiris that Kashmiri language has the script of Sharda, which is little similar to Devanagari.
Kalhana in Rajatarangini has said, devotees of Durga and Shiva from all over the country would flock to the temple of Sharda which can be approached from Bandipur in North Kashmir, about 80 km from Srinagar.
Through centuries the temple had remained the object of worship and devotion of lakhs of pilgrims from all over the country. Though in ruins now, the entire temple complex inspires grandeur and awe.
The temple had a massive library attached to it which had priceless works on art, science, literature, architecture, music, humanities, medicine, astrology, astronomy, philosophy, law and jurisprudence and sanskrit etc. The library was used by scholars from even neighbouring countries.
Kashmir was also called "Shardapeeth" (the base of Sharda), the name being derived from the temple.

Body part : Devi's right hand has fallen here.

17) Varanasyam Vishalakshi

17) Varanasyam Vishalakshi : It is most famous jyotirlinga out of 12(14). It is well connected by train from New Delhi, Kolkatta, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and other major cities. The deity is known as Lord Kasi Visweswar and goddess is known as Kasi Visalakshi. You can do abisheka yourself .Original temple was destroyed many times and finally by Auranagazeb and rebuilt byMaharani Ahilya Bai in 1776.
Stay: Many dharmasalas and hotels are available
Places of interest: The new Viswanath temple in the university complex

Body part : Devi's wrist has fallen here.

16) Gaya Mangalya Gourika

Sarva Mangala Gouri
 

MangalaGouri Temple,Gaya

16) Gaya Mangalya gourika : 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.
Vishnupad 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.
Body part : Devi's breast part has fallen here.



15) Jwalayam Vaishnavi Devi

15) Jwalayam Vaishnavi devi : Jwalamukhi temple is in Himachal Pradesh at Kangra
Other Deities at Kangra are Mahakali, Unpurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Bindhya Basni, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ambika and Anji Devi.
Ancient legends speak of a time when demons lorded over the Himalaya mountains and harassed the gods. Led by Lord Vishnu, the gods decided to destroy them. They focused their strengths and huge flames rose from the ground. From that fire, a young girl took birth. She is regarded as Adishakti-the first 'shakti'.
There is a copper pipe in this temple through which natural gas comes out and the priest of the temple lights this.

Body part : Devi's head part has fallen here.

14) Prayage Madhaveshwari

artist imagination of sri Madhaveshwari

Alopi Devi , Prayaga

 14) Prayage Madhaveshwari : It is in Prayag (Allahabad) in Uttar Pradesh. The temple here it is called as MATAJI ka temple (or LALITA ) by the locals.Some people call as Alopi  Devi. In this temple no Idol is there and only wooden carraige is worshipped. You can go by auto or riksha from the rail way station. Ananda bhavan and Hanuman temple are the othere place of interest. Since this temple is little away from the main road, you have to sepcify for this particualrly as it is not very famous. Evening at 7 pm every day Harati is performed. Locals are not calling the devi as Madhaveshwari.

Body part : Devi's fingers have fallen here.



13) Hari kshetre Kamarupi

Kamakhya Devi

                                                                 Kamakhya temple

                                                                             

13) Hari kshetre Kama rupi : This shakti peetha is in Assam near Gauhati. The deity is called Kmamkhya Devi. This temple is not having any deity for worship like Mangala Gowri and Madhaveswari temples. This 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. The cloth which is covered the yoni during this time is sold in pieces at premium and it is believed that if you keep this piece in the house it is very good.
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 Aryan and non-Aryan elements in Assam. The different names associated with the goddess are names of local Aryan and non-Aryan goddesses (Kakati 1989, p38).The yogini tantra mentions that the religion of the Yogini Pitha is of Kirata origin.According to Banikanta Kakati, 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 (Kakati 1989, p37).
The goddess is worshiped according to both the Vamachara (left hand path) as well as the Dakshinachara (right hand path) modes of worship (Kakati, 1989 p45). 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 (Kakati 1989, p65).
According to the Kalika purana, Kamakhya Temple denotes the spot where Sati used to retire in secret to satisfy her amour with Shiva. According to a legend the Koch Bihar royal family was banned by Devi herself from offering puja at the temple. In fear of this curse, to this day no descendants of that family dares to even look upward towards the Kamakhya hill while passing by. Without the support of the Koch royal family the temple faced lot of hardship. By the end of 1658, the Ahoms under king Jayadhvaj Singha had conquered the Lower Assam and their interests in the temple grew. In the decades that followed the Ahom kings, all who were either devout Shaivite or Shakta continued to support the temple by rebuilding and renovating it.
Rudra Singha (reign 1696 to 1714) was a devout Hindu and as he grew older he decided to formally embrace the religion and become an orthodox Hindu by being initiated or taking sharan of a Guru, who would teach him the mantras and become his spiritual guide. But, he could not bear the thought of humbling himself in front a Brahmin who is his subject. He therefore sent envoys to Bengal and summoned Krishnaram Bhattacharyya, a famous mahant of Shakta sect who lived in Malipota, near Santipur in Nadia district. The mahant was unwilling to come, but consented on being promised to be given the care of the Kamakhya temple to him. Though the king did not take sharan, he satisfied the mahant by ordering his sons and the Brahmins in his entourage to accept him as their spiritual guru.
When Rudra Singha died, his eldest son Siba Singha (reign 1714 to 1744), who became the king, gave the management of the Kamakhya temple and along with it large areas of land (Debottar land) to Mahant Krishnaram Bhattacharyya. The Mahant and his successors came to be known as Parbatiya Gosains, as they resided on top of the Nilachal hill. Many Kamakhya priests and modern Saktas of Assam are either disciples or descendants of the Parbatiya Gosains, or of the Nati and Na Gosains. Being the centre for Tantra worship this temple attracts thousands of tantra devotees in an annual festival known as the Ambuvaci. Another annual celebration is the Manasha Puja. Durga Puja is also celebrated annually at Kamakhya during Navaratri in the autumn. This five day festival attracts several thousand visitors.

Body part : Devi's Vulva (yoni) has fallen here.

12) Manikya Daksha Vatike

Mnnikyambha,Draksharamam

12) Manikya Daksha vatike : Drakasharama is located in East Godavari district near Kakinada. Rajahmundry is the nearest airport. Draksharama constitues one of the five Arama kshetras of Andhra Pradesh, sacred to Shiva, the other four being Kumararama, Ksheerarama and Bheemarama and Amararama. Draksharama, Sree Sailam and Kaleshwar together constitute the three sacred Shivalingams of Andhra Pradesh, giving it its ancient name Trilinga Desh. Draksharama is one of the important centers of Shiva worship in Andhra Pradesh.Several legends tie together the five Pancharama temples dedicated to Shiva. Legend also has it that Vyasa installed the Shivalingam at Draksharama. Legend also has it that Draksharama was the site of Daksha yagna. Since it is believed that Sati immolated herself at the site of her father's sacrificial hall, no sacrificial yagna rituals are performed here.The Bhimeswara temple at Draksharama has two prakarams. The outer prakaram is pierced with four entrances each with a gopuram. The gopuram on the west is a five tiered one. The entrance to the inner prakaram is on the south. A pillared two storeyed verandah lines the inner prakaram (tiruchutrumaaligai in the ancient temples of Tamilnadu). The sculptural work in the mukha mandapam depicts clear Chalukyan features.There are shrines to Lakshmi Narayana, Sankaranarayana, Ganapati and the Navagrahas.The sanctum is two storeyed. The walls surrounding both levels are beautified with sculptural work. Two flights of stairs lead to the upper level of the sanctum. Bhimeswara is enshrined in the form of a ten feet high Shivalingam in the sanctum. Shiva's consort here is Manikyamba.Mahashivaratri and Navaratri are some of the festivals celebrated heHistory: This temple was built by the Eastern Chalukyan King of Vengi - Bhima, during very troubled times (9th -10th centuries), when his kingdom was under attack by the Rashtrakootas. Inscriptions reveal that he had to fight as many as 360 battles. Chalukya Bhima also built the Chalukya Bhimeswaram temple at Samalkota nearby. The Draksharamam temple contains as many as 400 inscriptions going back to the 11th century. These inscriptions can be traced back to the Eastern and the Western Chalukyas as well as the Cholas and Kalinga rulers.How to reachAir : The nearest airport to Draskharamam is in Vijayawada at Ryali Templea distance of 185 km. Rail :The nearest rail head is in Kakinada at a distance of 17 km. Road : One can easily reach Draskharam by bus from Kakinada and Rajahmundry.

Body part : Devi's left cheek has fallen here.

11) Odhyane Girija Devi

 Girija Devi

11) Odhyane Girija devi :It is in Jajpur in Orissa. The presiding deity of Jajpur Asta dasha shakti peetha is Goddess Girija Devi. Goddess Girija Devi is also worshipped with various names such as Goddess Birija Devi, Goddess Virija.
Jajpur is located at a distance of 120 Kms from Bhuvaneshwar, the capital city of Orissa. The road is excellent and one can go easily by taxi or bus. Jajpur has a rich cultural and historical reference in several hindu scriptures. This place was ruled by King Jajati Kesari in the 10th Century. Hence, the name of the town became Jajpur. Once it was the capital city of Kalinga emperors. Jajpur is also called as ‘Baithangi Theertha’ or ‘Birija Kshetram’. The whole idol of Goddess Girija Devi is decorated with flower garlands and gold jewelry. We can see only the face of Goddess Birija. The idol is decorated with silver crown full of jewels. Goddess Girija Devi blesses her devotees with her pleasant smiling face and charming looks. Another significance aspect of this temple is , a well near the main temple of Girija Devi in which devotees perform ritual rites to their ancestors. It seems the depth of the well is somewhere around 4 to 5 feet but it never dried up till now.

Body part : Devi's navel has fallen here.

On the way to Jajipur one  Jagannadha temple is there. It is as famous as Puri temple.Dont miss to visit it.
Nearest Rail way station : Bhubhaneswar
Air port : Bhubhaneswar
Bhubaneswar is the city of temples and we will find number of famous temples here. The main temple is Linga Raja temple.We will not find any idol here.

10) Peethikayam Puruhutika

 Puruhutika Devi , Pithapuram (AP)

10) Peethikayam Puruhutika : It is in Pithapurem in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.The temple of Puruhutika devi is located within the temple campus of Kukkuteswara swamy. Kukkuteswara swamy temple is present in the outskirts of the Pithapuram village towards Kakinada. It is a big temple. Just entering in to the temple we will see a pond which is called as Padagaya sarovaram (Pada Gaya Sarovar). Pilgrims will take holy bath in this pond. Main temple of Kukkuteswara swamy is present towards the right side of the pond. Puruhutika devi temple is present in the North-East corner of the Kukkuteswara swamy temple. It is constructed facing South. Puruhutha temple is small but looks very nice with the carvings of Ashtadasa Shakti peethas on it's walls.The idol of Puruhuthika devi has four hands. They contain bag of seeds (Beeja), axe (Parashu), lotus (Kamala) and a dish (Madhu patra) from lower-right to lower-left in order.Previously there were two sects of Upasakas in Pithapuram worshiping Puruhootika devi. The first one calling her as Puruhootha Lakshmi (Meditating on Kamala and Madhu patra) and worshiping in Samayachara and the second one calling her Puruhoothamba (Meditating on Parashu and Beeja) and worshiping in Vamachara. There is also a tale that the original statue of Puruhutika devi was buried under the temple which was worshiped by them. Pithapuram has many important temples: 1). Kukkuteswara swamy temple: It is the main temple in Pithapuram.2). Hunkruthi Durga / Humkruthi Durga: Also called as Humkarini Durga. She is present in the Garbha griha of Kukkuteswara swami towards the left.3). Rajarajeswari: She is the Deveri (wife) of Kukkuteswara swamy. Also present in the same campus.4). Sripada Srivallabha Dattatreya: This temple of Lord Dattatreya is present in the South-West corner of the temple.5). Kunthi madhava: This is an old temple of Lord Sri Krishna located in Pithapuram village.

Body part :Devi's left hand has fallen here.

9) Ujjainyam Maha kali

Hara Sidhi Mata




Board at the entrance of the Temple

  9) Ujjainyam Maha kali : Maha kali temple is in Ujjain. Here the devi is called as Hara Sidhi Mata and if you ask by Maha kali temple people may not be able to tell about this. Though it is a shakti peetha people are not aware of this.People are confused with Ujjaini Maha Kali temple at Secuderabad in Andhra Pradesh.

The Maha kali (hara sidhi mata) was the aradhana devi of The great King Vikramadithya. It is said that King Vikramadithya has offered his head (sirassu) by cutting 11 times to devi and all those times devi made him live by jointing it back. We will find his portrait a hall next to the temple.

King Vikramadithya

The decoration in the temple is different  ineach day. In the temple I was told it is the 6th shaktipeetha but as per above shloka it is 9th.We find in the top Parvati devi, in the centre Hara Sidhi Mata, in the bottom Maha Kali statues.

Hara Sidhi mata

In Ujjain we will find one more Kali temple which is called Ghat Kali which was the Aradhana Devi of Maha Kavi Kalidas.

Ghat Kalika Devi

Ujjain is famous for Maha Kaleswar Jyothirling. The deity here is called as Mahakaleswara. Ujjain is 50Km(2hrs) from Indore. Or you can drop at Ujjain while going to Somanath by train.You are allowed to touch the jyotirlinga when rush is not there. The decoration of the linga is different in the morning and evening. One should not miss the evening decoration which is made with the clay from the river shipra.
In the early morning at 4.30 AM Bhasmarchana is performed.for Maha Kaleswar. For this the ashes from the  burial ground of previous night last pyre is used. The ashes are taken in a thin cloth and this archana is performed.One should not miss this and there is a restrictions for ladies to see this archana directly. Special passes are issued for this archana at free of cost, one day earlier. we have to apply for the pass by producing the photo identity card between 11 to 13.00 hrs and the pass is issued at 7 PM. Next day at 4.30 AM you are allowed for abhishekam and as well as for Bhasmarchana.

Body part :Devi's left elbow has  fallen here.(earlier it was wrongly reported as upper lip in my earlier blog) This was clarified by the pandit in Harasidhi Mata temple during my recent visit.
Ujjain is place of historical importance and there are many places of tourist interests like Ghat Kalika(Kalidas aradhana devi ) temple,Char Dham mandir, bethala pipale tree, Bhatruhari Guha (elder brother of King Vikramadithya) and Kala Bhirava temple where liquor is offered as prasada, Bada Ganapathi mandir,Mangalanath Temple (son of Lord Siva), Gopal mandir,Iskon mandir,Sandeepani Ashram and Bhookhi mata temple. Chitamani Ganesh temple is very famous here.we will find standing nandi in the siva temple near this temple. Probably this is the only place where we find standing nandi .  You can see the rare portriat of King Vikramadithya in the court hall near Hara Sidhi mata temple aling with the portriats of Maha Kavi Kalidas and the great Varaha Mihiruludu.
Stay : Mahakalewara trust Dharma sala which is neat  and clean. and close to temple. But difficult to get and better go at 10 AM. Local tourist bus is available which takes 4 hours to cover the above places. MP tourism bus charges Rs50 and private bus charges Rs36.
Food : Pooha is availble in the break fast. Near the main temple Idlis are available in Hotel Shivam. AC rooms are availble in HotelSatyam.
Nearest Rail way station : Ujjain
Air port : Indore



8) Mahurye Ekaveerika

Ekaveerika Devi Temple

(8th Shakti peetha )

As per Sri Adi Shankarachrya's shaktipeethas shlok the 8th Shakti peethas is' Mahurye Ekaveerika'

Ekaveerika devi temple is in Mahur , Maharashtra. The deity here is called Ekaveerika mata. The temple is in Yavatmal district in Maharashtra. It is 50 km from Kinwat and 126 km from Nanded. Nagpur is 210 km by road from Mahur.

Body part : Sati's Right shoulder has fallen here.

 Air port : Sonegaon(Nagpur).

Rail way station : Kinwat.

Mahur is famous for Renuka Devi temple and very few people are knowing about Ekaveerika devi temple and mostly they call Renuka devi temple as shakti peeth. We find more rush at Renuka devi temple than Ekaveerika mata temple.

Renuka Devi temple

It is said that Ekaveerika Devi is the elder sister of Renukadevi.Renuka devi temple is 800 years old.

Prasad being grinded

Here pan patta and supari are grinded as paste and offered as prasad. Other temples which we can see here are Parashuram Temple, Jamadgni temple and Anasuya temple.

Anasuya temple

The Anasuya devi temple is on another sikhar/hill. Anasuya devi is the mother of Lord Dattatreyaa. We can get shared autos from Renukadevi temple to this place.

The board at Ekaveerika mata temple

Ekaveerika Devi temple is 8 km from Renuka devi temple on Nanded high way and 300M from the main road. Very few people visit this temple and we could not find even poojari in the temple. Opposite to the temple there is one Gomata samadhi. The story about this samadhi no body could tell us.

Gomatha samadhi
(opposite to temple)

Mahur assumes prominence as the birth place of Lord Dattatreya.This temple is very old and we find lot of langoors in this temple.

Dattatreya Temple , Mahur
( the author with friends)

DATTATREYA IN LINGA SHAPE

Datta temple is on another hill and harati is given at 5 Pm every day and abhishek is done on every thursday.

60 km from Mahur there is one pracheen shiva temple at Manpur which is 850 years old.

Shiva Temple , Manpur

Shiv linga, Manpur

We find Kala Bhirava temple here. It is said that each shaktipeeth must be have a Kala bhirava temple and there is no Kala bhirave temple in Ekaveerika devi complex.

20 km from Yavatmal at Kalam ,Chinta mani Ganesh temple is there. It is one of the eight Ganesh temples in Vidarbha and it is the only temple where deity faces south.

Chinta mani Ganesh,Kalam

The temple is 20 feet below the ground level and it is said that every 12 years the temple is submersed in water comes out of the well.

Vinayaka,at Kalam

(at main temple entry)

One can visit "Unkeshwar" (50 km from Mahur; 15 km from Kinwat), which has natural sources of hot water. This sulphur rich water is supposed to have medicinal value.

visit my another bolg at :    http://jyotirlingasinindia.blogspot.com/

7)Kolha pure Maha Lakshmi

7)Kolha pure Maha lakshmi : Shri Mahalaxmi Temple of Kolhapur is dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the Lord resides in this area, along with the Goddess. The temple holds the distinction of being one of the Shakti Peethas in India and is held in great regard by the people of Maharashtra. One can find the mention of the Mahalakshmi Temple of Kohlapur in the various puranas (holy books) of Hindu religion. It is believed to have been built somewhere around 700 AD, by the rulers of the Chalukya Empire.The temple holds special significance for the devotees, since it is believed to be one of the six places in India, where one will either get his desires fulfilled or obtain salvation from them. The image of the deity has been placed on a stone platform. The Goddess is shown having four arms and crowned with a beautiful tiara, which has been made of precious gemstone and weighs approximately 40 kilograms. The crown has been adorned with an image of the Sheshnag, the serpent regarded as the vehicle of Vishnu.In each of the four hands of the Goddess is a different object, believed to have symbolic value. The lower right hand holds a mhalunga (a citrus fruit) and the upper right hand holds a large mace (kaumodaki). In the upper left hand is a shield (khetaka), while in the lower left hand, there is a bowl (panpatra). Besides the idol stands a stone statue of a lion, considered as the vehicle (vahana) of Goddess Mahalakshmi. The image of Goddess Mahalaxmi looks towards the west (Pashchim) direction.Unusual Phenomenon On the western wall of the Mahalaxmi Temple of Kolhapur is a small window. It has been built in such a way that every year, the light of the setting sun falls on the face of the deity for three days. This phenomenon is noticed every year and it takes place around 21st of March and September

Body part : Devi's eyes (three) have fallen here.

 

Maha Lakshmi Temple

6) Srishaile Bhramarambika

 Sthala Purana : In the olden days there was demon called ' Arun'. The goddess has killed him with the help of Bhramaras (Butter flies) as such the devi is famous by Bhramarambha.

About the temple :

The shrine of Lord Mallikarjuna along with Goddess Bhramarambha Devi picturesquely situated on a flat top of Nallamalai Hills, Srisailam is reputed to be one of the most ancient kshetras in India.  It is on the right side of the River Krishna in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh.  This celebrated mountain is also named as Siridhan, Srigiri, Sirigiri, Sriparvatha and Srinagam.  It has been a popular centre of Saivite pilgrimage for centuries.

The prominence of this Divya Kshetram is highlighted by the fact that while performing our daily household rituals we specify place of location of our existence with reference to Srisailam.

The presiding Deities of this kshetram Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy is one of the twelve Jyothirlingas and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi is one of the eighteen Mahasakthis and both are self-manifested.  The unique feature of this kshetram is the combination of Jyothirlingam and Mahasakthi in one campus, which is very rare and only one of its kind.

There is a common belief in vogue that this Holy Kshetram exists from times immemorial.  The antiquity and origin of God Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi is not known.

Kumkuma puja to Devi is performed everyday between 6AM to 1 PM and 6PM to 8.30 PM at a cost of Rs 350 for a couple and pooja material will be given by temple authorities.

The Devasthanam is having 25 individual cottages, Pathaleswara Sadan with 23 Deluxe Suites, Sivasadanam guest house with 100 rooms, T.T.D Guest House with 10 rooms,Chandeswara Sadanam with 22 rooms and a dormitory Choultry consisting of 7 Halls.

Body part :Devi's neck part has fallen here.

Nearest places: The famous Srisailam dam which is 512M length and 270M height and it is a major hydro power station of Andhra Pradesh is very closed to the temple.

Alampur Jogulamba temple is 24 Km from Kurnool. It is one of the 18 shaktipeethas.

5) Alampure Jogulamba

5) Alampure Jogulamba :The temple is 24 Km from Kurnool in Andhra pradesh.Old temple of Jogulamba was destroyed by Bahamani sultans in the 14th century. The idols of Jogulamba and her two shaktis Chandi, Mundi were protected from them and placed in Bala brahmeswara swamy temple untill 2005. Now, a new temple was constructed in the same place and the godess was shifted in to it. New temple of Jogulamba is very much beautiful to see with a nice granite flooring. It is surrounded by a water pool. Villagers of Alampur tell an interesting reason for it: "Jogulamba is an Ugra rupa (highly energetic and hard to worship) and this water pool makes the atmosphere cool so that we can easily worship her".Idol of Jogulamba is typical. She is in sitting position. She has huge amount of hair with lizard, scorpion, bat and a human scull in it. Idols of Saptamatrikas, Vighneswara and Veenapani veerabhadra are also present in the temple. Original Chandi Mundi idols were left in Bala brahmeswara swamy temple and new idols are made and placed in Jogulamba temple. Alampur is called as "City of Temples". All of them are very old and famous for their sculpture. The entire temple campus was built on the bank of river Tungabhadra. Out of them, temples of Nava brahmas and the temple of Kanchi kamakshi are most important.

Body part : Devi's upper teeth row has fallen here.

Near by Places: Srisailam Jyotirlinga is 214 Km from Alampur

4) Chamunda Krouncha pattane

Chamundeswari, Mysore

4) Chamunda Krouncha pattane : The goddess here is called Chamundeswari devi. A very popular temple in Karnataka. The Chamundeswari Temple is situated on a hill called Chamundi hill 13 Km from Mysore, the palace city. Krishnaraja III during the latter part of the 18th century built this temple tower. He gifted the Nakshatramalika jewel which has Sanskrit poesies engraved on it. The temple is adorned with various epitomes of Nandi. It also has a seven floor ‘gopuram’. The idol of the Goddess is made of gold and the entrance with shinning silver.

Body part : Devi's head hairs have fallen here.

Chamundeswari temple pooja timings :

07.30 am - 02.00 pm
03.30 pm - 06.00 pm
07.30 pm - 09.00 pm

one should note this timings other wise they have to wait for long time in the evenings.

7 floor Temple Gopuram

 There is a huge granite Nandi on the 800th step on the hill in front of a small Shiva temple a short distance away. This Nandi is over 15 feet high, and 24 feet long and around its neck are exquisite bells

There are many places of tourist interest in Mysore.The city of Mysore is known as the 'City Of Palaces'. There are number of buildings built by the Royal family and are exquisite examples of Dravidian architecture and display grandeur and lavish life lead by the Emperors while they ruled the state. Apart from the Palaces there are number of other tourists attractions that one can visit in Mysore.
The KRS dam and the adjoining Brindavan Gardens are worth visiting. The Brindavan Gardens is one of its kinds in the country. It is famous all over for its colorfully lit dancing fountains that come alive once the sun sets. There are three lakes in Mysore that have become a haven for migratory birds and are set in lush green surroundings that are relaxing and worth visiting. The Mysore Zoo is the oldest Zoo in the country and was set up by Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar in 1892.

The Zoo flourished under Royal patronage and was handed over to the Government after independence. Today the Zoo is equipped with the most modern facilities and is a pioneer in breeding animals in captivity. Another famous monument of Mysore city is the Philomena Church that has a relic of the 3rd century St. Philomena preserved in a catacomb in below the main altar. The Church is also famous for its 175 feet high spires. These are some of the important sights to see in Mysore city.

20 KM from Mysore there is one very old Siva temple is there at  Nanjangud

Nanjundeshwara (Srikanteshwara) Temple, Nanjangud.

This temple is situated on right banks of Kapila (Kabini) River and is one of the oldest temples in India. The Shiva Linga in the temple is believed to be installed by the sage Gauthama who had stayed here for some time. This Shiva Linga was also worshiped by Parashurama when he had stayed for some time in this town on his journey to get cleansed from the sin of beheading his mother.

Enterance of Nanjangud Temple

People visiting Chamundeswari temple should not miss this. 

3)Pradyumne Shrinkhala devi

Artist's imagination of Shrinkhala Devi



3) Pradyumne Shrinkhala Devi : The goddess here is called Sri Shrunkhala Devi. The temple is supposed to be in Gujarat. But I could not find it is spite of my staying there for 5 days. Some one says it is at Prabhas pattan where Somanath temple is there, The place is called Prabhas.It is 5Km from Veraval. One can go to Somanath by Somanath exp No 1464 which goes from Jabalpur to somanath via Bhopal, Ujjain, Ahmedabad and Rajkot. Prabhas pattan is 79 Km from Junagaudh. It is said that the temple was distroyed by Md Ghajani.

Some people say, the temple of Shrinkhala devi is near Kolkatta.It is said that it is in Hugli dist in a place by name Pandua.I had been to the place where the temple of Shrinkhala devi was supposed to be in the past.but at present there is such temple in that place. A minar was built there by muslim invaders. There were ruins of temple infront of minar.There is a temple of Hanseswari mata which is regarded as Shakti peetha which is very close to this place. one can visit this temple
I have seen the advertisements of many travels that they will cover 17 shakti peethas. I dont think it is possible as this temple is not there.

Body part : Devi's stomach part has fallen here.

As there is no temple of Devi in both the places one can visit Nabha Devi temple in Jammu at a place called Jindrah near Udhampur. Udhampur is 211 Km from Jammu. It is said that Devi's stomach part with navel has fallen here. As Nabhi(navel) has fallen here, the deity is called Nabha devi.

 

 Nabha Devi Temple ,Jindrah

2) Kamakshi Kanchika pure

Kamakshi Devi



2) Kamakshi Kanchika pure : The goddess is famous by kanchi kamakshi. A very popular shaktipeeth. It is 70 Km from Chennai. Kanchi Kamakshi temple is situated at about 5 acres of land and has four entrances. The main entrance of the temple has a Kalabhairavar deity on its left and the Mahishasura Mardini deity on the right. On the centre of the entrance you can see a huge Dwajasthampa. Moving further to the entrance of the Kamakshi deity you can see a Vinayaga deity. Moving on a straight line further, Goddess Kamakshi is visible. Goddess Kamakshi is surrounded by deities of Ayyapan, Saraswati, Annaporani and Adisankaracharya on its outer prakaram. The Goddess also has Varahi, Arupalakshmi Kalvarperumal (one of the 108 Divya Desam of Vaishanavities), Roopalakshmi and Arthanariswarar deities surrounding the sanctorum of Goddess on its Gayatri Mandapam. There is Santhanasthampam inside the prakaram of Goddess which is called the Nabisthan of the Goddess. There is a Srichakra Yantra (Sri Kamakoti Peetam) established by Jagadguru Sri Adisankaracharya in front of the Goddess deity. There is also a temple tank inside the premises. Kamakshi temple has a close relation with the Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam and its successive Sankarcharyas. The temple has a gallery of Adisankarcharya's Life history inside the temple premises itself. Goddess Kamakshi is the main deity and the temple is one of the eighteen Shakti peetas. The temple is spelled as Nabisthana - Ottiyana peetam. The temple also has a golden Gopuram on the sanctorum of the Goddess Kamakshi deity which is visible to all devotees.
  Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham was established by Sri Adi Sankara in the year 482 B.C. and has the distinction of an unbroken line of 70 Acharyas (spiritual leaders).
The Goddess Kamakshi prevails in the form of Shakti. There are 18 Shakti Peetas across the country. The goddess residing place in Kanchi is called as “Nabisthana Ottiyana Peetam”. The Goddess is called as “Sri Kamakshi. The word is derived from the heritage “Ka” means Goddess Saraswati (God of Education), “Ma” means Goddess Lakshmi (God of Wealth), “Akshi” means Eye. The name as a whole refers as the god lives in Kanchi with Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi as her both eyes. The Lalitha Sahasranama poem is an idle example for the goddess power.

Kanchi is also called as Satyavrita Kshetra . The Goddess worshipped Lord Siva by creating a mud idol in Kanchi. At that moment, Lord Siva incarnated as Kamba River with high tides to test the worship of the goddess, the goddess grasped the idol closely with her two hands from eroding in the tides. This prevented the idol from getting eroded in the floods. The goddess also performed Pooja by sitting in a needle tip surrounded by “Panchakagni” (surrounded by 5 fires) to free herself from the interest of livelihood. The Lord Shiva became happy, gestured before her and married the goddess. Though there are many Shiva temples in the city, the only temple to have the sanctorum of the goddess is 'SRI KAMAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE’. There are also eight other Shakti goddesses surrounding the temple.
The place where goddess resides is “Gayatri Mandapam”. The Goddess lives in temple in 3 forms. They are Sri Kamakshi, Sri Bilahasam and Sri Chakram. The goddess is in a sitting posture of “Padmasana” .The goddess contains Pasa, Angusa, Pushpabana and Sugarcane in her forehands.
The Goddess Mahalakshmi was given curse by the Lord Vishnu to incarnate as Aarupam form. The Goddess Mahalakshmi comes to Kanchipuram and performs the worship chanting in the name of Lord Vishnu to free her from this Aarupam. After long prayers, the Goddess is freed from her Aarupam and given a Rupam by the Lord Vishnu. There exists a belief that Goddess kamakshi kumkum has to be offered to the idol of Aarupa Lakshmi within the sanctorum where by the goddess Lakshmi will fulfil your needs on the prayer.
The temple sanctorum consists of a deity “Adivaraha Perumal” which is one of the 108 Vaishnaivaite deity worship temple.
The history reveals us that King Dasaratha performed “Putra Kameshi Yagam” in the temple for the Birth of a child to his kingdom. The King performed pooja to the “Nabisthanam” of the goddess in the temple. The King Dasaratha within a few months received a child. The King Dasasratha belongs to the “Ekshuvagu Vamsam” where by the prime deity is Goddess Kamakshi. The extract of this story is visible in “Markendeya Puranam”. The faith is if prayed truly the goddess provides child for the childless couples.
The Saint Adisankara born at Kaladi in Kerala travelled across all the parts of the country. When he visited Kanchipuram he felt the goddess is in a ferocious mode that the entire sanctorum was very hot. So to personify her and accomplish to her to normal state the saint sung songs in the praise of goddess named “Soundarya Lahari” then he established a Sri Chakra in front of her idol to keep her cool and personified. This srichakram is visible to all of us and all the poojas are done to srichakram too. The Saint established Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam and attained Sarvagyna peetam in this holy city.
The temple was visited by a dumb devotee named “Mookan”. The devotee begged the goddess to free him from this dumbness so that he can perform poems on the praise of the goddess. The goddess suddenly provides him grace by freeing him from dumbness and giving him intellectuality in creating poetry. He was very happy with the goddess that he wrote a poetry named “Mookapanchashati” in which he praises entirely about the grace of the goddess with her beauty.
The temple goddess has been so graceful that she has made dumb to a poetist, has given birth to the childless couples and provides wealth to all her devotees. The goddess destroys evil and helps the prosperity of goodness to prosper throughout the world.
The special occasions for the Goddess Kamakshi are Navratri, Bhramotsavam and Pournami (Full Moon Day). The goddess is distinctively powerful in these times and it is even more auspicious to visit the temple in these days.

Body part : Devi's Back part has fallen here.