శక్తి పీఠం (Shakti Peetha)
Sacred shrines of Goddess Shakti where parts of Sati's body fell
Overview
Shakti Peethas are pilgrimage sites dedicated to Goddess Shakti. According to legend, when Sati immolated herself, Lord Shiva carried her body across the universe in grief. Lord Vishnu's Sudarshana Chakra cut her body into pieces that fell at various places, each becoming a Shakti Peetha. There are 51 or 108 Shakti Peethas depending on tradition.
ఆచరణలో అర్థం
Each Shakti Peetha represents a different aspect of the Divine Mother. Visiting these shrines is believed to bring blessings of the Goddess. Navaratri is the most auspicious time to visit. Women particularly seek blessings for family and fertility.
ఉదాహరణలు
- Kamakhya (Assam) - Most important Shakti Peetha
- Kalighat (Kolkata) - Right toes of Sati
- Vaishno Devi (Jammu) - Very popular pilgrimage
- Kanchi Kamakshi (Tamil Nadu) - South Indian Shakti Peetha