Astadasha Shakti Peethas | List of 18 Shakti Temples

This list of Ashtadasa Shakti peethas ( 18 Shakti Temples / Temples of Mother Goddess). The Ashtadasha Shakti Peethas are 18 major sacred shrines dedicated to Goddess Shakti, revered as powerful abodes of the divine feminine in Hindu tradition. These Shakti Peethas are linked to the legend of Goddess Sati’s dismembered body parts falling to earth, sanctifying these locations as centers of spiritual energy and devotion.

Here is a list of the Ashtadasha (18) Shakti Peethas along with their locations and the body parts of Goddess Sati believed to have fallen there:

1. Shankari Devi Temple, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka – Thigh (or Heart in some accounts)

2. Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu – Navel (Nabhi)

3. Shrinkala Devi Temple, Pandua, West Bengal – Stomach

4. Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore, Karnataka – Hair

5. Alampur Jogulamba Temple, Telangana – Upper Teeth Row

6. Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple (Srisailam), Andhra Pradesh – Neck

7. Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur, Maharashtra – Three Eyes

8. Eka Veerika Temple, Maharashtra – Unknown specific part

9. Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple, Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh – Left Hand

10. Biraja Temple, Jajpur, Odisha – Navel Area (some accounts)

11. Draksharama Bheemeswara Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh – Right Thigh

12. Alopi Devi Mandir, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – Fingers

13. Jwalamukhi Temple, Himachal Pradesh – Tongue or Flame

14. Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati, Assam – Yoni (Genital Area)

15. Madhaveswari (Alopi Devi) Temple, Prayag, Uttar Pradesh – Fingers

16. Sharada Peeth, Kashmir (currently in Pakistan) – Right Hand

17. Vishalakshi Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Ear Lobes or Neck

18. Renuka Devi Temple, Mahur, Maharashtra – Left Hand

These temples not only mark the spots where parts of Sati fell but are also renowned for their antiquity, architectural grandeur, and vibrant festivals dedicated to Devi worship. They symbolize various aspects of the Goddess and her cosmic power, offering devotees a path to spiritual liberation and divine blessings.​

Among these, the Kanchi Kamakshi Temple and Trincomalee Shankari Devi Temple are notably revered as power centers of Shakti. The Ashtadasha Peethas are a focal point of Shakti spiritual tradition and are celebrated across India and Sri Lanka as key pilgrimage destinations.

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 //