tn1.jpg (28116 bytes)

Abodes of Shakti

The Indian system of beliefs refers to the female aspect of divinity as Shakti - or the manifestation of energy. Parvati - the consort of Shiva or Lakshmi the consort of Vishnu are enshrined in temples and all over India. Some of these shrines are referred to as Shakti Peethams, (or the sites where the parts of Sati's body fell as in the legend of Daksha's yagna). Others are ancient shrines closely tied to local legends and beliefs. Srichakra worship is an integral part of Indian tantric tradition.

All about Shakti: The Indian system of beliefs worships the primeval source of energy Shakti - in the form of the mother Goddess Devi. Variations of this worship are seen throughout the subcontinent.

kalikambal.jpg (31511 bytes)

 The Kanyakumari temple at the southernmost tip of the Indian sub continent, enshrines Parvati as a child, and is rich in legends, festivals and traditions.
The Kamakshi Amman temple at Kanchipuram in Tamilnadu is a vast and ancient temple complex, closely associated with the religious leader Aadi Sankaracharya and  the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham The Kamakhya Devi temple in Assam in North Eastern India is revered as one of the Shakti Peethams, and is visited by several, throughout the year. The Ambika or Ambaji shrine at Arasur in Gujarat is considered to be one of the Shakti Peethams and is a popular pilgrimage site.
The Kalikambal temple at Chennai in Tamilnadu  is visited by thousands throughout the year. The deity here is believed to have been worshipped by Chattrapati Shivaji during his tour of the region.

kaali.jpg (85615 bytes)

 The Kalighat Kali temple in Calcutta in Bengal, is one of the most visited temples in Eastern India, and is regarded as one of the Shakti Peethams of the Indian subcontinent.
The Mahalakshmi temple at Kolhapur in Maharashtra is revered as one of the Shakti Peethams of India. The Bhavani temple at Tuljapur in Maharashtra is closely connected with the great Maratha ruler Shivaji. The Vaishnao Devi temple in Jammu is an ancient pilgrimage site accessed via an ardous trek through the Himalayas. It is visited by thousands throughout the year.
The Bhagawati temple at Chotanikkara in Kerala is a well visited temple, enshrining Rajarajeswari a manifestation of Mahakali, Maha Saraswati and Mahalakshmi.

chotra.jpg (15880 bytes)

 The Bhagawati temple at Kodungallur in Kerala is an ancient one, enshrining Kali - also believed to be a manifestation of Kannagi of the celebrated Tamil epic Silappadikaram.
Chamundeswari Temple built at  Chamundi hills near Mysore enshrines Chamundeswari the tutelary deity of the Maharajahs of Mysore. The Kamakshiamman shrine at Maangaadu near Chennai is an ancient temple and a popularly visited one. Here is a collection of Shiva temples in Tamilnadu where the Amman (Ambaal or Devi)  shrine is of significance.
Karumaariamman at Tiruverkadu near Chennai  is a manifestation of the mother goddess Maariamman, held in reverence throughout the southern state of Tamilnadu.

maari2.jpg (79965 bytes)

 The Maariamman shrine at Samayapuram near Tiruchirappalli in Tamilnadu is an ancient one, attracting thousands of pilgrims from all over the state.
Mangala Gowri temple at Gaya This Upa Shakti Peetha temple enshrining Devi at Gaya is a center of tantric worship. Mookambika - Kollur: Rich in legend and tradition, this temple at Kollur is closely associated with Adi Sankaracharya. Harashat mata Temple at Abhaneri: In the village of Abhaneri near Udaipur are several archeological remains from the yesteryears.


The Templenet Homepage