History of Vishwa Guru Bharat:
"Bharat" is a name for India in Hindi and several other Indian languages,
derived from ancient Sanskrit and is often used in formal contexts to refer to
the country, reflecting its historical and cultural significance.
The name "Bharatvarsha" or "Bharat" originated from Bharat, the son of the
first Jain Tirthankar, Lord Rishabhdev. Bharat later became an emperor,
known as a Chakravarti Samrat, who was considered the master of all four
directions. The country was named “Bharatvarsha" after Emperor Bharat,
the first universal monarch. This fact is confirmed by inscriptions found in
the caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri in Odisha, dating back 2000 years,
written in Brahmi script and in Prakrit language, describing how the country
derived its name from Bharat.
In the Rigveda, there is mention of another war believed to have occurred
before the Mahabharata, known as the Battle of Ten Kings or the
Dasarajna. One side consisted of people of the Tritsu clan, also known as
the Bharat Sangh, while the other side was an alliance of ten states. This
battle resulted in the victory of the Bharat Sangh, establishing their rule over
the entire region, which earned the name Bharat. It is said that the people of
the Bharat Sangh worshipped fire.
"Bharat" was the name of an ancient Vedic tribe or community that existed
in the latter half of the second millennium BCE. Mention of this tribe or
community is found in the Rigveda. The ancient name of Bharat was
derived from the name of the Bharat tribe or community, which was later
used to name the land as "Bharatvarsha" or "Bharat-Bhumi."
There are many claims regarding the naming of Bharat and Bharatvarsha.
There is a tradition that suggests the country was named after the sage
Bharatmuni mentioned in Natyashastra, giving rise to the phrase
"Jadbharat." The term "Bharat" is also associated with King Bharat, whose
name is commonly used in idioms. Similarly, the Matsya Purana mentions
that Manu was called "Bharat" due to his role in giving birth to and nurturing
the populace.
The stories related to the name Bharat are also found in various scriptures
like Vishnu Purana, Vayu Purana, Linga Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Agni
Purana, and Markandeya Purana.
According to the second chapter of the Vishnu Purana:
"The country lying north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains is
called Bharatam; there dwell the descendants of Bharata."
And according to the 24th verse of the third chapter of the same
Purana:
"The gods always sing praises of those fortunate souls who are born in the
land of Bharat, which lies between heaven and liberation, as these humans
are superior to even the deities themselves."
In this way, what we call Bharat Varsha in the scriptures is only a part of the
real India. Originally, as Acharya Raghunath Das says, the entire land was
called Bharat Varsha, and the belief in Sanatan Dharma prevailed
throughout. With the passage of time and the development of humanity,
different parts of the land began to be known by different names.
Until a few hundred years ago, from Persia, meaning Iran, Afghanistan,
Nepal, Hindustan, Tibet, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand,
Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, India was known as Bharat Varsha.
Hindustan is located in the center of this Bharat Varsha. It extends from the
Himalayas in the north to the ocean and seas in the south. The northern
part of this is called Aryavarta.
Aryavarta means the land of Aryans, where they reside. This Aryavarta,
which extended from Afghanistan to the Ganga River, was called Aryavarta.
Hence, it is not entirely true to say that Aryans came from somewhere else.
In this way, we have learned about many names of India such as Bharat
Varsha, Jambudvipa, Hindustan, Bharat, Aryavarta, etc. and the
explanations of the aforementioned names are as follows: -
Bharat Varsha Based on mythological facts, the entire Earth was known as
Bharat Varsha. Its seven continents are mentioned, but these continents
have a different meaning from today's understanding of continents. The
discussion of this is also found in the 19-20th chapter of the fifth Skanda of
the Shrimad Bhagavatam. Today's India is an important part of this. It
means Bharat Varsha is not just what we all know.
Jambudvipa Its discussion is also found in the Vishnu Purana. It is said
that its nomenclature was based on the Jamun tree. The river in which
Jamun fruits fall is called Madhu Vahini, also known as Jambu River. Jamun
trees were found abundantly in this area. In many scriptures, today's India is
called a part of Jambudvipa. Initially, it was known only by the name
Jambudvipa.
Hindustan Hindustan is located in the heart of Greater India, i.e., in the
middle. This is also mentioned in many historical texts. And this is our
present-day India.
Aryavarta India is also called Aryavarta. It is believed that with the arrival of
the Aryans, expansion took place here. They played a significant role in its
civilization. Hence, this land is also called the land of Aryans, which is an
important part of today's India.
Bharat The story or naming of this word is associated with three valiant
kings named Bharat. Bharat, the son of Rishabhadev, Bharat, the brother of
Lord Rama, and Bharat, the son of Dushyant-Shakuntala. All three Bharats
ruled in different periods, so the name Bharat was given to the country.
India, Ajnab Varsha, Him Varsha, Al Hind, Tianzhu, Hodo, Fagyu, etc., are
also recognized as India. The newest name among them is India, which
was adopted after the arrival of the English. It is said that when the Greeks
and Turks came here, they entered through the Indus Valley. Since they
addressed the river as "S" as "H", the inhabitants of the Indus and Hindus
became Hindustanis.
When the British arrived, they had difficulty saying Hindustani or Hindustan.
They came to know that the Indus Valley was also called the Indus Valley,
so they made it India from Indus and started using it. There are many more
such stories. The name Al-Hind was given by the Arab countries. It means
the land of Hindus. The word Fagyu came from Tibet, and the name
Tianzhu was given by the people of China, and the name Hodo came from
Japan. All these mean India, Hindustan, Bharat.
SAPTARISHIS
Since ancient times, the importance of sages and ascetics has been
significant in India. Sages and ascetics were the foundation of knowledge.
They engaged in various activities such as educating people through their
hermitages, creating scriptures and memories to guide society, and much
more. Among all these sages and ascetics, the most important are the
Saptarishi.
That the origin of the Saptarishi occurred through the mental intention of
Lord Brahma. These seven sages reside in the constellation of the Great
Bear in the celestial realm, but in another form, they specifically dwell in the
earthly realm across all three worlds, providing teachings of righteousness
and good conduct to people.
As per the four ages (Satya, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali) pass, disrespect
towards the Vedas grows. At such times, the Saptarishis descend to Earth
to revive the Vedas. However, these seven Saptarishis incarnate in different
Manvantaras. Presently, the seventh Manvantara, Vaivasvata Manvantara,
is ongoing. The names of the seven Saptarishis in the present Vaivasvata
Manvantara are Kashyap, Atri, Vashishtha, Vishwamitra, Gautama,
Jamadagni, and Bharadwaj.
- Kashyapa Rishi: Kashyapa Rishi holds significant importance among the names of the Saptarishi due to his notable contributions. He is credited with the creation of the universe. Kashyapa Rishi is counted among the greatest personalities due to his exceptional qualities, glory, and austerity. His father's name was Marichi, who was the mental son of Lord Brahma. His hermitage is said to be on the peak of Mount Meru. The genealogy of Kashyapa Rishi is mentioned in the Shrimad Bhagavatam and Vishnu Purana. Kashyapa Rishi married thirteen daughters of Daksha Prajapati. The names of his thirteen wives were named Aditi, Diti, Danu, Arishta, Surasa, Khasa, Surabhi, Vinata, Tamra, Krodhavasha, Ira, Kadru, and Muni. From Aditi's womb, 12 Adityas were born. Additionally, 49 other sons were born from Aditi's womb, whom the king of gods, Indra, made his equals. Similarly, Kashyapa Rishi had a son named Vivasvan, who gave birth to Manu, hence he is known as Vaivasvata Manu. From Kashyapa Rishi's wife Diti, were born Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu, as well as a daughter named Simhika. From Danu's womb, Arishta, Hayagriva, Vibhavasu, Aruna, Dhumrakesha, and other 61 great sons were obtained. From his wife Arishta, Gandharvas were born. From the wife named Surasa, numerous Vidyadharpans were born. From the wife Khasa, Yakshas and Rakshasas were born, from Surabhi cows, buffaloes, and two-horned animals were born. From Vinata, Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu, and Aruna, the charioteer of Lord Surya, were born. Tamra gave birth to hawks, vultures, and other predatory birds, Krodhavasha gave birth to tigers and other ferocious animals, Ira gave birth to plants. From Kadru's womb, the origin of Shesha and other serpents occurred, and from the wife named Muni, the birth of Apsaras took place. In this way, all humans, animals, birds, plants, gods, and goddesses are descendants of Maharishi Kashyapa. Kashyapa Rishi composed great scriptures to give society a new direction. Besides this, Kashyapa Ji achieved immortality in all three worlds by composing Kashyapa Samhita. According to historical documents, Kashyapa is also known as Kashyap Samhita, is a famous ancient scripture which covers a wide range of subjects including medicine, astrology, and rituals. The naming of the ocean and the top province of India, Kashmir, is also done in the name of Maharishi Kashyap.
- Atri Rishi: Rishi Atri's name is also famous among the names of the Sapta Rishis. Maharishi Atri was the mind-born son of Lord Brahma, and his birth was from Brahma's eyes. Maharishi Atri was married to Anusuya, the daughter of Rishi Kardam and Devahuti. Lord Shree Krishna, who was born in the Dwapara Yuga, was a descendant of Maharishi Atri. According to the Markandeya Purana, Srimad Bhagavatam, and the Sabha Parva of the Mahabharata, Maharishi Atri and Devi Anusuya received the boon of a son gem from the trinity. As a result of the boon from the trinity, Soma (Chandra), Dattatreya from the aspect of Lord Vishnu, and Rishi Durvasa from the aspect of Lord Shiva were born. Maharishi Atri is most prominently mentioned in the Rigveda. Maharishi Atri is the seer of the fifth Mandala of the Rigveda, which is why this Mandala is also called the Atri Mandala. There are a total of 87 hymns in this Mandala. During the time of the Ramayana, Atri Rishi was residing in Chitrakoot. At that time, Lord Rama, Mother Sita, and Lakshmana visited Atri's ashram. At that time, Maharishi Atri gave Lord Rama divine weapons and arrows that were never depleted. Maharishi Atri also created many yogas in Ayurveda. They were blessed with the special grace of the divine physicians, the Ashwini Kumaras. Maharishi Atri was one of the 18 sages associated with astrology. Maharishi Atri's wife Anusuya is counted among the 16 Satis. It was due to the tapas of Anusuya that a stream of the Ganga appeared in Chitrakoot under the name Mandakini.
- Vashistha Rishi: Vashistha, the mind-born son of Lord Brahma, is also included among the names of the Sapta Rishis. His origin was from the life breath of Lord Brahma. He later became the preceptor of the Ikshvaku Dynasty and the guru of Lord Rama and his brothers. Maharishi Vashistha is considered the author and presiding deity of the seventh Mandala of the Rigveda. According to the seventh chapter of the Rigveda, Maharishi Vashistha first established his ashram on the banks of the Sindhu River, and then later founded the ashram on the banks of the Ganga and then the Sarayu River. Maharishi Vashistha had a daughter named Nandini, who was the daughter of Kamadhenu. These two cows fulfilled all desires. Maharishi Vashistha is the progenitor of Yoga Vashistha, Vashistha Dharmasutra, Vashistha Samhita, and Vashistha Purana. Adi Shankaracharya himself declared Vashistha Ji as the first among the Vedic sages. In ancient times, the great king named Gadhi had a son named Kaushik, who later became famous as Vishwamitra. Once King Kaushik came to the ashram of Maharishi Vashistha with his army to seek his blessings, then Maharishi Vashistha urged him to stay for a few days. King Kaushik accepted his hospitality. Then King Kaushik was surprised to see that Nandini could provide any material instantly. Then he became greedy to obtain Nandini. When Maharishi Vashistha refused, Then King Kaushik forcefully began to take Nandini away. Sage Vashistha disbanded King Kaushik's entire army. King Kaushik was defeated by a Brahmin. Therefore, in order to seek revenge, he renounced his kingdom and went to perform penance. He performed severe austerities and obtained divine weapons including Brahmastra. After that, he reached Vashistha's hermitage and started to engage in combat with him. He used each and every divine weapon, yet he could not defeat Sage Vashistha. Even after repeatedly being defeated, Sage Vashistha did not kill him. Then the thought of attacking covertly arose in Kaushik's mind. When he reached Sage Vashistha's hermitage covertly, Sage Vashistha was discussing about him with his wife. Sage Vashistha addressed him as a royal sage. Upon hearing such respectful words from Sage Vashistha, Vishwamitra was once again drawn into penance.
- Vishwamitra Rishis: Vishwamitra Rishi's description primarily comes in the Ramayana. Once Sage Vishwamitra arrived at King Dasharatha's court and said that demons were attacking his hermitage and preventing him from performing rituals. Therefore, Bhagwan Shree Ram and Lakshman went with him and protected his hermitage, slaying many demons. Sage Vishwamitra was born as the son of Maharaja Gadhi, known as Kaushik. When King Kaushik was defeated by Sage Vashistha, he realized the superiority of Brahminical prowess over Kshatriya might. Thus, he went to perform severe penance to attain Brahminhood. After thousands of years of rigorous penance, he attained the status of a Brahmarishi. When Lord Brahma came along with all the gods to Vishwamitra and said that he had attained the status of Brahmarishi, Vishwamitra said that Maharishi Vashistha should come and say this to him. Then Sage Vashistha went to Vishwamitra and said that he had become a Brahmarishi. In this way, Vishwamitra was not born a Brahmin but attained the status of Brahmarishi through severe penance. Vishwamitra was the embodiment of determination and penance. Even though born as a Kshatriya, Vishwamitra attained the status of Brahmarishi through severe penance, which is why he holds a special place among the names of the Saptarishis.
- Gautama Rishi: One of the names among the "Sapt Rishis" (Seven
Sages) is Maharishi Gautama, who is the descendant of Angira, the
mental son of Lord Brahma. According to the Puranas, there is a story
that Gautama was born blind. The divine cow Kamadhenu was pleased
with him and bestowed upon him sight, hence he came to be known as
Gautama, meaning one who emerged from darkness. Maharishi
Gautama married Devi Ahilya, and their son was Maharishi Shatanand,
who became the royal priest of King Janak. Maharishi Shatanand was
the one who officiated the marriage of Lord Rama and Sita.
When Indra misbehaved with Ahilya, Maharishi Gautama cursed him, and he also cursed his wife to turn into stone. However, when Maharishi Gautama's anger subsided, he gave Ahilya a boon that she would be freed from the curse by touching the feet of Lord Rama. After that, Maharishi Gautama went to perform penance on the Himalayan Mountains. When Ahilya was purified by the dust of Lord Rama's feet, Maharishi Gautama accepted her back.
Maharishi Gautama composed the principles of jurisprudence. It was through his penance that he pleased Lord Shiva and obtained the blessings for the creation of the Tryambakeshwar Jyotirlinga and the origin of the Godavari River. - Jamadagni Rishi: The name of Maharishi Jamadagni, the father of Lord
Parashurama, is also one of the names among the "Sapt Rishis" (Seven
Sages). Maharishi Jamadagni was a descendant of Bhrigu, the mental
son of Lord Brahma. Through his penance and meditation, Maharishi
Jamadagni attained a high position. He was married to Renuka, the
daughter of King Prasenajit. With Renuka, he had five sons: Rukmavān,
Sukhena, Vasu, Vishwānasa, and Parashurama. Renuka, the wife of
Maharishi Jamadagni, was a devoted and obedient wife.
Once, Renuka went to fetch water from the river. There, she became infatuated upon seeing the Gandharvas Chitraratha and the Apsaras, causing a delay in fetching water, which resulted in the completion of the Yajna's time. Maharishi Jamadagni, using his yogic powers, observed this incident and became angry, instructing his sons to kill their mother. Although the other four sons refused, Parashurama obeyed his father's paternal order and killed his mother. Witnessing his devotion, Maharishi Jamadagni asked him to seek a boon, and Parashurama pleaded for the revival of his mother. - Maharishi Bharadvaj: Maharishi Bharadvaja holds a very high position
among the names of the Saptarishis. Maharishi Bharadvaja was the son
of the divine preceptor Brihaspati and Mamata. Maharishi Bharadvaja
was a specialist and scientist in subjects like mantra, economics,
warfare, and Ayurveda. Maharishi Bharadvaja is said to be the seer of
the sixth Mandala of the Rigveda, with 765 hymns attributed to him in
this Mandala. He also has 23 hymns attributed to him in the
Atharvaveda. Maharishi Bharadvaja obtained knowledge of grammar
from Indra. Meanwhile, Maharishi Bhrigu gave him teachings on Dharma
Shastra. According to Valmiki Ramayana, Maharishi Bharadvaja was a
disciple of Valmiki. According to Charaka Samhita, Bharadvaja acquired
knowledge of Ayurveda from Indra. Maharishi Bharadvaja composed
texts such as Ayurveda Samhita, Bharadvaja Smriti, Bharadvaja
Samhita, Raj Shastra, and Vimana Shastra. Seeing his contribution, he
acquired an extremely high position among the names of the
Saptarishis. Although the principles of making aircraft were already
known, Maharishi Bharadvaja was the first to write a detailed scripture
on the science of aircraft. The Vimana Shastra consists of 8 chapters
and 3000 verses. This scripture contains detailed mention not only of
passenger aircraft but also of fighter aircraft, spacecraft, etc.
Currently, all the above-mentioned Saptarishis are said to be located in the sky as a constellation. It is said that when Bhagwan Vishnu's 10th incarnation, Bhagwan Kalki, will descend to Earth, whoever among the Saptarishis mentioned above will come in human form and impart knowledge of the Vedas and scriptures to Bhagwan Kalki. Along with this, the Saptarishis will re-establish knowledge throughout the world.
In the Devi Bhagavat Purana - 108, in the Kalika Purana - 26, in the Shivacharitra - 51, in the Durga Saptashati and Tantrachudamani, the number of Shakti Peeths is stated to be 52. According to the Devi Purana, 51 Shakti Peeths have been established, and all these Shakti Peeths are considered very sacred pilgrimage sites. Currently, these 51 Shakti Peeths are located in many parts of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. There are 42 Shakti Peeths in India. 1 Shakti Peeth is in Pakistan, 4 in Bangladesh, 1 in Sri Lanka, 1 in Tibet, and 2 in Nepal.
The story of the mother's Sati and the formation of Shakti Peeths
According to mythological stories, it was Brahma’s task to create the universe. He performed a yajna to please Goddess Adi Shakti and Lord Shiva. Goddess Adi Shakti manifested herself and, separated from Shiva, assisted Brahma in the creation of the universe. Brahma then decides to reunite Goddess Adi Shakti with Shiva. Therefore, his son Daksha performed many yajnas to obtain Goddess Sati as his daughter. Daksha's yajna was successful, and Goddess Sati was born to him.
Due to Lord Shiva's curse, Lord Brahma lost one of his five heads because of his falsehood. Daksha harbored enmity towards Shiva because of this, and he decided not to marry his daughter Sati to Lord Shiva. Mata Sati underwent severe penance, and eventually, one day, she married Lord Shiva.
Sometime later, Daksha organized a yajna with the desire to avenge Lord Shiva. In this yajna, Daksha invited all the deities except Lord Shiva and his daughter Mata Sati. Mata Sati expressed her desire to attend the yajna in front of Shiva, who tried to stop her, but Mata Sati went to the yajna. Upon reaching the yajna, Mata Sati was not welcomed. Additionally, Daksha insulted Shiva. Unable to bear the disrespectful words of her father, Mata Sati sacrificed her life.
Enraged by the insult in the yajna and Mata Sati's sacrifice, Lord Shiva destroyed Daksha's yajna in the form of Veerabhadra and cut off his head. After pleading with all the present deities, Daksha was revived, and in exchange for his severed head, the head of a goat was attached to him. In grief, Shiva lifted Mata Sati's body and performed the divine Tandava: the dance of destruction. The different parts of her body fell at various places across the Indian subcontinent and were established as Shakti Peeths.
The description of the Shatki Peeths is as follows:
- Mata Hinglaj Mandir, Pakistan
This Shakti Peeth, associated with Mata Sati, is located in the Pakistani- controlled Balochistan region. This is where Mata's head fell. This temple cave, located amidst scenic mountains, is such a vast area that you will be amazed to see it. The temple existed here 2000 years ago as well. Here, the mother is called Kotari (Bhairavi-Kottavisha) and Bhairav is called Bhimalochan. The annual pilgrimage from Karachi begins in April. It takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach here by vehicle. - Shri Mata Naina Devi Mandir, Himachal Pradesh
On the northern shore of Naini Lake is the Shri Mata Naina Devi Temple situated. This temple is located at the site where the left eye of Sati Mata fell. This temple has two eyes. It was built in the year 1500. In 1880, due to a terrible landslide in Nainital, the temple was destroyed. It was rebuilt in 1883. - Sugandha (Sunanda) Shakti Peeth, Shikarpur, Bangladesh
The Shakti Peeth of Mother Sugandha is located on the banks of the Sunanda River, 20 km from Shikarpur in Bangladesh. Mata Sati's nose fell here. Here, the goddess is called 'Sunanda' and Shiva is called 'Tryambak'. - Mahamaya Shakti Peeth, Kashmir
Near Pahalgam district of Kashmir, Mata's throat fell. This Shakti Peeth is known as Mahamaya. This temple is about 5000 years old. Here, the mother is called Mahamaya and Bhairav is called Trisandhyeshwar. They are connected by the Jammu and Srinagar highway (NH44). - Maa Jwala Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh
The temple of Mata Jwala Devi is located in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Here, Mata's tongue fell. Therefore, it is called Jwala Devi Temple. Here, the mother is called Siddhida (Ambika) and Bhairav is called Unmatta. It is located 30 km from Kangra Valley and 60 km from Dharamshala. The spontaneously burning Jwala is considered miraculous here.
Maa Tripurmalini Temple, Punjab In Jalandhar, Punjab, there is the Shakti Peeth Tripurmalini Mata Temple. This temple is also known as Devi Talab Temple. Here, the left breast of Mata Sati fell. Since then, the mother is established here as Shakti 'Tripurmalini' and Bhairav as 'Bhishan'. - Maa Ambaji Temple, Gujarat
At a distance of 45 km from Mount Abu, on the border of Gujarat and Rajasthan, is the ancient Shakti Peeth of Amba Mata. Here, Mata Sati's heart fell. There is no idol of Mata Bhavani here, but a Shri Yantra is installed. This Shri Yantra is decorated in such a way that the viewer feels that Mother Amba is present here in person. - Guhyeshwari Temple, Nepal
The Guhyeshwari Temple is located near the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. Here, both knees of Sati's body fell. The name of the goddess here is Mahashira, and the name of the Bhairav is Kapali. This temple is also called the Guhyeshwari Temple. - Mansa Dakshayani Mata, Tibet
This Shakti Peeth of Mata is established near Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. Mata Sati's right hand fell at this place, so a stone slab is worshiped here as her form. To visit here, one has to participate in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. - Viraja Devi Temple, Odisha
Located near Brahmkund in Utkal, Odisha, is the temple of Viraja Devi. Mata Sati's navel fell here. The entire Utkal is considered as Sati's Nabhi Kshetra, and it is called Virajakshetra. Mahadevi is known as Vimala here, and Bhairav is known as Jagannath. - Gandaki Shakti Peeth, Muktinath, Nepal
The Gandaki Shakti Peeth is located on the banks of the Gandaki River in Pokhara, Nepal. Here, Mata's mastak or Gandasthal fell. The Gandaki Peeth is considered to be Muktidayini. It is also called Mukti Nath here. Here, Sati is Gandaki Chandi and Shiva is Chakrapani. - Bahula Shakti Peeth Temple, Ketugram, West Bengal
Located 145 kilometers from Haldia in West Bengal, 8 kilometers from Vardhaman district near the Ajey River, is the Bahula Shakti Peeth established on the banks of the Ajey River. Mata Sati's left hand fell here. The power here is Bahula and Bhairav is called Bhairuk. - Ujjaini - Mangalya Chandika Temple, West Bengal
In Ujjaini, West Bengal, there is the Mangalya Chandika Temple. Here, Mata's right wrist fell. Here, the mother is called Mangal Chandika and Bhairav is called Kapilambar. - Tripura Sundari Temple, Tripura
Located near Radhakishorpur village near Udaipur, 140 km from Agartala, Tripura, is the Tripura Sundari Temple. Here, Mata's right foot fell. Shakti is called Tripura Sundari here, and Bhairav is called Tripuresh. - Bhavani Shakti Peeth, Chattal Dhaka
Chattal's Bhavani Shakti Peeth is located in the Chattagong (Chittagong) district near Sitakund station on the Chandra Nath mountain peak in Chattal, Bangladesh. Here, Mata Sati's right arm fell. Its power is called Bhavani and Bhairav is called Chandrashekhar. - Bhramari Shakti Peeth, West Bengal
Located in Salbadi village of Bodamandal in Boda Mandal of Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, Bhramari Shakti Peeth is located at the Trishrota site. Mata Sati's left leg fell at this place. Here, the power is Bhramari and Bhairav is called Ambar and Bhairaveshwar. - Kamakhya Devi Temple, Assam
Located on the Kamakhya Hill of the Nilachal Mountain in the Guwahati district of Assam, the Kamakhya Devi Temple is situated. Here, the yoni (female reproductive organ) part of the goddess fell. Worship of the divine power in this pilgrimage site is done in the form of the yoni. No idol is installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. It is a stone shaped like a yoni, covered with a red cloth. This temple remains completely closed for three days every year. It is believed that Mother Kamakhya menstruates during this time and blood oozes out of her body. The goddess here is called Kamakhya and the Bhairav is called Umanand. - Yugadya Shakti Peeth, West Bengal
Located approximately 32 kilometers from the Bardhaman district of West Bengal, Yugadya (Yugadya) is the site of the Shakti Peeth. The presiding deity of the Shakti Peeth here is Goddess ‘Yugadya’ and Bhairav is 'Kshirakantak'. It is said that the thumb of the right foot of Mother Sati fell here. In the Treta Yuga, the goddess worshipped by Ahiravana, who had been worshipped in Patala, was Yugadya. After rescuing Ram and Lakshmana from Patala and bringing them back, Hanuman also brought the goddess with him and established her in Kshirgram. - Kalighat Shakti Peeth, Kolkata, West Bengal
Situated in Kalighat, Kolkata, the Kalighat Shakti Peeth is located. The toe of the left foot of the goddess fell here. The divine power here is called Kalika and Bhairav is called Nakuleshwar. - Prayag Shakti Peeth (Lalita Devi Temple), Uttar Pradesh
The fingertip of the hand of the goddess fell at the Sangam Ghat on the banks of the Sangam in the city of Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Three temples are considered Shakti Peeths here, and all three temples derive their power from 'Lalita' of Prayag Shakti Peeth. This Shakti Peeth is also known as Lalita. - Jayanti Temple, Bangladesh
Located on the Khasi Mountain in the village of Kalajor in the Bhaurbhog area of Jayantiya Pargana, Silhet district, Bangladesh, the Jayanti Temple is situated. The left thigh of the goddess fell here. Goddess Sati is worshipped as Jayanti and Lord Shiva as KrimaShishwar. - Kiriteshwari Shakti Peeth / Mata Mukteshwari Temple, West Bengal
Located near Lalbagh Court Road Station in Murshidabad district, West Bengal, this place of the goddess is also known as Kiriteshwari and Mata Mukteshwari. It is also called Devi Bhuvaneshi here. The crown of Mother Sati fell here. The term 'Kirita' means crown or tiara. Goddess Sati is called Vimla and Bhairav is called Samvart. - Vishalakshi Shakti Peeth, Uttar Pradesh
Not far from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttar Pradesh, the Vishalakshi Temple is situated. The earring of the Goddess Sati fell here. Therefore, this place is called 'Manikarnika Ghat'. Goddess Sati is worshipped as Vishalakshi Manikarni and Bhairav as Kal Bhairav. - Kanyakumari Shakti Peeth, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Kanyakshram is also known as KaliKashram or Kanyakumari Shakti Peeth. The seat of the goddess fell in Kanyakshram. This Shakti Peeth is also known as Sarvani. The goddess is called Sarvani and Bhairav is called Nimish here. - Savitri Shakti Peeth, Kurukshetra, Haryana
Located in the Kurukshetra district of Haryana, the Shakti Peeth Shree DeviKoop Bhadrakali Temple is also known as "Savitri Peeth," "Devi Peeth," "Kali Peeth," or "Adi Peeth." The right knee of Mata Sati fell in the Bhadrakali Temple. Before the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas worshipped here with Lord Krishna and donated their horses to this place. The Mundan Sanskar (head shaving ceremony) of Lord Krishna and Balram was also performed in the Shree DeviKoop Bhadrakali Temple. - Manibandh Shakti Peeth, Ajmer, Rajasthan
About 11 km northwest of Ajmer in Rajasthan, and approximately 5 kilometers from the world-famous Pushkar, lies the Manibandh Shakti Peeth near the Gayatri Mountain. This Shakti Peeth is also known as Manidevi Temple. The wrist of Mother Sati fell at this Shakti Peeth. This Shakti Peeth is more famous by the names Manidevika Shaktipeeth and Gayatri Temple. Here, the goddess is known as Gayatri and Shiva Bhairav as Sarvananda. - Shrishail Shakti Peeth, Bangladesh
Located near Joynapur village in the northeastern part of the Sylhet district of Bangladesh, at a place called Shail, is the Shrishail Shakti Peeth. The throat of the goddess (Grivaa) fell here. Here, the Goddess Shakti is known as Mahalakshmi, and Bhairav is called Shambharananda. - Devgarbha Shakti Peeth, West Bengal
In the Birbhum district of West Bengal, 10 km northeast of Bolpur station, on the banks of the Kopai River, is the Devgarbha Shakti Peeth. The bone of the goddess fell at this place. In this temple, Goddess Sati is also known as Kankaleshwari locally. Here, the goddess is called Devgarbha, and Bhairav is called Ruru. - Kalamadhav Shakti Peeth, Madhya Pradesh
Near the Shon River in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, is the Kalamadhav Shakti Peeth. Here, the left buttock of the goddess fell. There is a cave here. Here, the goddess is called Kali, and Bhairav is called Asitang. - Shonadesh Shonakshi Shakti Peeth, Madhya Pradesh
In Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, at the source of the Narmada River, is the Shonadesh place. The right hip of Mother Sati fell here. Here, Mother Sati is called Narmada or Shonakshi, and Lord Shiva is called Bhadrasen. - Ramgiri Shakti Peeth, Uttar Pradesh
Near Chitrakoot in Uttar Pradesh, there is the Ramgiri Shakti Peeth on the Ramgiri hill. Here, the right breast of the goddess fell. Here, Mother Sati is called Shivani, and Bhairav is called Chand. - Shree Uma Shakti Peeth Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
In Vrindavan tehsil of Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, is the Shree Uma Shakti Peeth. It is also called Katyayani Shakti Peeth. At this holy place, locks of the goddess's hair and jewels fell. Radharani had worshipped here to attain Lord Sri Krishna. Here, Mother Sati is Uma, and Bhairav is called Bhutesh. - Shuchi-Narayani Shakti Peeth, Tamil Nadu
On the Kanyakumari-Thiruvananthapuram road in Tamil Nadu, there is the Shuchitirtham Shiva Temple. Here, the upper tooth of the goddess fell. The goddess Shakti is known as Narayani here, and Bhairav is called Samhara or Sankur. Due to the curse of Sage Gautam, Indra attained liberation here, obtaining purity, hence the name Shuchindram. - Panch Sagar Shakti Peeth, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
In Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), there is the Maa Varahi Panch Sagar Shakti Peeth. The exact location of this Shakti Peeth is not known, but the lower tooth of the goddess fell here. Here, the Goddess Shakti is Varahi, and Bhairav is Maharudra. Goddess Varahi has a boar's head. She carries a discus, conch, and sword in her hands. - Kartoyatat - Aparna Shakti Peeth, Bangladesh
Located 28 km from Sherpur Bagura station, beyond the village of Bhawanipur, on the banks of the Sadaneera River near Kartoya, is the Aparna Shakti Peeth. Here, the foot sole (Talp) of the goddess fell. The goddess is dedicated here as Aparna, and Bhairav is called Vaman. - Mata Bhramaramba Devi Shakti Peeth Temple, Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh, behind the Mallikarjun Temple located on the mountain named Shri Shail on the banks of the Krishna River, there is a temple of Adi Shakti Devi Bhramaramba. Climbing some stairs behind this holy place, the lower part of the right leg fell. Here, Shakti is worshipped in the form of Shri Sundari, and Bhairav is worshipped as Sundarananda. According to another belief, the anklet of the right leg of Mata Sati fell on a mountain in the Ladakh region of Kashmir. - Vibhash Shakti Peeth, West Bengal
Located in the Tamluk subdivision near the East Midnapore district of West Bengal, is the Vibhash Shakti Peeth in the Vibhash location. Here, the left ankle of the goddess fell. Here, Mata Sati is Kapalin and Lord Shiva is called Shivanand. - Chandra Bhaga Shakti Peeth, Gujarat
In the Prabhas area of the Somnath Temple in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, near the Triveni Sangam, is the Chandra Bhaga Shakti Peeth. The uterus (abdomen) of Mata Sati fell here. Here, Mata Sati is known as Chandra Bhaga, and Bhairav is known as Vakratund. - Avanti or Bhairav Mountain Shaktipeeth, Madhya Pradesh
The Avanti or Bhairav Mountain Shaktipeeth is located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It is said that the upper lip of Sati fell here. It is said that a temple was built at the site of the lip fall. Here, the idol of Goddess Sati is worshipped as Avanti and Lord Shiva as Lambakarna. - Janasthan Shaktipeeth, Maharashtra
The Janasthan Shaktipeeth is located in the Godavari River Valley near Nashik city in Maharashtra. The chin of the Goddess fell at this Janasthan. Here, Goddess Sati is worshipped in the form of Bhramari and Bhairav as Vikritaksha. - Godavari Tir Sarveshwari Shaktipeeth, Kotilingeshwar Rajamundry,
Andhra Pradesh
The Godavari Tir Shaktipeeth or Sarvashail famous Shaktipeeth is located on the banks of the Godavari River in Rajamundry region of Andhra Pradesh. Here, Mata's cheek fell. The Godavari Shaktipeeth is also called Sarvashail. Shakti is worshipped as Goddess Vishweshwari and Rakini, and Bhairav is worshipped as Vatsanabha and Dandapani. - Maa Ambika Shaktipeeth Virat Bharatpur Rajasthan
Near the ancient ruins of the Mahabharata era Virat city, north of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, there is a cave known as Bhim's cave. This Shaktipeeth is located in Virat village. Sati's right foot fingers fell at this place. Here, Sati is Ambika and Shiva is Amriteshwar. - Ratnavali Shaktipeeth, Hooghly, West Bengal
Ratnavali Shaktipeeth is located on the banks of the Ratnakar River in Khanakul-Krishnanagar Marg of Hooghly district, West Bengal. Here, Sati's right shoulder fell. Here, Shakti is Kumari and Bhairav is Shiva. - Mithila Shaktipeeth, Bihar Near Janakpur Railway Station on the
India-Nepal border
Mithila Shaktipeeth is located in Mithila. Here, Mata's left shoulder fell. In this Shaktipeeth, Shakti is called 'Uma' or 'Mahadevi' and Bhairav is called Mahodar. - Jayadurga Shaktipeeth Parvati Temple Baijnath Dham Devghar
Jharkhand
In Devghar, Jharkhand, along with the Jyotirlinga of Vaidyanath Dham, there is also the Jayadurga Shaktipeeth. Here, Sati's heart fell, which is why this place is also known as 'Hardapeeth'. Its Mata Shakti is Jayadurga and Shiva is called Vaidyanath. - Nalhati-Kalika Tarapith Shaktipeeth, West Bengal Near Nalhati
station in Birbhum district of West Bengal
There is Kalika Tarapith. Here, the bone of the mother's foot fell. Here, Shakti is Kalika Devi and Bhairav is called Yogesh. According to another belief, the eyes of Goddess Sati fell in Tarapith, so this place is also called Nayan Tara. - Karnataka Jayadurga Shaktipeeth, Himachal Pradesh
Karnataka Shaktipeeth is located in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. Both ears of Goddess Sati fell here. Here, the goddess is worshipped as Jayadurga or Jayadurg, and Lord Shiva is worshipped as Abiru. - Mahishamardini Shaktipeeth, West Bengal
Seven kilometers from Dubrajpur station in Birbhum district of West Bengal, on the banks of the Papahar River in Vakreshwar, there is the Mahishamardini Shaktipeeth. Here, the forehead (mind) of the mother fell. Its Mata Shakti is Mahishamardini and Bhairav is called Vakranath. - Yashor-Yashoreshwari Shaktipeeth, Bangladesh
Located in Yashor in the Ishwari district of Khulna district of Bangladesh, the Yashoreshwari Shaktipeeth is situated. The hands and feet of the mother fell at this place. Its Shakti is Yashoreshwari and Bhairav is called Chanda, and Shiva is called Chandra. This is the third major Shaktipeeth of Bangladesh. - Attahas Shaktipeeth, West Bengal
Attahas Shaktipeeth is located in Labpur (Lampur), West Bengal. The lower lip of the mother fell at this place. Here, Mata Sati is 'Fullara' and Shiva is 'Vishwesh'. - Nandipur Shaktipeeth, West Bengal Nandipur
Shaktipeeth is located in Charidewari near Nandipur station in Birbhum district of West Bengal, near a banyan tree. The necklace of the mother fell here. This is Nandipur Shaktipeeth. Here, Mata Shakti is Nandini and Bhairav is called Nandikeshwar. - Indrakshi Shaktipeeth Koneshwaram Temple Trincomalee Sri Lanka
The Indrakshi Shaktipeeth is located in Sri Lanka. Here, the anklet of Sati fell. Here, Mata Sati is called Indrakshi and Bhairav is called Rakshaseshwar. Ravana and Lord Rama also worshiped here. It is also called the Shankari Devi Temple. There is also a temple of Shiva here, which is called Trikoneshwar or Koneshwaram.
"India is a country steeped in religious beliefs and holy temples, where people worship the divine. There are many ancient and sacred temples here, among which the temples of Lord Bholenath are especially magnificent. Many devotees visit these temples, or 'Shivalayas', in large numbers every year. These sacred Shivalayas are as magnificent as the touch of the almighty God himself. The significance of these Jyotirlingas is paramount. According to religious beliefs, Lord Shiva manifests himself as the divine light in these 12 Jyotirlingas. All these Jyotirlingas are located in different states of India. Most of the Jyotirlingas are located in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
The delineation of the Jyotirlingas is as follows:
- Somnath Jyotirlinga (Gujarat)
Somnath Jyotirlinga is located in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat; Somnath Jyotirlinga is considered the first Jyotirlinga on Earth. There is also a sacred tank built by the deities here, which is called Somakund or Papnashak Tirtha. - Mallikarjun Jyotirlinga (Andhra Pradesh)
Mallikarjun Jyotirlinga is situated on the mountain named Shrishaila on the banks of the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh. - Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (Madhya Pradesh)
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It is the only south-facing Jyotirlinga. The ritual of offering ashes (bhasmaarti) held here daily is famous worldwide. - Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga (Madhya Pradesh)
This sacred abode of Shiva is situated in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh. Near the city of Indore, where this Jyotirlinga is located, the Narmada River flows, forming the shape of 'Om' as it flows around the mountains. - Kedarnath Jyotirlinga (Uttarakhand)
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is situated on the peak named Kedar in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The temple of Baba Kedarnath is located on the route to Badrinath. Kedarnath is situated at an altitude of 3584 meters above sea level. - Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is situated on the Sahyadri mountain near Pune district of Maharashtra. - Vishwanath Jyotirlinga (Uttar Pradesh)
This Jyotirlinga of Baba Vishwanath is located in the city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, which is considered the religious capital. - Tryambakeshwar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)
Tryambakeshwar Jyotirlinga is located in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. Near Tryambakeshwar Jyotirlinga is a mountain called Brahmagiri. It is from this mountain that the Godavari River originates. - Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga (Jharkhand)
Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is situated near the Jasidih railway station in the Santal Pargana region of Jharkhand. In religious scriptures, this sacred abode of Shiva is referred to as Chitabhumi. - Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (Gujarat)
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is located near Dwarka in the Badauda region of Gujarat. In religious scriptures, Lord Shiva is considered the deity of serpents, hence the name Nageshwar, which means "Lord of Serpents." The distance between Dwarka and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is 17 miles. - Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga (Tamil Nadu)
This eleventh Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva is situated in Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, at a place called Rameshwaram. Rameshwaram is also known as Setubandh Tirtha, as it is believed to be the place where Lord Rama built a bridge (Setu) across the sea. It is believed that Lord Rama himself established this Jyotirlinga; hence it is named Rameshwaram after Lord Rama. - Ghushmeshwar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)
Positioned near Daulatabad, Maharashtra, this Jyotirlinga is also known as 'Shivalay' and holds the distinction of being the final Jyotirlinga among the twelve.
These Jyotirlingas stand as powerful symbols of devotion and spiritual connection, drawing devotees from far and wide to experience the divine presence of Lord Shiva.