Alopi Devi Mandir, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Located in the ancient city of Prayagraj, formerly Allahabad, the Alopi Devi Mandir is dedicated to Goddess Alopi Devi. While the exact date of the establishment of the Alopi Devi Temple is uncertain, the temple’s roots are deeply intertwined with Hindu mythology and the legend of Goddess Sati. The temple’s location in Prayagraj, near the sacred confluence or Sangam of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, adds to its spiritual importance. This proximity to the Sangam has made it a significant pilgrimage site, especially during the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering.

Historical evidence suggests that the area around the temple saw development during the Maratha period. The Maratha warrior Shreenath Mahadji Shinde is credited with developing the Sangam area during his stay in Prayagraj in 1771-1772. Later, in the 1800s, Maharani Baizabai Scindia undertook renovation on the Sangam ghats and temples in Prayagraj.

According to tradition, it is believed that the fingers of Goddess Sati fell here. The name Alopi is significant, meaning disappeared in Hindi. This name is derived from the belief that this is where the last part of Sati’s body fell and disappeared from the earthly realm. The goddess is worshipped as Lalita Devi while the bhairav in this location is known as Bhaveshwar.

What makes the Alopi Devi Mandir truly unique is the absence of a traditional idol or statue. Instead, devotees worship an empty wooden palanquin or cradle or doli. This unconventional form of worship is believed to embody the divine, ever-present spirit of the goddess, offering blessings and protection to those who visit.

The temple showcases a harmonious blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. It features a rectangular layout with a spacious courtyard surrounded by smaller shrines and pavilions. The temple is dominated by a tall shikhara or tower and a central dome adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant colours. The temple complex includes a sacred pond known as Kund, which holds immense religious significance and is used for various rituals. The temple walls feature intricate stone carvings depicting mythological scenes and divine beings. Its location near the holy confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers adds to its spiritual significance.

The temple remains open from 7 am to 8 pm. The festival of Navratri is celebrated with special prayers, and rituals. Bhajans or devotional songs are performed, creating an aura of reverence and devotion. During the Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, the temple sees a significant increase in visitors. The temple is famous among locals for mundan or hair tonsuring ceremonies. Devotees offer prayers and seek blessings, especially for family welfare, protection, and the resolution of personal hardships.

According to local lore, the last remnant of Sati’s body, the palanquin or doli, vanished at this spot – hence the name Alopi, meaning disappeared. Many locals consider Alopi Devi as their guardian deity, believing in her power to protect and bless. Some devotees believe that as the last part of Sati’s body fell here, it makes this temple the holiest among all Shakti Peethas.

The Alopi Devi Mandir, with its blend of myth, history, and living faith invites all who visit to partake in its timeless spiritual journey. The temple’s significance extends beyond its religious importance. It serves as a cultural cornerstone for Prayagraj’s residents, bridging centuries-old mythology with the present. Its unique form of worship, centered around an empty palanquin, offers a profound spiritual experience that sets it apart from other temples in India.

Vishalakshi Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Located in Varanasi, one of India’s most ancient and spiritually significant cities, the Vishalakshi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Vishalakshi, meaning the one with large eyes. Archaeological evidence and ancient texts suggest that this location has been a place of worship for over two millennia. The temple’s importance is mentioned in several ancient Hindu texts, highlighting its longstanding significance in Hindu cosmology.

According to legend, the temple’s origins are tied to a pious devotee named Kaushalya. Her unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati was so intense that it moved the divine couple to grant her a vision. Impressed by her dedication, Goddess Parvati, in her form as Vishalakshi, instructed Kaushalya to build a temple in her name. This temple was to be a place where devotees could seek blessings for wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual insight. It is believed that the earrings or eyes of Goddess Sati fell at this sacred spot.

The temple showcases a unique blend of architectural styles. While the main structure follows the North Indian temple architecture, the entrance features a South Indian-style gopuram or ornate tower. This fusion of styles reflects the temple’s pan-Indian significance. The temple is part of a group of six points in Varanasi that symbolise Shastanga or six-fold yoga. The other five points include the Vishwanath Temple, the holy River Ganges, the Kala Bhairava Temple, the Dhudiraj Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, and the Dandapani temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The main deity, Goddess Vishalakshi, is depicted with large, mesmerising eyes, symbolising her all-seeing nature and divine wisdom. The temple houses several sacred objects, including a sculpted horse and an alternative image of Goddess Vishalakshi, which are used during special processions. Inside the temple complex, there is a unique feature where nine statues representing the planetary deities from Vedic astrology are placed upon a platform. These sculptures are regularly worshipped, connecting the celestial with the earthly realm. The bhairav in this temple is worshipped as Kala Bhairaveshwar

The temple follows a strict schedule of daily worship rituals performed by specially trained priests. The morning begins with an aarti, where priests chant hymns and offer flowers, incense, and lamps to the goddess. Devotees traditionally take a bath in the holy waters of the Ganges before offering worship to Goddess Vishalakshi. Devotees bring various offerings to the goddess, including coconuts, sweets, and red saris, which are considered auspicious gifts. Unmarried girls often pray to find a suitable partner, childless couples seek blessings for progeny, and those facing misfortune pray for a change in their circumstances. Given its status as a Shakti Peetha, the temple is also associated with certain Tantric rituals, though these are typically performed by initiated practitioners.

Festivals celebrated at the Vishalakshi Temple include the nine-night Navaratri festival, celebrated twice a year, in spring and autumn which is one of the most important events at the temple. During this time, the temple is elaborately decorated, and special pujas are conducted for the nine forms of the goddess. The Kajali Tij festival, held on the third day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, usually in August, is particularly significant for women devotees while the harvest festival, Makar Sankranti that marks the sun’s transit into Capricorn, is celebrated with great fervour at the temple. Ganga Dussehra, celebrating the descent of the Ganges River to Earth, holds special significance due to the temple’s proximity to the river. While not specific to this temple, the celebration of Durga Puja sees increased activity and devotion at the Vishalakshi Temple, given its connection to the divine feminine.

Katyayani Temple, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, the Katyayani Temple in the holy town of Vrindavan stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology. The spiritual significance of the temple predates its current structure, with references found in ancient Hindu texts. However, the present temple has a more recent history. It was constructed in 1923 by Yogiraj Swami Keshvanand Brahmachari, a devoted spiritual seeker. Swami Keshvanand spent nearly four decades traversing the Himalayas, meeting spiritual masters under the guidance of his guru, Shri Lahiri Mahasay. During his spiritual journey, he received a divine vision directing him to Vrindavan to fulfil an important spiritual mission – locating and establishing the Peethsthan or sacred site mentioned in the Puranas. The temple was consecrated on a full moon day of the Hindu month of Magh in 1923, which falls in February according to the Gregorian calendar. According to tradition, it is believed that the ringlets of the hair of Goddess Sati fell at this spot, making the temple a Shakti Peetha.

One of the most significant aspects of this temple is that it houses five separate deities representing five different sects or sampradayas of Hinduism. Each idol is worshipped according to its sampradaya’s specific methodology. The deities include Goddess Katyayani from the Shakta sampradaya, Lord Shiva from the Shaiva sampradaya, Lord Laxmi Narayan from the Vaishnava sampradaya, Lord Ganesha from the Ganapatya sampradaya, and Lord Surya from the Surya sampradaya. Additionally, Goddess Jagatdhatri Devi is also worshipped here.

The main idol of Goddess Katyayani is made of Ashtadhatu, an alloy of eight metals. This idol was installed after performing Sanatan Dharm rites by religious scholars from various parts of India, including Varanasi and Bengal. Within the temple, devotees also worship Uchawal Chandrahaas, the sacred sword of the Goddess. This unique aspect adds to the temple’s spiritual significance. The shakti is worshipped as Uma Devi while the bhairav is Bhuteshwar.

The temple showcases a unique blend of architectural styles. The exterior is made of white marble, while large pillars of black stone support the structure. This contrast creates a visually striking appearance. At the entrance to the main courtyard, two golden-colored lion statues stand guard. These lions represent the vahana or vehicle of Goddess Durga.

The temple follows a strict schedule of daily worship rituals performed by specially trained priests. The timings for these pujas are from 7 am to 11 am and between 5:30 to 8 pm. Priests chant the Durga Saptashati, also known as Chandi Path daily, invoking the blessings of the Goddess. The Shodashopachara is one of the most important rituals at the temple, involving sixteen different offerings made to the Goddess. These offerings include flowers, incense, lamps, and food items. Devotees perform Abhishekam, a ritual, which involves bathing the idol of Goddess Katyayani with sacred water, milk, honey, and other auspicious substances. This is believed to purify the idol and invoke the Goddess’s blessings. The recitation of sacred hymns, mantras, and prayers dedicated to Goddess Katyayani is an integral part of the worship here.

The Katyayani Shakti Peeth comes alive with numerous festivals throughout the year, attracting thousands of devotees from across India and beyond. The nine-night Navaratri festival, celebrated twice a year in spring and autumn, is one of the most important events at the temple. During Navaratri, the Durga puja is performed with the chanting of Shatchandi Path. Katyayani Vrat is a special observance dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, where devotees fast and offer prayers to her. The festival of colours, Holi, is celebrated here for five days, continuing a tradition that dates back to the time of Lord Krishna. Basant Panchami, the spring festival is celebrated with great devotion and is dedicated to Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a famous saint who played a significant role in reviving the spiritual essence of Vrindavan. Krishna Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna and is celebrated with great fervour. Devotees observe fasts and participate in midnight celebrations. Diwali is another important celebration at the Shakti Peeth.

Several stories and legends are associated with the temple. According to legend, the Gopis of Vrindavan worshipped Goddess Katyayani on the banks of the Yamuna River to receive her blessings and have Lord Krishna as their consort. It is said that the Goddess blessed them, and they attained the supreme state of devotion, performing the Maharaas or Krishna consciousness. In Vrindavan, it is said that the Gopis used to make a statue of Goddess Katyayani out of the sand from the banks of the Yamuna River. They would worship this statue and ask for Lord Krishna to be their husband. This practice is known as Katyayani-vrata and is remembered by devotees even today. There is a popular belief that Goddess Katyayani blesses young unmarried girls who pray to her. It is said that girls who offer prayers at the temple will be blessed with a good husband. The Shrimad Bhagwat Puran mentions that Lord Vishnu directed Yogmaya, his Shakti, to appear in Brij as the daughter of Nandbaba and Yashoda before He himself was to be born there as Krishna avatar for the establishment of Dharma or righteousness in this world.

The Katyayani Shakti Peeth stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology. As a Shakti Peetha that celebrates the divine feminine in its multiple forms, it continues to captivate the hearts and minds of devotees and scholars alike. The temple’s unique position within Vrindavan, its distinctive rituals, and its historical significance make it a crucial piece in understanding the spiritual landscape of India.

In our modern world, where the role of women and the feminine principle is being reevaluated and celebrated, the Katyayani Shakti Peeth offers a timeless perspective on the power and wisdom of the divine feminine. It reminds us of the importance of balance between masculine and feminine energies, both in spiritual practice and in everyday life.

Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Located in the ancient city of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, the origins of the Kanchi Kamakoti Temple are as complex as they are controversial. Traditional accounts, passed down through generations of devotees, attribute its founding to the revered philosopher Adi Shankara in 482 BC.

Scholarly research suggests a more recent establishment, dating back to the early 19th century. In 1821, the Maratha king of Tanjore, Serfoji II Bhonsle, established what was initially known as the Kumbakonam Mutt as a branch of the Sringeri Mutt. This institution would later evolve into what we now know as the Kanchi Kamakoti Temple.

In 1842 when the East India Company, in a controversial move, appointed the head of the mutt as the sole trustee of the Kamakshi temple in Kanchipuram, marked a significant turning point in the temple’s history and set the stage for its rise to prominence, despite protests from the traditional priests.

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, a form of the divine feminine often associated with Parvati. The temple is said to be where Shakti’s spine fell down on earth.

As one steps into the main sanctum, their gaze is immediately drawn to the mesmerising idol of Goddess Kamakshi. Unlike many other temples where the deity stands or reclines, here Kamakshi sits in the Padmasana or lotus pose, her four arms holding symbolic items: a noose, a goad, a sugarcane bow, and a flower arrow.

The temple’s architecture is a harmonious blend of styles, reflecting the various influences it has absorbed over time. The towering gopuram or temple tower reaches towards the sky, its intricate carvings telling stories of divine exploits and cosmic battles. Inside, the Gayatri Mandapa houses the main idol, its 24 pillars said to represent the 24 syllables of the Gayatri Mantra. One of the most intriguing features of the temple is the Sri Yantra placed in front of the main idol. Legend has it that this powerful geometric symbol was installed by Adi Shankara himself.

The prayers and rituals at the Kanchi Kamakoti Temple begins with the Gau Pooja and Gaja Pooja, honouring the sacred cow and elephant respectively. Throughout the day, four main worship services are offered, each accompanied by its own set of rituals and offerings. Devotees queue patiently, waiting for their chance to receive darshan of the goddess and offer their prayers. One of the most unique aspects of worship here is the presence of multiple forms of the goddess within the same temple complex. To the right of the main idol, one’ll find Tapa Kamakshi, depicted as a yogini in a balancing pose. To the left is Anjana Kamakshi, also known as Arupa Lakshmi, representing the formless aspect of the goddess.

The annual Brahmotsavam, held in the Tamil month of Masi, February-March according to the Gregorian calendar, is a grand affair lasting ten days. The highlight of this festival is the Maasi Pooram, considered the manifestation day of Lalitha Maha Tripura Sundari in Kanchipuram. During Navaratri, the temple becomes a hub of activity, with special pujas performed each day to honor the nine forms of the goddess. The air is filled with the heady aroma of flowers and incense, and the sound of devotional music echoes through the halls.

Adi Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Nestled in the ancient city of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, the Adi Kamakshi Amman Temple stands as a testament to centuries of devotion and spiritual significance. This sacred shrine, dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, is not just a place of worship but a powerful symbol of divine feminine energy that has drawn pilgrims for millennia.

While the exact date of the Adi Kamakshi Amman Temple is not certain, historical records and legends suggest that the temple’s roots may reach back to the 7th century. The temple is believed to have been founded by the Pallava kings, who ruled Kanchipuram as their capital from the 5th to 8th centuries. Over the centuries, the temple has undergone numerous renovations and expansions by various ruling dynasties. The Cholas are credited with modifications in the 14th century, while the Vijayanagara rulers made further enhancements in the 17th century. Some legends even suggest a more recent construction date of 1783 for certain elements of the temple.

The temple’s history is deeply intertwined with the life of Adi Shankaracharya, the revered 8th-century philosopher and theologian. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya consecrated the Sri Chakra, a mystical diagram representing the cosmos, in this temple, enhancing its spiritual significance.

According to tradition, it is believed that the navel or nabhi of Goddess Sati fell at this sacred spot. The Shakti Peetha here is known as Kanchi Kamakshi, and the temple is often referred to as the Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple. The name Kamakshi means she whose eyes awaken desire in Sanskrit. The goddess is worshipped here as Kamakshi, a benign form of Parvati. She is depicted in a unique seated posture called padmasana, with four hands holding a rope or pasa, an elephant goad or ankusa, sugarcane bow or bana, and a bunch of five flowers as arrows or pushpa bana.

In front of the sanctum is the Sri Chakra installed by Adi Sankaracharya. It is said that after the consecration of the Sri Chakra, the fierce form of the goddess became benign or sowmya. The main sanctum houses a sacred space called Bilaakasha, from which Goddess Kamakshi is believed to have emerged to slay demons. The temple complex includes a shrine to Adi Varaha Perumal or Lord Vishnu, also known as Kalvar, which is one of the 108 Divya Desams. The Gayatri Mandapam houses the idols of Goddesses Varahi, Rupalakshmi, Arupalakshmi, and Ardhanarishwara. A pillar near the Kamakshi Amman shrine is worshipped as Santhana-stambham, connected to the story of King Dasaratha praying for progeny. The temple complex houses several other shrines dedicated to various deities including Utsava-Kamakshi, Bangaru-Kamakshi, and Kasi Vishwanatha.

The temple follows a strict schedule of four daily pujas. Brahmotsavam, the temple’s annual festival, typically held in the Tamil month of Maasi in February-March, is a grand celebration. The Silver Chariot Festival on the 7th day is particularly spectacular. Navaratri is celebrated with great grandeur, featuring special pujas and cultural performances. Every Friday at 7 pm, the Golden Chariot is taken in a procession around the temple, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere. Other festivals, including Aadi, Aippasi Pooram, Sankara Jayanthi, and Vaikasi Vasanta Utsavam are also celebrated with enthusiasm at the temple. Special rituals are performed on the full moon day or Pournami of every month.

It is believed that Goddess Kamakshi was originally a fierce deity. After Adi Sankaracharya installed the Sri Chakra, she transformed into a benign and compassionate form. The Santhana-stambham in the temple is associated with the story of King Dasaratha of Ayodhya, who is said to have prayed here for progeny. A legend speaks of a golden statue of Kamakshi that was carried throughout South India after the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire in 1565. It was finally enshrined in this temple in 1783. According to local lore, Goddess Kamakshi created a mud idol of Lord Shiva in Kanchi to worship him. To test her devotion, Lord Shiva incarnated as the Kamba River with high tides. The Goddess protected the idol by grasping it closely, leading to the establishment of Kanchipuram. Another legend tells of Kamakshi performing a penance on a needle tip surrounded by five fires or Panchakagni to free herself from worldly desires. Pleased with her devotion, Lord Shiva married her.

As you stand in the temple courtyard, surrounded by centuries of devotion and the echoes of ancient rituals, you can’t help but feel a connection to the spiritual heritage that has shaped this land for millennia. The Adi Kamakshi Amman Temple, with its blend of myth, history, and living faith invites all who visit to partake in its timeless spiritual journey.

Tripura Sundari temple, Radhakishorepur Village, Udaipur, Tripura
The Tripura Sundari Temple, which is located about 55 km from Agartala, near the village of Radhakishore, in the city of Udaipur is dedicated to Goddess Tripura Sundari. The goddess lends her name to the state of Tripura.

The origins of the Tripura Sundari Temple stretch back to the late 15th century. According to historical records, the temple was founded by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya, who ruled over Tripura in the closing years of the 15th century. The king had a divine vision in which Goddess Tripura Sundari instructed him to initiate her worship on the hilltop near the town of Udaipur, the then capital of the kingdom. The temple came into being around the year 1501 CE, making it over 500 years old.

Interestingly, the king initially found that a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu already existed on the hillock. This presented a dilemma, as he was unsure how to reconcile the worship of Vishnu with the installation of a Shakti idol. However, a second divine vision resolved this conflict, revealing to the king that Vishnu and Shakti were different forms of the same Supreme Deity or Brahman. This resolution exemplifies the syncretic nature of Hinduism, bridging the gap between Vaishnava and Shakta traditions.

According to tradition, it is believed that a part of the right foot or the Dakshin Charan of Sati, including the big toe, fell at this sacred spot. At the Tripura Sundari Temple, the goddess is worshipped as Tripurasundari, also known locally as Devi Tripureshwari. She is considered the third mahavidya and a main form of Parvati. The accompanying Bhairava, the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva who is present at each Shakti Peetha, is known here as Tripuresh.

The main shrine houses two similar but different-sized black stone idols of the Goddess. The larger and more prominent idol, standing at 5 feet in height, represents Goddess Tripura Sundari. The smaller idol, affectionately called Chhoto-Ma or Little Mother, is 2 feet tall and represents Goddess Chandi.

The temple is set upon a small hillock that resembles the hump of a tortoise or Kurma. This shape, called Kurmaprsthakrti, is considered the holiest possible site for a Shakti temple. The main shrine is a cubical edifice with a three-tier roof and a finial, constructed in the Bengali Ek-ratna style. The smaller idol of Goddess Chandi was said to have been carried by the kings of Tripura to the battlefield as well as on hunting expeditions, linking the temple to the royal history of Tripura. On the eastern side of the temple lies the famous Kalyan Sagar lake, home to fishes and tortoises of enormous size. Devotees feed these creatures with puffed rice and biscuits, and fishing is strictly prohibited in this sacred water body.

The temple remains open from 6 am to 10 pm. The day begins with a morning aarti, setting the spiritual tone for the day. A special puja is performed at midday, marking the sun’s zenith. The day’s worship concludes with an evening aarti. A unique aspect of the temple is the Panchamrit Abhishekam, a sacred bath of the deity with five different nectars.

Every year on Diwali, a famous Mela or fair takes place near the temple, attracting more than 200,000 pilgrims. Navaratri is celebrated with great fervour with mantras recited daily by learned Brahmins, and women performing a havan on Ashtami, the eighth day. Durga Puja and Kali Puja are among the most celebrated at the temple, drawing large crowds of devotees. The Purnima Fair is held every full moon day, attracting pilgrims from various regions. Sindoor Utsav is a unique celebration that marks the culmination of Navaratri, where devotees smear each other with vermilion, symbolising the victory of good over evil.

The temple’s origin is linked to the divine vision of Maharaja Dhanya Manikya, who was instructed by the goddess to establish her worship at this site. The story of how the temple transitioned from a Vishnu shrine to a Shakti Peetha illustrates the fluid nature of Hindu worship and the underlying unity of different divine manifestations. The smaller idol of Goddess Chandi, carried by Tripura’s kings into battle and on hunts, speaks to the deep connection between royal power and divine protection in the region’s history. The prohibition of fishing in the Kalyan Sagar and the practice of feeding the aquatic life there reflects the Hindu principle of respect for all forms of life.

As you stand in the temple courtyard, surrounded by centuries of devotion and the echoes of ancient rituals, you can’t help but feel a connection to the spiritual heritage that has shaped this land. The Tripura Sundari Temple, with its blend of myth, history, and living faith, continues to be a powerful force in Tripura, inviting all who visit to partake in its timeless spiritual journey.