Worshipping of the female deity holds a central place in Hinduism. Scriptures mention the goddess is the source of everything that exists here. She is the energy that gives rise to all other energies. She is the source of Shakti. She is all the beginning and the end. She is omnipresent and omniscient. She is all-powerful. There are many Shakti peetha or the shrine which. The Goddess Shakti is the goddess of power. The goddess focused tradition is often referred to as Shaktism. Shaktism also gave rise to 51 Shakti peetha all around India. Scriptures say when goddess Sati died; out of grief Lord Shiva carried her body. He carried her body and roamed around the universe musing their memory. Then Vishnu took his Sudarshana Chakra and cut her body into 51 pieces. These pieces fell on Earth to become sacred shrines.
Out of 51 peethas only 12 of them lies in Odisha.They are
Sarala Temple, Jagatsinghpur- The temple is located at Jagatsinghpur and is the divine figure of Durga and Saraswati. The main idol carved out of stone is of an eight-armed keeping her right foot on the lion in Mahinsha Mardini posture. The temple is constructed by the legendary Bhauma Kings in the 8th Century.
Biraja Temple, Jajpur- The Shakti peetha is located at Jajpur worships Goddess Durga in the name of Biraja. The idol is having two hands, in one hand she pierces the chest of Mahishasura with a spear and in the other hand, she pulls the tail of the Mahishasura. Here Mahishasura is depicted as a Buffalo, not as a regular human demon. The Goddess is crowned with a symbol of Ganesha, Crescent moon and a Shivalinga.
Kataka Chandi, Cuttack- The Shakti peetha is situated in the SilverCity Cuttack. The Goddess is celebrated with pomp and show throughout Durga Puja and Kali Puja. During these times, the Goddess is worshipped in many forms of Durga and is believed as the living goddess.
Bhagabati Temple- The most popular temple of Shakti peetha is located in Banpur of Nayagarh district. The presiding deity of Shakti temple is Goddess Durga locally called Bhagabati the idol depicts an eight-armed Goddess and the chopped head of Mahisasura. The famous tale of Banasura who sacrificed humans to appease the deity is from this peetha.
Samaleshshwari Temple, Sambalpur- The Shakti peetha is located in Sambalpur and is a popular shrine for the people of Odisha and Chattisgarh. The idol is made out of granite stone and is worshipped as the mother of the universe.
Tara Tarini Temple- This famous Shakti peetha is situated in Ganjam Distic near Rushikulya river. The scriptures say the breasts of Goddess Sati fell here and are worshipped as Tara and Tarini. The place is also famously known as Stana Peetha.
Vimala Temple, Puri- The Shakti Peetha is located outside one of the chardham, Puri. The same Mahaprasad is offered to Lord Jagannath is then offered to Maa Bimala. It is believed the feet of Sati fell here and the deity is also believed to be the tantric consort of Jagannath.
Charchika Temple, Cuttack- This is one of the oldest Shakti peetha located in Cuttack. The presiding deity is an eight-armed goddess Chamunda, a manifestation of Maa Devi Durga. She is seated on a prostate body with a garland of the skull.
Ramchnadi Temple, Konark- The temple is located at Konark is often said to be the protector of the city. The idol of Ramchandi is seated on a Lotus in a small temple half-hidden by sand mounds. Though the temple does not exist it is one of the most sacred Shakti peethas.
Mangala Temple, Puri- The Shakti peetha is located in the coastal city, Puri. The shrine is commonly known as “Bata Mangala” or Sarba Mangala”. The Goddess rests on a bed made of stone after touring the entire universe. Jhamu Jatra is the most celebrated festival of the Goddess.
Bhattrika Temple- The shrine is located in Athgarh district and the Goddess is the incarnation of Goddess Shakti. History says the temple was established by Parshuram and the word Bhattarika refers to “respectable lady”.
Hingula Temple- The shrine is located at Talcher, Angul is unique. Devotees from different religions Hindu and Muslim worship goddess Hingula at Karachi and Kabul. The Goddess is often associated with cooking with perfection and hence is it said food becomes delicious with the blessings of the goddess.