Varahi Devi Temple (Panchsagar Shaktipeeth), Varanasi
Panchsagar Shaktipeeth, one of the Shaktipeeths of India is actually at an unknown place in the waters of the Ganga River in Varanasi. Also known as Varahi Devi temple. This place is known as Panchsagar Kshetra and is the spot where the lower teeth of Mata Sati fell. Here, Mata Sati is in the form of Varahi Devi. Her protector is Bhairava Maharudra.
There are two other temples that are considered to be this Shaktipeeth – Danteshwari Mandir in Chhattisgarh and Varahi Mandir in Devidhura, Uttarakhand. Most religious scholars consider the Varanasi Shaktipeeth as the genuine one.
Panchsagar Varahi Shaktipeeth
Panchsagar Varahi Shaktipeeth can be considered one of the most unique Shaktipeeths in India. This is because this temple is revered by all three branches of Sanatana Dharma – Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism. Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Adi Shakti Devi – all three are worshipped here. This temple is also unique because it is open for two hours only, between 05:30 AM and 07:30 AM. The temple remains closed for the rest of the day. It is believed Maa Varahi protects Varanasi during the night. The name ‘Varahi’ is also related to the Varaha Avatar of Lord Vishnu. Maa varahi is also one of the Sapta-Matrikas.
The temple is located near Manmandir Ghat in Varanasi. The construction of this ancient temple is also unique in many ways. The stone used in its construction is such that it shines in the sunlight. There is a kund adjacent to the temple and the reflection of the temple in that water is mesmerizing. Navratri, Durga Puja and Maha Shivratri are the main festivals celebrated here. At these times the temple is an enchanting sight, beautifully decorated with lights and flowers.
Temple Timings
- 05:30 AM and 07:30 AM
Danteshwari Temple, Dantewada (Chhattisgarh)
This temple is located at the confluence of two rivers – Shankhini and Dhankini. This ancient temple was first built in the 14th century, though much of the history is not known. It is also considered a Shaktipeeth where Mata Sati’s teeth fell. Danteshwari Devi is the Kuldevi of the Bastar State. The temple is situated in a large complex and is in four parts. In the sanctum is a black stone Murti of the goddess. In addition there are three halls – Maha Mandap, Mukhya Mandaphere, and Sabha Mandap. The Shikhar of the temple is finely crafted with intricate carvings.
Benefits of worshipping Varahi
The Goddess is revered by devotees as the granter of boons and destroyer of enemies. She is also a focal point of Tantric worship and people pray to her for leading a long and prosperous life.
Maa Varahi Devi temple, Devidhura, Champawat (Uttarakhand)
This is the third of the temples and is located in Devidhura near Lohaghat in Uttarakhand. Maa Varahi Devi temple is in a cave on the top of a hill. It has a narrow entrance. In the sanctum a Murti of Varahi Mata along with a Murti of Kali Mata with a long tongue.
This temple is well known for its unique festival celebrated in the month of Shravan where the residents of nearby villages attack each other with stones. This temple is also known as an ‘Ugra-Peeth’.
Though these three are considered to be the Shaktipeeth, it is agreed by most that the one in Varanasi is the actual Shaktipeeth where Mata Sati’s teeth fell. But the other two temples in Dantewada and Devidhura are no less by way of important in the minds of faithful devotees.
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