Sharadiya Navratri 2026 will begin on October 11, 2026, and conclude on October 19, 2026. Vijayadashami (Dussehra) will be celebrated on October 20, 2026. These nine sacred days are dedicated to worshipping the nine forms of Maa Durga and celebrating the divine power of Goddess Shakti. Festival dates and rituals may vary according to local panchang traditions.
During Navratri, temples and homes across India are beautifully decorated, devotional songs fill the air, and devotees participate in prayers, fasting, Garba, Dandiya, and special aartis. While Gujarat celebrates with vibrant Garba nights, West Bengal comes alive with the grand festivities of Durga Puja.
One of the most spiritually significant aspects of this festival is the worship of Maa Shakti at sacred temples known as Shakti Peethas. According to Hindu tradition, these holy sites are associated with the legend of Goddess Sati and represent different manifestations of divine feminine energy. Many are located across India, while others are associated with Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and neighbouring regions.
Devotees believe that visiting these sacred places with faith and devotion can bring spiritual peace, courage, prosperity, and inner strength. A pilgrimage to the Shakti Peethas is not merely a religious journey; it is also an opportunity to explore India's rich cultural heritage, ancient traditions, and enduring devotion to the Divine Mother.
Let us explore some of the most famous Shakti Peethas and sacred temples associated with Maa Shakti that devotees may consider visiting during Navratri 2026.
List of 51 Shakti Peethas
Different Hindu scriptures and regional traditions identify the Shakti Peethas in different ways. The locations and associated legends may vary between traditions. The following list includes well-known Shakti Peethas as well as other important temples dedicated to Goddess Shakti. It should not be treated as a fully verified, universally accepted list of exactly 51 Peethas.
1. Kamakhya Temple, Assam
Located on Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, the Kamakhya Temple is one of India's most renowned centres of Shakta worship and Tantric traditions. Maa Kamakhya is associated with fertility, creation, and divine feminine energy.
- Best Experience: Visit the temple for darshan and experience its ancient rituals and spiritual atmosphere.
- Special During Navratri: Devotees gather for special prayers, mantra chanting, and worship of the Divine Mother.
2. Kalighat Kali Temple, Kolkata, West Bengal
The iconic Kalighat Kali Temple is dedicated to Maa Kali and is one of Kolkata's most important religious landmarks. It is traditionally recognised as a significant Shakti Peetha.
- Best Experience: Seek Maa Kali's blessings and witness the temple's traditional worship rituals.
- Special During Navratri: Kolkata becomes a vibrant centre of devotion, artistic decorations, and celebrations during Durga Puja and the Navratri season.
3. Jwala Ji Temple, Himachal Pradesh
Situated in the Kangra region, Jwala Ji Temple is famous for its naturally burning sacred flames, which are worshipped as manifestations of the Goddess.
- Best Experience: Witness the eternal flames and experience the temple's unique spiritual atmosphere.
- Special During Navratri: Special prayers and rituals attract devotees from across the country.
4. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir
Located in the Trikuta Mountains, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is one of India's most popular pilgrimage destinations. Devotees undertake a challenging uphill journey to seek the blessings of Maa Vaishno Devi.
- Best Experience: Prepare for the pilgrimage and complete the journey to Bhawan for the sacred darshan.
- Special During Navratri: Large numbers of devotees visit during this period. Check registration requirements, weather conditions, and official travel advisories before beginning the pilgrimage.
5. Naina Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh
Located near Bilaspur, Naina Devi Temple is associated with the traditional belief that the eyes of Goddess Sati fell at this sacred site.
- Best Experience: Visit the temple and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery surrounding the shrine.
- Special During Navratri: Devotees arrive for special prayers and seek the Goddess's blessings for wisdom and well-being.
6. Vimala Temple, Puri, Odisha
Situated within the Jagannath Temple complex, Maa Vimala Temple holds an important place in Odisha's Shakta traditions.
- Best Experience: Visit Maa Vimala after exploring the Jagannath Temple complex and learn about the region's distinctive religious customs.
- Special During Navratri: The temple's significance is closely connected with local festivals and traditional forms of Devi worship.
7. Amarnath Cave, Jammu and Kashmir
The Amarnath Cave is primarily famous for the naturally formed ice lingam worshipped as a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Some religious traditions also associate the region with broader Shakti-related legends.
- Best Experience: Check official pilgrimage arrangements, registration requirements, and safety conditions before planning a visit.
- Special During Navratri: The Amarnath pilgrimage generally takes place during the summer months, so travellers should not assume that the cave route is accessible during Sharadiya Navratri.
8. Chintpurni Temple, Himachal Pradesh
Located in Una district, Chintpurni Temple is a renowned shrine where devotees worship the Goddess and pray for relief from worries and difficulties.
- Best Experience: Seek the Goddess's blessings and offer traditional items such as a chunri or prasad according to temple customs.
- Special During Navratri: Special worship services and large gatherings of devotees are common during the festival season.
9. Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur, Maharashtra
Dedicated to Maa Ambabai, the Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur is one of Maharashtra's most revered religious destinations.
- Best Experience: Admire the Goddess's traditional adornments and the temple's historic architecture.
- Special During Navratri: Special aartis, religious ceremonies, and festive decorations make this an especially meaningful time to visit.
10. Shankari Devi Temple, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
Shankari Devi is traditionally associated with the Shakti Peetha tradition and is linked with Trincomalee in Sri Lanka.
- Best Experience: Visit the shrine and explore Trincomalee's coastal scenery and Hindu cultural heritage.
- Special During Navratri: Worship and celebrations follow local Hindu customs and temple traditions.
11. Bhramaramba Temple, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Located near the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, the Bhramaramba Devi Temple is an important centre of Shakti worship in southern India.
- Best Experience: Combine darshan at the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple with a visit to Maa Bhramaramba.
- Special During Navratri: Devotees participate in special prayers and religious ceremonies dedicated to the Goddess.
12. Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysuru, Karnataka
Situated on Chamundi Hills, this temple is associated with the legend of Goddess Durga defeating the demon Mahishasura.
- Best Experience: Visit the hilltop shrine and enjoy panoramic views of Mysuru.
- Special During Navratri: Mysuru Dasara is famous for its royal traditions, cultural performances, processions, and elaborate celebrations.
13. Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
The Kamakshi Amman Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi and is one of the most important centres of Devi worship in Tamil Nadu.
- Best Experience: Admire the temple's traditional Dravidian architecture and seek the blessings of Maa Kamakshi.
- Special During Navratri: Special worship services and cultural programmes celebrate the many forms of the Goddess.
14. Lalita Devi Temple, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
The Lalita Devi Temple in Prayagraj is a revered shrine dedicated to Maa Lalita.
- Best Experience: Combine a visit to the temple with a pilgrimage to the sacred Triveni Sangam and other religious landmarks of Prayagraj.
- Special During Navratri: Devotees participate in special prayers, devotional singing, and offerings.
15. Mangla Gauri Temple, Gaya, Bihar
Situated on a hill in Gaya, the Mangla Gauri Temple is dedicated to Maa Gauri and is recognised in traditional lists of important Shakti shrines.
- Best Experience: Visit the hilltop temple and explore Gaya's rich religious heritage.
- Special During Navratri: Special worship ceremonies and devotional gatherings attract devotees.
16. Katyayani Temple, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
The Katyayani Temple in Vrindavan is dedicated to Maa Katyayani and is associated with the devotional traditions of the Braj region.
- Best Experience: Visit the temple alongside Vrindavan's famous Krishna temples and sacred sites.
- Special During Navratri: Devotees gather for Goddess worship and participate in the region's distinctive devotional traditions.
17. Vishalakshi Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Located near Manikarnika Ghat, Vishalakshi Temple is an important shrine dedicated to Maa Vishalakshi and is traditionally associated with the Shakti Peetha tradition.
- Best Experience: Combine darshan at the temple with a visit to Kashi Vishwanath and the evening Ganga Aarti.
- Special During Navratri: Varanasi's temples host special prayers and ceremonies dedicated to the Goddess.
18. Sharvani Devi Shrine, Traditional Shakti Peetha Lists
The name Sharvani appears in some traditional Shakti Peetha accounts, although the precise location and identification may differ between sources.
- Best Experience: Verify the shrine's official name, location, and accessibility before planning a pilgrimage.
- Special During Navratri: Consult the local temple administration for the schedule of special worship and darshan.
19. Mahakali Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Ujjain is an important religious city known for its temples dedicated to Shiva and various forms of the Goddess.
- Best Experience: Explore Ujjain's sacred temples and consider visiting the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga as part of the same pilgrimage.
- Special During Navratri: Special prayers, devotional recitations, and aarti ceremonies may be held at local Devi temples.
20. Harsiddhi Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
The Harsiddhi Temple is a famous shrine dedicated to Maa Harsiddhi and is an important destination for devotees visiting Ujjain.
- Best Experience: Admire the temple's distinctive lamp towers and seek the blessings of the Goddess.
- Special During Navratri: The temple's traditional worship and festive atmosphere make it a popular destination during the season.
21. Kalmadhav Shakti Peetha, Madhya Pradesh
Kalmadhav is mentioned in certain traditional Shakti Peetha lists, although its precise location and associated legends should be checked against reliable sources.
- Best Experience: Confirm the exact location with a reliable religious or local source before travelling.
- Special During Navratri: Check local arrangements and temple access before making plans.
22. Bahula Shakti Peetha, Ketugram, West Bengal
Bahula is traditionally counted among the Shakti Peethas and is associated with the Ketugram region of West Bengal.
- Best Experience: Explore the area's historic temples and traditional forms of Goddess worship.
- Special During Navratri: The wider Bengal region celebrates the season with devotional ceremonies and the vibrant festivities of Durga Puja.
23. Mithila Shakti Peetha, Mithila Region
The Mithila region, spread across parts of India and Nepal, has a rich heritage of Hindu religious traditions and Goddess worship.
- Best Experience: Explore Mithila's cultural heritage and visit important local religious sites, including Janaki-related temples.
- Special During Navratri: Local communities observe Goddess worship and regional religious traditions.
24. Jalandhar Devi Temple, Punjab
Jalandhar is associated with Tripurmalini in traditional Shakti Peetha accounts.
- Best Experience: Visit the shrine and explore Punjab's religious and cultural heritage.
- Special During Navratri: Special prayers, devotional gatherings, and jagrans may be organised at local temples.
25. Manibandh Shakti Peetha, Pushkar, Rajasthan
Manibandh is associated with traditional Shakti Peetha accounts and is linked with the Pushkar region near Gayatri Hill.
- Best Experience: Combine a visit to the sacred Pushkar Lake with darshan at local religious sites.
- Special During Navratri: Pushkar's temples and surrounding areas offer opportunities to experience local religious traditions.
26. Ratnavali Shakti Peetha, West Bengal
Ratnavali appears in some traditional Shakti Peetha lists, although its identification and associated legends vary across sources.
- Best Experience: Confirm the exact shrine and its location with reliable local sources before travelling.
- Special During Navratri: Explore local Goddess worship and regional devotional traditions.
27. Gandaki Shakti Peetha, Nepal
Nepal's Gandaki region is associated with several sacred Hindu traditions. The precise identification of the Gandaki Shakti Peetha differs between traditional lists.
- Best Experience: Explore Nepal's sacred rivers, temples, and distinctive religious heritage.
- Special During Navratri: Check local temple schedules and festival arrangements before visiting.
28. Nalhati Shakti Peetha, Birbhum, West Bengal
Nalhati's Nalateshwari Temple is traditionally associated with the Shakti Peetha tradition.
- Best Experience: Visit the temple and explore the religious heritage of Birbhum district.
- Special During Navratri: Devotees gather for prayers and local religious celebrations.
29. Kireeteshwari Temple, Murshidabad, West Bengal
Located in the Kiritkona area of Murshidabad, Kireeteshwari Temple is traditionally recognised as an important Shakti Peetha.
- Best Experience: Combine temple darshan with a visit to Murshidabad's historic landmarks.
- Special During Navratri: Experience the region's devotional traditions and special Goddess worship.
30. Bargabhima Temple, Tamluk, West Bengal
Bargabhima Temple in Tamluk is an ancient and well-known shrine dedicated to the Goddess. Some traditions associate it with the Shakti Peetha heritage.
- Best Experience: Explore the temple's historic architecture and local religious customs.
- Special During Navratri: Special prayers and devotional ceremonies may be organised during the festival.
31. Yogadya Temple, Khirgram, West Bengal
The Yogadya Temple in Khirgram is dedicated to Maa Yogadya and appears in traditional accounts of important Shakti shrines.
- Best Experience: Visit the temple and learn about its distinctive local traditions of Goddess worship.
- Special During Navratri: Devotees may participate in special worship and local celebrations.
32. Attahas Shakti Peetha, West Bengal
Attahas is mentioned in traditional Shakti Peetha lists, although the precise identification and location should be verified before planning a visit.
- Best Experience: Confirm the shrine's location and current visiting arrangements with reliable local sources.
- Special During Navratri: Experience the local devotional atmosphere and Goddess worship.
33. Bakreshwar Temple, Birbhum, West Bengal
Bakreshwar is known for its ancient temples and natural hot springs. The region also has a rich heritage of religious worship.
- Best Experience: Visit the temples and explore the area's famous hot springs while following local safety guidelines.
- Special During Navratri: Local religious ceremonies and Goddess worship may be part of the seasonal celebrations.
34. Nandikeshwari Temple, Sainthia, West Bengal
Nandikeshwari Temple in Sainthia is traditionally included among important Shakti Peethas.
- Best Experience: Visit the shrine and explore other historic religious sites in Birbhum.
- Special During Navratri: Special aartis and worship ceremonies create a devotional atmosphere.
35. Jessoreswari Kali Temple, Bangladesh
Jessoreswari Kali Temple, located in Bangladesh's Satkhira district, is a well-known shrine dedicated to Maa Kali.
- Best Experience: Explore the temple and learn about Bangladesh's Hindu religious heritage.
- Special During Navratri: Check the temple's current status, visiting hours, and cross-border travel requirements before planning your trip.
36. Magadh Shakti Tradition, Bihar
The Magadh region has a long history of religious traditions and sacred sites. Some Shakti Peetha references are associated with this region, although their precise identification varies.
- Best Experience: Explore Bihar's established Devi temples and ancient religious landmarks.
- Special During Navratri: Participate in local worship ceremonies and devotional gatherings.
37. Vaidyanath Dham, Deoghar, Jharkhand
Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar is one of India's renowned Jyotirlinga shrines. The region also has a significant place in Hindu religious traditions connected with Shakti.
- Best Experience: Seek blessings at Baba Baidyanath and explore the temple's rich religious heritage.
- Special During Navratri: Devotees visit the region for worship and special prayers during the festival season.
38. Jayanti Shakti Peetha, Meghalaya
The Jaintia Hills region of Meghalaya is associated with certain traditional Shakti Peetha accounts, although the exact identification should be verified.
- Best Experience: Explore Meghalaya's scenic landscapes and local cultural heritage alongside your religious journey.
- Special During Navratri: Confirm the shrine's precise location and local worship arrangements before travelling.
39. Kanyakumari Bhagavathy Amman Temple, Tamil Nadu
Located at India's southernmost tip, the Bhagavathy Amman Temple in Kanyakumari is a famous shrine dedicated to the Goddess.
- Best Experience: Enjoy the sunrise and sunset over the sea and visit the temple for darshan.
- Special During Navratri: Special prayers and local religious celebrations can make the visit particularly meaningful.
40. Kamakhya Sacred Region, Assam
The Kamrup region is a major centre of Shakta worship and Tantric traditions, with the Kamakhya Temple as its most renowned landmark.
- Best Experience: Visit Kamakhya Temple and explore nearby sacred sites associated with the region's religious heritage.
- Special During Navratri: Special worship ceremonies and large crowds may be expected during the festival.
41. Janasthan, Nashik, Maharashtra
Nashik's Panchavati area is associated with the Ramayana and is home to several important temples. Janasthan is also mentioned in some traditional Shakti Peetha accounts.
- Best Experience: Explore Panchavati, the Godavari Ghats, and Nashik's historic temples.
- Special During Navratri: Local Devi temples may organise special aartis and worship ceremonies.
42. Sugandha Shakti Peetha, Bangladesh
Sugandha appears in traditional Shakti Peetha accounts and is commonly associated with the Barishal region of Bangladesh.
- Best Experience: Confirm the shrine's exact location, visiting arrangements, and current travel requirements before departure.
- Special During Navratri: Follow local temple customs and verify the schedule of worship in advance.
43. Chattal Shakti Peetha, Bangladesh
Chattal Shakti Peetha is associated in some traditions with the Chattogram region of Bangladesh.
- Best Experience: Confirm the precise temple location and current travel conditions before planning your visit.
- Special During Navratri: Consult local sources for details about temple access and special worship.
44. Tripura Sundari Temple, Udaipur, Tripura
Also known as Matabari, Tripura Sundari Temple is a celebrated shrine dedicated to Maa Tripura Sundari.
- Best Experience: Seek the Goddess's blessings and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Kalyan Sagar, the pond near the temple.
- Special During Navratri: Special prayers and religious gatherings attract devotees from Tripura and beyond.
45. Bhramari Devi Temple, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal
Bhramari Devi Temple is associated with traditional Shakti Peetha accounts and is located in the Jalpaiguri region.
- Best Experience: Visit the shrine and explore the natural beauty of the Dooars region.
- Special During Navratri: Local worship ceremonies and devotional gatherings may be held during the festival.
46. Panchsagar Shakti Peetha, Traditional Accounts
Panchsagar appears in certain traditional Shakti Peetha lists, but its exact location and associated legends are not consistently identified across sources.
- Best Experience: Verify the site's identity and location through reliable religious references before planning a pilgrimage.
- Special During Navratri: Confirm access and worship arrangements in advance.
47. Prabhas Shakti Peetha, Gujarat
The Prabhas region near Somnath is closely associated with ancient traditions of Shiva worship and the broader heritage of Goddess worship.
- Best Experience: Visit Somnath Temple and explore the sacred landscape of Prabhas Patan.
- Special During Navratri: Experience Gujarat's devotional traditions and vibrant Garba celebrations during the festive season.
48. Shakti Temples of Nepal
Nepal is home to numerous ancient temples dedicated to the Goddess, many of which hold great significance in regional Shakta traditions.
- Best Experience: Explore Nepal's sacred temples and learn about its distinctive Hindu religious heritage.
- Special During Navratri: Dashain, Nepal's major festival dedicated to the Goddess, is an especially significant time for Devi worship.
49. Shakti Temples of India and Bangladesh
India and Bangladesh are home to many historic temples dedicated to Maa Shakti. Their association with the traditional Shakti Peetha lists varies according to religious texts and local traditions.
- Best Experience: Choose well-documented temples that fit your travel route and offer reliable access for pilgrims.
- Special During Navratri: For international destinations, check visa requirements, border regulations, and current travel advisories.
50. Sacred Devi Temples of Northern and Eastern India
Northern and eastern India contain numerous important temples dedicated to different forms of the Goddess. Not every Devi temple is universally recognised as one of the traditional 51 Shakti Peethas.
- Best Experience: Plan a pilgrimage to established Devi temples in your preferred region and learn about their local histories.
- Special During Navratri: Check temple opening hours, crowd conditions, and special worship schedules before visiting.
51. The Sacred Journey to Maa Shakti
The worship of Maa Shakti is an essential part of India's religious and cultural heritage. The traditional Shakti Peetha lists reflect centuries of devotion, sacred stories, and regional customs.
- Best Experience: Approach each pilgrimage with devotion, cultural understanding, and respect for local traditions.
- Special During Navratri: Celebrate the nine forms of Maa Durga through prayer, meditation, and visits to sacred temples.
Conclusion: Navratri 2026 and the Blessings of Maa Shakti
Navratri 2026 offers a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with devotion, spirituality, and India's rich cultural heritage. From October 11 to October 19, 2026, devotees will worship the nine forms of Maa Durga, followed by Vijayadashami on October 20.
The Shakti Peethas and other important Devi temples hold a special place in Hindu tradition. Each sacred site has its own history, customs, and spiritual significance. Whether you visit Kamakhya in Assam, Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir, Kalighat in Kolkata, or Tripura Sundari in Tripura, every pilgrimage can offer a meaningful opportunity for reflection and devotion.
A journey to these sacred places is about more than travelling from one temple to another. It is an opportunity to discover inner strength, appreciate ancient traditions, and deepen your connection with the Divine Mother.
Whether you undertake a pilgrimage to a famous temple or offer prayers at a local Devi shrine, the true message of Navratri remains the same: faith, courage, compassion, and the triumph of good over evil.
May Maa Durga bless you and your family with happiness, peace, prosperity, and strength throughout the year.
Jai Mata Di! Happy Navratri 2026!
