Shondesh Shakti Peeth is among the 51 Shakti Peeth of Ma Sati and is situated in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh. It is said that the Right Buttock of maa Sati fell here, when lord Vishnu in order to relieve lord Shiva from the grief of losing his wife Sati, used his Sudarshan Chakra to incise maa Sati Body. Then, at the place of fall of Right Buttock, this temple was constructed. Here the idol of maa Sati is called as Narmada and lord Shiva is worshipped as Bhadrasen
Shrine’s History
Shondesh Peeth is among the 51 Shakti Peeth of Ma Sati. It is said that the Right Buttock of maa Sati fell here, when lord Vishnu in order to relieve lord Shiva from the grief of losing his wife Sati, used his Sudarshan Chakra to incise maa Sati Body. Then, at the place of fall of Right Buttock, this temple was constructed. Shondesh Shakti Peeth is situated in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh. Here the idol of maa Sati is called as Narmada and lord Shiva is worshipped as Vadrasen. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple looks really adorable. In the centre, the idol of Maa Narmada is there, and it is surrounded by the golden Mukut, all around it.
Just a few meters on both side, the idols of the different goddess is there. The platform, where Maa Narmada idol is there, made of Silver. When it comes to the art and architecture, Shondesh Shakti Peeth is quite adorable. The white stone made the temple with ponds all around it produces a picturesque view. Adding to the charm of the location, the picturesque view of Son River and the nearby kind is something that cant be left unseen. The most important part of this location is that two main ranges, Satpura and Vindhya merge together here. There around 100 steps in total which are need to be travelled in order to reach the temple. One more thing that makes this place more charming is the flow of Narmada River.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
When lord Shiva destroyed Tripura (three cities) by fire few ashes fell at Kailash, few at Amarkantak and remaining were saved by the lord himself in heaven. It is believed that ashes fell at Amarkantak transformed into crores of Shiv Lingas but now we are able to see only one at Jwaleshwar. Because of this holy ashes, it is believed that whoever devotee enters into Sona or Narmada Temple their souls will be cleansed.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
The ancient temple situated amidst natures beauty is a white stone structure. The art and architecture of the temple is splendid. The deity Narmada Devi in the Sanctum Sanctorum is adorned with a golden Mukut? or Kirit? and is seated on a Silver platform. There are images of another goddess on either side of Narmada Devi.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Amarkantak is connected by regular bus service with Shahdol, Umaria, Jabalpur, Rewa, Bilaspur, Anuppur and Pendra Road.
By Rail
The nearest railway station to Amarkantak is Pendra Road (17 km) in Chhatisgarh, though Anuppur (48km) is more convenient. Bilaspur (120 km) in Chhattisgarh is also another city close to Amarkantak and linked through railway network with all major cities of India
By Air
The Nearest airport to Amarkantak is Donna Jabalpur (250 km) and Raipur (245 km).
Shrine Timings
Narmada Shakti Peeth temple 06:00 am to 8:00 pm (All days of the week)
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Navaratri is celebrated in Chaitra masa (March- April) and Ashvija masa (Sep- Oct)for nine days. Other festivals celebrated are Deepavali, Somvati Amavasya, Ram Navami, Makar Sankranti and Sharad Poornima. Devotees offer fruits, homemade sweets and milk to the Narmada Devi. Shivaratri is also celebrated in a big way when devotees keep fast, offer milk, flowers and Bilwa leaves to the Shiva Linga.
Extra Information About this Shrine
Some scholars opinion is that Tarachandi Devi of Sasaram is the Shontatastha Shakti.
Other places of interest include:
Mai ka Bagiya (garden) is a place where goddess Narmada used to pluck flowers. It is a thick forest and is being secured with many herbal plants.
Sonmuda is a river where once gold granules were found.
Narmada Udgam is a place where holy River Narmada originated. Kapildhara, Dudhdhara, Jwaleshwar Mahadev etc.
