The Danteshwari Shaktipeeth Temple, devoted to the Goddess Danteshwari, is one of 51 sacred temples in India. It is located 80 kilometers from Jagdalpur Tehsil in Chhattisgarh and nestled within the town of Dantewada.
The temple at Dantewada is renowned for being the place where Sati’s teeth fell, and her idol is worshiped as Maa Danteshwari while Lord Shiva holds a special place in the form of Kapalbhairv. The structure consists only of an image carved into black stone that stands tall within its walls, making it one of 51 Shakti Peetas spread across the globe; four are known as Adi Shaktipeeths and 18 are considered to be Maha Shakti Peethas.
Constructed in the 14th Century by Chalukya kings, the grandiose Danteshwari temple showcases South Indian style of architecture. With an iconic black stone idol of ‘Danteshwari Mai’, it is divided into four parts – Garbh Griha, Maha Mandap, Mukhya Mandap and Sabha Mandap – with stones pieces holding them together. Ornamenting this majestic structure is a Garud Pillar at its entrance and shikhara embellished with beautiful sculptural finery that makes it even more eye-catching! The temple stands proudly within vast walls encompassing itself from all sides and creating a spacious courtyard for devotees to bask in its spiritual vibe.
Every year, the festive season of Dussehra is celebrated with great enthusiasm and religious fervor. On this auspicious day, people flock to the temple to pay their respects to Maa Danteshwari. The idol of goddess Danteshwari is carried in a magnificent parade during celebrations. Another important ritual that takes place during these nine days is Jyoti Kalashas being lit up all around as an offering for Navratris.
Lord Brahma conducted a yajna to please Shakti and Shiva, resulting in the emergence of Goddess Shakti who then assisted Brahma with creating the universe. Knowing that he needed to return her back to Shiva, Daksha – his son- performed many yajnas so as gain Shakti as his daughter, Sati. Sadly though, Daksha was not pleased with Sati’s marriage choice of Lord Shiva; henceforth denying him an invitation for the upcoming yagna . Sensing how much this meant for her beloved wife after she requested it from him ,Shiva agreed to let Sati visit her father at said event. Daksha’s insults towards Shiva enraged Sati so much that she immolated herself. Uncontrollable in his fury, Shiva took the form of Veerabhadra and destroyed Daksha’s yagna before carrying away the body of Sati. He wept endlessly as he walked through Aryavartha with her lifeless form, until finally releasing his grief in a frenzied dance: Tandava – a celestial manifestation of destruction. Lord Vishu, with the aim of stopping the Tandav, used his Sudarshana Chakra, which cut through the Sati’s corpse. The parts of Sati body fell at varroas spots all through the Indian and neighboring country and these Sacred sites came to be called Shakti Peethas .
By Air
Raipur and Vishakapattanam are the nearest Airports, which are located almost equidistant by road from Dantewada at 400 KMs. Jagdalpur located at a distance of 80 km is the nearest mini Airport with limited flight services
By Train
Dantewada Devi Temple is connected with two daily trains from Vishakapattanam Railway Station.
By Road
Dantewada Devi Temple is well connected with all major towns of Chhattisgarh Raipur to Dantewada is 400 KMs, and takes 8 hours on public transport and 6 to 7 by own vehicle, condition of the road is very good.
