The holy Godavaritir Shakti Peeth Temple or Maa Vishweshwari temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peeth Temples across India that is dedicated to Goddess Sati in her form as Vishweshwari. It is situated at Kabbur along the banks of Godavari River near Rajamundry in Andhra Pradesh and it is believed that Devi’s left cheek fell here. The idols worshipped here are goddesses Rakini (or Viswamatuka) and Shiva as Dandapani. Sarvashail Shakthi Peeth also referred to this sacred site which lies within Kotilingeswar Temple – a divine space where devotees come together to worship their beloved deity!
Situated on the banks of River Godavari close to Rajamundry is Kotilingeswar temple, which houses the divine Godavari Tir Shakti Peeth. It’s a holy place also called Sarvashail by devotees all around.
Godavaritir or Sarvashail Shakthi Peeth is an ancient temple that boasts remarkable architecture. The towering gopuram of this majestic temple contains beautiful sculptures depicting gods and goddesses. River Godavari, one of India’s holiest rivers, flows near the temple; it is believed to absolve worshippers from their sins when they take a dip in its waters.
As per the Hindu mythology, Maa Vishweshwari Godavaritir is an ancient pilgrimage site renowned for its significance in history.
The divine Vishwamatuka (Devi) and Dandapani (Lord Shiva), two powerful deities renowned as the “Viveshi” and “Vatsnabh,” are worshipped in this legendary sanctuary. Across India, there exist 51 Shakti Peetas – four of these being identified as Adi Shaktipeeths while 18 revered as Maha Shakti Peethas.
The renowned ‘Pushkaram Mela’ is the major draw of this revered temple, held every twelfth year along Godavari’s banks. Every corner of the festivities begs attention with devoted believers worshipping the goddess and taking holy baths to be absolved from their transgressions. Blooming flowers and flickering lamps lend a glorious air as devotees lower themselves in prayer, asking for all that they desire.
At the Godavari Arrow Shakti Peeth, all festivals are commemorated with special reverence. Particularly during Shivratri, Durga Puja and Navaratri; lavish poojas are conducted amidst a setting of beautiful floral decorations and enchanting lights that illuminate the temple’s spiritual atmosphere – filling visitors’ hearts with tranquility and minds with peace.
The best time to visit the Godavari Tir Shakti Peeth is from October to March during the celebrations of Navratri, Durga Puja, and Shivratri.
To please Shakti and Shiva, Lord Brahma conducted a yajna that enabled the manifestation of Goddess Shakti to help in creating the universe. Since Daksha was desirous of having her as his daughter, he performed many yagnas with this intention; thus eventually obtaining Sati – an incarnation of Shakti. Unfortunately, when she married Shiva against her father’s wishes, Daksha felt slighted and decided not to invite them to his upcoming ceremony. Despite being filled with dismay at such snubbing from family, upon request from Sati herself who wished for a reunion with her father ,Lord Shiva gracefully allowed it . Daksha’s insults towards Shiva left Sati enraged, culminating in her immolation. Uncontrollably infuriated, Lord Shiva manifested into his wrathful form of Veerabhadra and destroyed the yagna before slaying Daksha. As he walked throughout Aryavartha carrying Sati with him in anguish, his rage and sorrow transformed into a devastating dance of destruction-the Tandav. 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 Rail
Rajahmundry Railway Station is the closest transportation hub, making it incredibly easy to find taxis and buses that will get you directly to the temple.
By Air
The nearest airport from the temple is Rajahmundry Airport, which is around 12 km away from the temple.
By Road
Bus services are readily available from the other major cities of the country.
