The Panchasagar Maa Varahi Shakti Peeth Temple is a sacred shrine, dedicated to the Goddess Varahi and situated in Uttar Pradesh near Varanasi. It is one of the fifty-one sites venerating Sati, who was carried by Lord Shiva when her body broke apart. Her lower teeth were said to have been found at this hallowed place; thus, here She is worshiped as Devi Varahi and Lord Shiva as Maharudra (the Angry One). The word varahi represents feminine energy which can also be interpreted as Vishnu’s boar avatar.
The architecture and art of this Shakti Peeth is nothing short of stunning. The unique stones used in the construction have a remarkable glow when touched by sunlight, and the captivating views that arise from its image reflecting on the nearby water body are simply enchanting. In addition, it’s said to be linked to Maa Sati whose lower teeth fell at this very spot many centuries ago – making it steeped in history as well as beauty. Alternatively, according to the Matsya Purana it is also believed that Maa Varahi was created by Lord Shiva from the incarnation of Lord Vishnu –Varah (boar form) to kill a demon, who is mainly worshipped at nocturnal.
Varahi Maa is one of the renowned Matrikas, a group of seven or eight mother goddesses in Hinduism. Varahi has the head of a sow and serves as the Shakti (feminine energy, or sometimes consort) to Varaha; Vishnu’s boar Avatar. Devi Mahatmya mentions her presence during Shumbha-Nishumbha Vadh from Markandeya Purana religious texts along with other Goddesses emerging as shaktis from respective gods’ bodies. The scriptures say that Varahi was created from Varaha. She has a boar form, wields a chakra (discus), and fights with a sword. After the battle described in the Purana, the Matrikas danced & drunk on their victim’s blood.
Punch Sagar Shaktipeeth is a place of spiritual celebration, especially during times like Shivratri and Navaratri. During these festivals, special poojas are held in the temple adorned with garlands of flowers and flickering lights that create an atmosphere of peace for all its devotees. The aura engendered by such festivities provides harmony to both heart and mind.
To please Shakti and Shiva, Lord Brahma performed a yajna from which Goddess Shakti emerged to aid in the creation of the universe. Out of gratitude, Brahma granted her back to Shiva. Daksha then conducted multiple ritualistic ceremonies in order to acquire Shakti as his daughter Sati. Yet when it came time for Sati’s union with Lord Shiva, Daksha refused to call on him – leading her plead directly with her husband so she could visit her father at his yagna ceremony instead. Daksha’s dishonorable words towards Shiva caused Sati to self-immolate in protection of her husband. Shiva retaliated with his wrathful form, Veerabhadra, and destroyed the yagna along with Daksha immediately after. The entire realm suffered from Lord Shiva’s immense sorrow as he carried Sati through Aryavartha while releasing a powerful dance of destruction; 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 Air
Nearby airport is in Allahabad and national flights are available till here. For international flights, Delhi is the nearby airport.
By Rail
Nearby railway station is Varanasi. Various trains ply directly from Delhi, Ahmedabad, Patna and other main cities.
By Road
Lots of deluxe bus services are available to Varanasi ply to this part.
