Devikoop Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth Temple is located on Jhansa Road in Thanesar, district Kurukshetra of Haryana, also named Devikoop temple. The temple is devoted to Devi Kali, one of Devi’s nine forms. The temple is one of the 51 Shaktipeeth. Savitri peetha is another name for Bhadrakali shaktipeeth.

The shrine contains a large idol of Devi Kali. As one enters the temple, one can see a large lotus with the impression of Devi Sati’s left leg. This structure is made of white marble. The right ankle of the Sati fell here inside a well, so this temple is known as Devikoop.

Story Behind Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth

The goddess of Dakshayani, Sati, Parvati, or Durga—Hinduism’s most important woman and most powerful deity—is called Shakti. Durga Devi, Mahakali, and Gowri are the three main manifestations of Shakti, the power goddess. She is Adi Shakti’s avatar.

Sati was the Prajapati Daksha’s daughter, and she married Lord Shiva despite Her father’s wishes. Prajapati Daksha once put together a massive yagya, but he didn’t call his daughter and son-in-law. Sati was very saddened by Her father’s actions. When she got there, her father ignored the Sati and insulted her. She could not bear the insult to his husband (Lord Shiva) and she jumped into the fire of Yagya and committed suicide. She passed away, but her body didn’t burn. Lord Shiva had taken His Virabhadra Rupa out of rage. Daksha’s head was cut off by him, but in the end, He forgave him by bringing him back to life.

Lord Shiva, devastated, had taken Sati’s body and wandered the universe. Finally, Lord Vishnu used His Chakra to break Sati’s body into pieces. Each body part transformed into Shakti Pitha. The temple had emerged where the body part had fallen to the ground. To safeguard the Shakti Pitha, Lord Shiva created 51 Bhairava for each one.

According to legends, Sati’s right ankle fell at this place. The right ankle of Sati fell in the well of this temple; hence the temple is also known as Sri Devikupa temple. It is considered one of the eight forms of the famous Shaktipeeth of Goddess Kali.

History of Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth

It is stated that the Pandavas of Mahabharat worshipped Devi Durga here with Shri Krishna, seeking blessings for victory against the Kauravas. They donated horses to this shrine after winning the war, and the custom has continued since then. It is also stated that Lord Krishna and Balrama had their mundan (bald head) ceremony here, thus devotees gather here for their children’s mundan ceremonies.

The architecture of Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth

The temple has three pyramids shikhara, the tallest of which is taller than the other two. Inside the main door, there is a centre well area with a massive lotus. The picture of the Goddess’s right ankle is depicted on the lotus, indicating its significance as a Shaktipeetha. Across from here is the main shrine, which houses the Ma Kali idol. Other Gods and Goddesses’ idols can be found along the parikrama route. The open hall for satsang/kirtans is located next to the main temple room. There are other idols on the first floor, including a Shivling.

The idol of Goddess Kali is preserved in the Bhadrakali temple, and upon entering the temple, a large lotus blossom has been erected in which the ankle of Mother Sati’s right foot, made of white marble, is set.

Facts about Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth

• Maa Sati appeared as Savitri, also known as Bhadra Kali in Thanesar, Kurukshetra, Haryana. The ankle bone of Sati had fallen here.
• The Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth temple is dedicated to Devi Kali which is one of the nine forms of Devi.
• The Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth temple is among 51 Shaktipeeth. Bhadrakali shaktipeeth is also known as Savitri peetha.
• Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth is more often called Savatri Shakti Peeth.
• It is also believed that the ‘Mundan’ (hair removal practice) of Lord Krishna and Balarama was performed at this place.
• All the festivals are celebrated in Bhadrakali temple, especially on the festivals of Durga Puja and Navratri, where a special ‘Darshan’ is organized.
• The importance of the place is because of the Kurukshetra War of the Mahabharata being fought on this land.
• On The 1st Saturday of every month, devotees perform Hawan yagya to the deity.
• On Raksha Bandhan day, the devotees tie Rakhi to Maa Bhadrakali and pray for their protection.

Festivals In Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth

• Durga Puja. (Winter) – Devotees celebrate Navaratri at this temple in the month of Ashwin (Sep-Oct).
• Navaratri. (Summer) – They celebrate other Navaratri in the fortnight of the Chaitra (March-April). Every nine days they worship Navadurga (nine Durgas).
• Diwali – Diwali is one of the most admired and auspicious festivals in the town.
• Mahashivratri– A grand fair is organized at the temple during the occasion of Maha Shivratri.
• Raksha Bandhan- 1st Saturday of every month devotees perform Hawan yagya to the deity

How to Reach Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth

Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth is located on Jhansa Road, Thanesar, District Kurukshetra, Haryana.

By Air: Indra Gandi Airport Delhi, which is around 160 km away from the temple.

By Railway:  The Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth temple is located at a distance of about 2-3 km from the Kurukshetra Railway station,

By Roadways: Kurukshetra, Haryana is connected with major cities and regular bus service is available for the temple.

Also, Read – Sharda Devi Maihar Shaktipeeth