Lalita Shaktipeeth Temple is a Hindu temple in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, approximately 3 kilometres from Allahabad Railway Station. It is one of India’s most revered Shaktipeethas, located near Meerapur, and is a must-see attraction in Prayagraj.

The three sanctuaries in Prayag Shaktipeeths are viewed as Shaktipeeths from three different thoughts. The three temples are dedicated to Prayag Shaktipeeth’s Mata Sati. Lalita is the name given to Devi Sati here. Alopi, Mirapur, and Akshaywat are the three temples. In Prayag, the fingers of Mata Sati fell. Lord Shiva is referred to as Bhav in this location.

Story Behind Lalita 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 of 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. In order to safeguard the Shakti Pitha, Lord Shiva created 51 Bhairava for each one.

The popular belief is that the fingers of the hands of Goddess Sati fell at the spot where the Alopi Devi Temple stands. It must be noted that Goddess Alopi temple is also part of the Ashta Das Shaktipeetah concept more famous in South India and propagated through the Ashtadasa Shaktipeetaha Stotra of Adi Shankara.

Lalita Shaktipeeth, one of the 51 Shaktipeeths, is located in Prayagraj (Allahabad) city of Uttar Pradesh. Three temples in Prayagraj are considered Shaktipeeths. All three temples belong to Lalita Shaktipeeth only. It is believed that the fingers of the mother had fallen at Akshay Vat, Mirapur and Alopi places.

The Kalyani-Lalita Devi temple is just a short distance away from the Laliteshwar Mahadev temple in Akshaywat. This temple is referred to as Lalita in 108 Shaktipeeths, according to Matasyapuran. The Shaktipeeth, the second Alopi temple, is located approximately 500 kilometres from Daraganj in Allahabad. As per the significance of Prayag Shaktipeeth, Kalyani and Lalita are viewed as something similar.

History of Lalita Shaktipeeth

The scriptures say that the Laliteshwar Mahadev temple is on Akshaywat’s holy grounds, near the Yamuna River on the northwest corner of Vayavya. A second temple in Allahabad is also regarded as a Shaktipeeth. Bhagwati Kalyani is honoured in this temple. The icon of Mata in this sanctuary has four hands and is perched on the Lion. On her head is a wheel that is glowing.

The architecture of Lalita Shaktipeeth

The three temples in Prayag Shaktipeeths are Shaktipeeths according to three different ideas. All three temples are dedicated to Mata Sati of Prayag Shaktipeeth. Akshaywat, Mirapur, and Alopi are the three temples. It is located near the Sangam (confluence) of the three rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh.

The Sri Yantra is used in the construction of the Lalita Devi temple. The temple has been rebuilt multiple times, the most recent being in 1987. The presiding deity is worshipped in three forms in this temple: Ma Lalitha, Maa Saraswati, and Maha Kali. A tiny shrine inside the temple holds a Shiva linga made of mercury. The temple also houses idols of Sankatmochan Hanuman, Shri Ram, Lakshmana, Sita, and the Navagrahas. It is claimed that by worshipping in this Mahashaktipeeth, devotees’ wishes are granted after bathing in the holy confluence.

Facts about Lalita Shaktipeeth

• The Lalita Devi Shakti Peeth in Allahabad is particularly important and revered among the 51 Shakti Peethas because this goddess is worshipped by Maharishi Bharadwaj and possibly also by Rama
• The temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year.
• It is believed that after bathing in the holy confluence, the wishes of the devotees are fulfilled by worshipping in this Mahashaktipeeth.
• Navratri is celebrated with great pomp and gaiety in this temple.
• According to the scriptures, Laliteshwar Mahadev temple is situated in the holy premises of Akshaywat in the Vayavya corner of the northwest corner near the bank of Yamuna.

Festivals In Lalita 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.

How to Reach Lalita Shaktipeeth

The three temples in Prayag Shaktipeeths are considered Shaktipeeths from three different ideas.

By Air: Prayagraj airport is a 17 km distance from the temple

By Railway: Prayagraj is a very big railway junction which is at 6 km distance from Alopi temple.

By Roadways: Prayagraj is well connected with roads and major highways are also connected with this city.

Also Read –  Devikoop Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth