Shondesh Shaktipeeth is situated at the Narmada River’s origin in the Amarkantak district of Madhya Pradesh state. It is amongst the 51 Shakti Peeth of Maa Sati. Here the idol of maa Sati is called ‘Narmada’ and lord Shiva is venerated as ‘Bhadrasen’. It is believed that the ‘right buttock’ (hip) of Mata Sati fell in Shon Desh Shaktipeeth.

This is also the point of source of the river Narmada and the temple complex also includes the Narmada Udgam temple. The temple is located in the beautiful Amarkantak Valley. Shondesh Shaktipeeth is one of the ancient temples and is believed to be 6000 years old and is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.

Story Behind Shondesh 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.

Ashes were scattered at Kailash and Amarkantak when Lord Shiva was in his Rudra form and had already destroyed three cities by fire. The remaining ash was saved in heaven by Lord Shiva. Ashes that occur in heaven transform into crores of Shiva Lingas. However, those Shiva lings are only visible at Jwaleshwar. Anyone who enters the Narmada or Shon temple is cleansed and purified in their soul by the grace of these holy ashes. It is believed that the ‘right buttock’ (hip) of Mata Sati fell in Shona Shaktipeeth.

History of Shondesh Shaktipeeth

Narmada Devi Shondesh Shakti Peetha is considered an ancient temple, and it is said to be 6000 years old. Here, Goddesses get honour in the form of Narmada Devi or Sonakshi (Shonakshi), and Lord Shiva is worshipped as Bhairav Bhadrasen.

Architecture of Shondesh Shaktipeeth

The Shona Shakti Peeth temple’s inner altar is beautiful. In the middle is an icon of Goddess Narmada and is covered by the brilliant ‘Mukut’, surrounding it. The idols of various goddesses are decorated just two meters to each side. The stage, where Maa Narmada’s deity exists, is produced using silver. When it comes to architecture and art, Shondesh Shakti Peeth is magnificently constructed and sculpted. The white rock temple is surrounded by ponds, making it a picture-perfect location. The stunning view of the Son River and the nearby kund is just one aspect of the location’s multifaceted beauty.

At this location, two mountain ranges Satpura and Vidhya merged into one. The location is charming due to the picturesque and charming view of mountain ranges and sloping valleys. Even the mesmerizing Sun rising can be seen from this stunning location.

Facts about Shondesh Shaktipeeth

• Shondesh Shaktipeeth is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas famous in Hinduism. This Shaktipeeth is situated at the Narmada River’s origin in the Amarkantak district of Madhya Pradesh state.
• Inside the main temple, the deity of Goddess Sati is called ‘Narmada’ and lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of ‘Bhadrasen’.
• The temple complex has a beautiful garden- Narmada Udgam and a temple associated with the garden- Narmada Udgam temple.
• It is also famous as the origin point of River Narmada and this garden temple. There is a belief that Amarkantak is an abode of God and whoever dies here gets a place in heaven for sure.
• Narmada Devi Shondesh Shaktipeeth is considered an ancient temple, and it is said to be 6000 years old.
• The Sanskrit word Amarkantak is the sum of two words, i.e., Amar + Kantak, where Amar is denoted immortal, and Kantak is obstruction. The word Amarkantak signifies the place where God resided but was upset by the obstruction of Rudraganas.
• It is widely believed that whoever passes away here rests in heaven.

Festivals In Shondesh 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.
• Somvati Amavasya and Ram Navami are the other festivals celebrated with great pomp and splendour.

How To reach Shondesh Shaktipeeth

One can visit the Shondesh Shaktipeeth at any time, but the best time to visit the temple is in winter, from October to February, as the weather is fantastic.

By Air: The Nearby Airport to Amarkantak is Dumna Jabalpur and which is (250 km) and Raipur is (245 km) from the location.

By Railway: The nearby railway station to Amarkantak is Pendra Road (17 km) in Chhatisgarh, and Anuppur (48km) is more convenient. Bilaspur (120 km) in Chhattisgarh is also another city close to Amarkantak and linked through a railway network with all the main cities of India.

Nearest Bus Station/Cabs: Amarkantak is well connected by regular bus service with Shahdol, Umaria, Jabalpur, Rewa, Bilaspur, Anuppur and Pendra Road.

Read Also – Kankaleshwari Shaktipeeth