The celebrated Bhairavi dwells in the place named Bhairava; Mangala in Gaya Ksettra; Sthanupriya in Kuruksetra; and Svayambhuvi Devi dwells in Nakula; Ugra dwells in Kankhal; Vis'vesa dwells in Vimales'vara, Mahananda in Attahasa and Mahantaka in Mahendra. Bhimes'vari dwells in Bhima; the Bhavaani S'ankari dwells in Vastrapadma; and Rudrani in Ardha Koti. Vis'alaksi dwells in Avimukta; Mahabhaga dwells in Mahalaya; Bhadrakarni in Gokarna; and Bhadra resides in Bhadrakarnak; Utpalaksi dwells in Suvarnaksa; Sthanvis'a in Sthanu; Kamala in Kamalalaya; Chanda in Chhagalandaka, situated in the south near the seacoast. Trisandhya dwells in Kurundala; Mukutes'vari in Makota; S'andaki in Mandales'a; Kalia in Kalanjara; Dhvani in S'ankukarna; Sthula in Sthulakes'vara; and Parames'vari Hrillekha dwells in the heart lotuses of the Jnanins.
Gaya is 100 kilometers south of Patna, the capital city of Bihar, where the mangala gauri temple is situated.The present temple dates back to 1459 AD. The shrine is dedicated to Shakti or the mother Goddess in the predominantly Vaishnavite pilgrimage center of Gaya. Mangalagauri is worshiped as the Goddess of benevolence. This temple constitutes an Upa-Shakti Pitha - where it is believed that a part of the body of Shakti fell - according to mythology. Here Shakti is worshiped in the form of a breast symbol, a symbol of nourishment.The temple is facing east, and is built on top of the Mangalagauri hill. A flight of steps and a motorable road lead to the temple. The sanctum houses the symbol of the Goddess and it also has some finely carved ancient relief sculptures. A small hall or mandap stands in front of the temple. The courtyard also houses a fire pit for the home. There are also two minor shrines dedicated to Shiva and images of Mahishasura Mardini, Durga and Dakshina Kali.
Sthanupriye Devi is the diety in Kurukshetra. Sri Devi Maha Bagavatham mentions this as an important sacred devi sthal. Devi Parvathi is here as 'Sthanupriyai' and her consort Siva as 'Asvanath'.According to the legend the right hand of the dismembered burnt body of Dakshayani fell at this place and so it became one of the 51sacred Devi-sthals. Another legend says Devi Gatyayini's feet fell here.
Sati Kund, another well-known mythological heritage is situated in the Kankhal, 4 km away from Haridwar. Legend has it that Sati immolated herself in this kund.
The next few lines devi describes the places where she likes. these places are in the heart and mind of shiva when he takes different forms in different places. she secretly shows her adoration for shiva and reveals them just as every woman would do.Her words does not lack passion but it is very subtle.she gives an insight of how she feels about siva.
Kaasi is considered to be the holiest of all pilgrimage sites in India. It is considered home to Shiva - Visweswara. Benares is also known as Kaasi because it is beleived that Supreme brilliance shines there, and lights the way to salvation (Kas - to shine). Varanasi is located between two rivers Varana and Asi, and hence the name Varanasi. It is also referred as the avimukta or the burning ghat.This place is said to give the greatest delight to God and hence the name Anandakanana; the five elements lie in this great cremation ground as will all dead bodies at the time of the final deluge and hence the name Mahasmasaanam.Benares is also considered to be one of the shakthi peethas of India. It is believed that the left hand of Sati fell at Varanasi, and that Annapurna or Visalakshi represent the Shakti Peetham here.
Gokarna, meaning cow's ear in Sanskrit as the ear shape is formed by the confluence of two rivers to form the town. The place gets its name from the local legend that Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow. It is a conservative Hindu pilgrimage town, home to several temples and festivals. Gokarna is connected by rail from Karwar,Ankola,Hubli,Mangalore,kumta,and Margao. The Konkan Railway, passes through Gokarna - Kumta (35 km) and Ankola (20 km) are the nearest major railway stations. There are many beaches around here, and very peaceful.
The places mentioned above are all dearest to Devi. First the merits of these places are to be heard; next Devi is to be worshipped by the rites and ceremonies according to these rules.
All the holy places of pilgrimages exist in Kasi. The Devi always dwells there. Persons, devoted to the Devi, see these places and if they do Japam and meditate on the lotus-feet of the Devi, they will certainly be freed from the bonds of Samsara; there is no doubt in this. If anybody, getting up in the morning, recite the names of these places, all his sins would instantly be burnt away.
In my next post i will describe the vows to be observed to attain salvation.
