Abodes of Devi (Introduction)

 

When the vibrations of the frenzied "Rudhra-thandav" of Mahadeva with the body of Dakshayani in 'yoga-agni' on his shoulders, threatened to destroy the universe Sri Narayana dismembered the devi's body into pieces with his 'sudharsanam' to seperate 'Sakthi' from 'Sivam'. The force of this widely scattered the parts of her body in 108 different places. Each one of these became a holy 'Devi-sthal'. Only 51 are known now.

 

Devi's abodes are countless. 'Devi Baghavatham' written by Vyasa maha muni and read widely at present mentions 108 of them. Of these 51 are considered important.

The list of the 'sthals' varies from author to author depending on the source relied upon. It is difficult to compile the list as the puranas mention the classical names of the dieties and the places which is different from the modern nomenclature and thus difficult to identify. The abodes mentioned here are taken from various sources and verified with 'Devi baghavatham' for authenticity.

Even though many of the devi idols are 'swambu' (self-incarnated) the temples for these deities have been built and consecrated by the kings or the aristocracy of that period. It has happened in history that with the decline of the dynasty of the 'patrons' the temple itself has lost its importance. Where the building was not constructed with durable construction material like granite the temples have not survived the ravages of time. Many of the 'Devi sthalas' have met with this fate and have gone into oblivion.

The origin of 'Sakthi sthals':
According to the legends in ' Devi Baghavatham,' Sakthi Parvathi devi was born as a daughter to King Daksha and was named Dakshayani. She grew up to be an young maiden and was an ardent devotee of Lord Siva.
Sage Dhurvasa gave Dhaksha a gift of a priceless garland obtained from Devi Parvathi. Dhaksha took it reverentially and hung it in his bed-room. The fine smell from the garland made Dhaksha loose his senses and he over-indulged himself. Being an ascetic person he felt he had committed a sin and he blamed it on the garland from Devi. He began to hate Devi and her consort 'Rudhra' and ordered all icons of Siva to be removed.
Dakshayani his daughter became enraged with her father for his hatred of Rudhra to whom she was highly devoted. Not wishing to keep the body begotten by the Siva-Sakthi hatters Daksha and his consort, Dakshayani went into 'yoga-agni' Her body became fire by 'yoga'. The flame and the heat-wave went up to kailash - the abode of Rudhra. He got very angry with Daksha and killed him. With his anger the whole universe began to crumble.
Brahma and other Gods implored Siva to calm down and pardon Daksha. Accordingly Lord Siva became 'santha-swaroopi' (benigne) and made Daksha arise from death but with the head of a goat.Having the goat's head he did ask for the Lords parden and Siva said 'you could continued be my devotee'. Dhaksha with the goat's head composed ' CHAMAGAM' the veda mantra on the lord which starts with 'sanchame',prayachame meh,meh,meh.....'. This is in compliment of the Lord. siva blessed him and said without his 'Chamagam' no prayer will be complete and it must be recited along with 'Rudram'.
However Siva was distraught at the state of Dakshayani. He collected her body on his shoulders and went around the world aimlessly. At that time Maha-Vishnu and other devas prayed to Siva to scatter the parts of Gathyayani's body all over and to establish "abodes of Devi" in those places where the devi's bodily parts fell. They further urged that in those places Siva also should incarnate as the consort of the Devi.
Siva asks Sri Narayana to undertake this task. Accordingly Narayana dismembered the body of Gathyayani with his 'Sudharsan-Chakra' and in the force the parts of her the body got scattered widely. Each one of these places became a 'Holy devi-sthalam'.

e holy abodes of Devi, Rudhra said "Who ever worships the vi consecrated in those places in the likeness of me will attain all the bliss in this world and the next. One who recites the 'maya-beeja manthra' of Devi in those 'sthals' will get all the fruits of the 'Beeja-manthra'".
To show by example Siva himself sits before his Sakthi in 'dhyan' (prayers).
Another and more popular legend says:
Once the Sage

Naradha visited King Daksha and told him that Dakshayani his daughter was the incarnation of Goddess Parvathy -the Sakthi devi. He said Sakthi and Sivam ( matter and energy) were both essential for the existence of the world. Without Sakthi, Siva was powerless. On hearing this Daksha became very proud and ordered all 'Siva-lingas' to be removed and cast away.
He organized the performance of 'Brahma-yagna' in a grand scale. He invited all the devas, gods and goddesses but in slight did not invite Lord Shiva - who according to Vedic rites should be given the first offering made into the sacrificial fire.
However Dakshayani his daughter, though uninvited and defying her consort's advise goes to attend the 'yagna' of his father. When she saw that the first offering in the fire was not given to Siva, her consort she immolates herself in the same fire in protest.
When Siva came to know about this he was highly enraged and sent Veerabadra who emerged from Siva's body, to kill Daksha. Siva collected the burnt body of Dhakshayini on his shoulders and went into "Rudhra Thandavam". So fierce were the movements that the whole universe trembled.
Sensing disaster Vishnu to seperate Sakthi from Siva dismembers Dhakshayini's burnt body into pieces with his 'Sudarsan-chakra'. The force of this widely scattered the parts of the devi's body in different places and each one of these sites became a 'Devi sthal'.
Accounts about each of these 'sthals' is given in the following  pages.

Om Shakthi Buvaneswarye, vedantha roopinye sarvatma swaroopinye

Srimat Dhakshayinye Namo Namaha ||

Home 

Devi Namosthude

Sarva-Theerthatmeke, Sarva-Mantratmeke, Sarva-Thantratmeke, Sarva-Yantratmeke, Sarva-Peetatmeke, Sarva-Thatvatmeke, Sarva-Sakthiyatmeke,Sarva-Vidyatmeke, Sarva-Nadhatmeke, Sarva-Sabthatmeke, Sarva-Visvatmeke Sarva-Deekshatmeke, Sarva-Swaratmeke, Sarva he Jaganmatruke Pahimam, Pahimam Devi dhubyam namo, Devi dhubyam namo, Devi dhubyam namo namaha. (from Kalidasa's Shyamala-dhandagam)   Meaning of the above sloka: You are all the holy water; You are all the 'Mantras'; You are all the Ingenuity; You are all the 'Yantras'; You are all the abodes of Gods; You are all the principles; You are all the energy; You are all the wisdom; You are all the decibles; You are all the sounds; You are all the world; You are all the preceptor; You are all the Rythms; 'Jagan mata' the mother of the universe - bless me; Bless me mother I bow to thee; I pray to thee; I perostrate before thy holy feet.

Devi's Virat-Swaroopam(Vishva-roopam)

Devi 's virat swaroopam ( Viswa-roopam) that includes the three worlds is beyond description. Even the trinity of gods and 1000 hooded Adishesha and Rishis who have learnt the 4 vedhas, 6 sastras and 64 arts also cannot describe devi's Virat Swaroopam. It is well known that sati devi's burnt bodily parts fell in different places establishing holy devi sthals.If one can imagine the fallen parts joined together, it would show the entire universe in "Virat swaroopam" of the devi. Sri Devi Maha Bhagavadham purana  describes in detail each aspect of the 'virat swaroopam' which corresponds to the different bodily parts as follows:-
Devi's hair is the realm above the sky, The moon and the sun are devi's two eyes. The 8 directions are the two ears. The 4 vedhas are the speech. The breadth is air. The heart is the whole world. The navel is the sky, the ring of jothi is the breasts. The neck is 'Mahalogam'. The face is the 'Janalogam', the fore head is 'thabo logam' and the 'Satyalogam' is the under the forehead. The two hands are the Indras. Sound is the earlobe and the nostrils are the Asvini-devas. The feelings are fire. The eyelashes are day and night. The eyebrows is the Brahma-sthanam.
The chin is water (River etc) The Incisors represent 'Yama'. Tongue is the 5 tastes. The wisdom teeth are the chandrakala, front teeth are adorance. The shadows denotes art forms. Eye sight is the heaven, the upper lip is Nanam (shy) and the lower lip is gain. The prushta-bagam (buttocks) are'dharma'. The stomach is the ocean, The prajapathi is the male organ. The Moutains are the bones, The rivers are pulse. Devi's tresses are the trees. clouds are the colours of her hair Devi's walk is considered as the changes in Life ( childhood, youth and old age) Evening and morning are devi's two dresses.The crescent is the mind, Vishnu is devi's 'gnana sakthi' and Rudra is her weapon. All animals are the upper part of the thigh. All 14 lokas are devi's lower part of the hips.
In Devi's 'virata-roopam' one can see the entire universe including the 14 lokas. The Virat -Swaroopam is freightening. But she is merciful. She is the creator, the sustainer, and also the destroyer. sakthi is the universe, and the Universe is sakthi.


Explained by
Saroja Mani.

Devi Nageswari at Yazhpanam Srilanka

Yaa devi sarva boodeshu naaga roopena samsthitha |
Namasthasyei Namasthasyei Namasthasyei namo namaha ||

Nageswari devi temple at Naina Island in Sri-Lanka is an important ' Devi- sthal '. This is 'Mani-puraga-peetam'. According to the legend the ankle from the dismembered burnt body of Dakshayani fell at this place and so it is considered as one of the 51 sacred Devi-sthals. Some account say that ' anklets' fell here. (refer to 'Yoga-agni' in 'Abodes of devi' for background story)
This devi sthala has many names.They are: Naga-island, Nayinar-island, Mani- pallava-island, Brahmana-island, Nari-island,and Nageswaram.
For shiva our ancestors have established 'pancha-bootha-sthalas ' for the five elements :

• ' Akash-lingam ' ( space ) in Chidhambaram
• ' Agni-lingam ' ( fire ) in Thruvanamalai
• ' Vayu-lingam ' ( air ) in Kalahasthi
• ' Jala-lingam ' ( water ) in Jambu-keswaram
• ' boomi-lingam ' ( earth ) in Kanchipuram

Similarly for sakthi-devi they have given concrete shapes to the six (chakras) stages in the ascent of the ' Kundalini force ' in the human body and have established six abodes. This peetam here represents the third stage - ' Mani-puragam ' and they have named this place 'Mani-pooraga-peetaham'. This is one of the important 51 sacred Devi abodes. One note-worthy legend is that when there was an invasion by some foreign elements the huge 'car' ( ratham ) of this temple rolled by itself into the sea and got submerged. Even today it is said, the top of the car is seen.
Any one meditating on the Devi at mid-night on full-moon day under the temple tower here can perceive a devine force within himself. Devi Nagabushani presides over the Naina temple in Lanka radiating bliss and happiness to all her devotees. Poojas are done 5 times a day. The annual festival in the month of 'aani' (June-July).
Adhi-seshan,Hanuman,Arjunan,and Ravana were supposed to have worshiped Devi Naga-booshani.
The holy books say that Sri Buvaneswari-Peetham and Thirupura-Bairavi Peetham too have been installed here.

 

Om Sakthi

 

Location
 

Naina island is in northern Sri-Lanka.

Devi Sri Kanyakumari

Yaa devi sarva boodeshu kanyaa roopena samsthitha |
Namasthasyei Namasthasyei Namasthasyei namo namaha ||

Kanyakumari also known as Cape Comorin at the confluence of Arabian sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean at the southern tip of Indian peninsula is one of the most important ' Devi peetams'. Devi is incarnated here as Sri Kanyakumari - meaning the ' virgin-girl '. The Devi is in the penance pose here.
Maheswari Dakshayani's burnt buttock fell in this place. Another account says the devi's bust fell here. Hence this place became one of the 51 abodes of Devi. This place is calledSri Kanya Peetham (refer to 'Yoga-agni' in 'Abodes of devi' for background story) Devi kanyakumari was created to destroy the demons 'Bahan' and 'Muhan' who were tormenting the gods and men.
Lord Shiva incarnated in Suchindram - 5 km away was desirous of taking 'Kanya-kumari' as his consort and the wedding process was commenced.
However Sage Narada wanted to stop this wedding as that would divert the devi from her mission of destroying the ' demons '. So he imposed two conditions on Lord shiva for taking Kanyakumari as his consort. The first condition was that he should send as dowry 'coconuts without the eyes' 'Mangoes without its stem' and such other impossible things. The second condition was that Lord Shiva should arrive at the ' wedding hall ' before dawn on the appointed day.
Lord Shiva accepted both the conditions and on the wedding day set forth to go to 'Kanya-kumari' town sending in advance loads and loads of dowry as required. Sage Narada to prevent shiva from reaching the marriage venue took the form of a rooster and much before the sun-rise crowed to announce the dawn. Lord Shiva thinking that he had broken the second condition went back to Suchindram
Devi Kanya-kumari was utterly disappointed when the groom did not arrive on time and went back in anger to her penance after throwing all the dowry sent by Shiva into the sea. The multi-hued sand of differant sizes on the shore are supposed to be the metamorphised grains and other things sent to her as dowry by Lord shiva.
The huge and unique diamond nose-pin of this idol is brilliant in its sparkle visible many miles from the sea. It has been mistaken as light from a light house. Mis-led by this many a ship has floundered on the treacherous rocks near the shore. To avoid these mishaps the door on the side facing the sea is closed for ensuring the safety of the ships.
Kanyakumari is at its glory during Chitra Pournami (full moon day in April) when the sun and moon are face to face on the horizon over the sea. On normal full moon days also one can see the sunset and the moon-rise almost simultaneously. A fine beach with multi hued sands in differant sizes is another interesting sight. With rocks jutting out the sea here is very rough reflecting the angry mood of the Devi
Cape-comorin was under Chera, chola, pandya and the nayak kings who built a number of temples around this place over the centuries.
In recent times Swamy Vivekananada memorial has been built on a twin-rock at the tip of the peninsula dedicated to the greatest monk and philosopher of the 20th century.
A memorial has been raised for the ancient poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar who authored the inimitable "Thirukural" in couplet form over 2000 years ago. The author's breath of vision and all pervading wisdom are reflected in the range of subjects dwelt with in this composition of epic proportions.
Close to the Vivekananda Rock is another rock called Sri-paada-Paarai meaning the rock that has been graced by the feet of the Devi. The temple attracts thousands of devotees from all over the world. This is also a popular tourist spot.
The virgin goddess is the guardian angel eternally protecting the country at its southern tip.

Om Sakthi

Location:
Kanyakumari is at the tip of Soutern India and is accessible
by road from Tirunelveli or Nagarkoil in Tamil nadu.

Devi Bramarambal in Srisailam

Yaa devi sarva boodeshu braanthi roopena samsthitha |
Namasthasyei Namasthasyei Namasthasyei namo namaha ||

 Bramarambal sakthi peeth at Srisailam is situated in Karnool District of Andra pradesh According to the legend of Dakshayani the right ear from her dismembered burnt body fell here and so this place became one of the 51 sacred Devi abodes.This also called Srisaila-Peetam. (refer to 'Yoga-agni' in 'Abodes of devi' for background story)
The legend:
Once Shiva incarnated as Ardha-nareeswar (half man half woman). Sage Bringi wanted to do 'parikrama' (go round in reverence) to only Shiva. Hence he became a black-bee and made a hole between the male and female sides of the body of 'Ardha-nareeswara and did the 'parikrama'. The sage did not want to worship Devi Parvathi.
Devi became very angry and she sucked the blood of the bee which was sage Bringi. The sage realizing his mistake implored mercy and the Devi became cool and blessed the sage because he was a great devotee of her consort Lord Shiva. From that time she is called Bramarambal. In sanskrit 'bramari' means beetle.
There is a hole behind the Devi idol and one could hear the sound of the bee even now - it is said.
Sri Aadhi-Sankara installed the Sri-chakra in the temple near Devi's idol. Devi here holds a garuda symbol in her flag. She is worshipped by devi Ganga, Gowthami and Durga.
This temple and the deities date from the 2nd century though the temple complex came up in early 15th century built by the vijayanagara king.
Srisailam has the disinction of being a Siva-sthal as also a Devi-sthal. It is one of the 12 Jyothir linga Shiva shrines (Shiva as Mallikarjuna also called ' Parpatha-nathar ') as also one of the 51 Shakthi-peetas - Devi as Bramarambike or Bramarambal
The temple popularly known as Sri-parvata, is surrounded by a huge wall that is about 20 feet high and 6 feet wide with a perimeter wall of over 2000 feet. The wall has hundreds of huge stones with carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and folk-lore. Some legend says that Rudhra told Parvathi that he liked Sri-parvatham (Srisailam) mountain more than other mountains like Kailash, Mandiram, Meru, Malayam, Rishyamugam. Shiva has said "This is my immovable image."

 

Om Sakthi

 

Locatiom
Sri-sailam is in Andhra Pradesh

 in the nallamalai range.

Devi Gnanaprasun-ambike at Kalahasthi

Yaa devi sarva boodeshu gnanaa roopena samsthitha |
Namasthasyei Namasthasyei Namasthasyei namo namaha ||

Gnanambike Devi temple at Kalahasthi in Andra-pradesh is a holy abode of Devi. By one account the right shoulder from the dismembered burnt body of Devi Sri Dakshayani fell in this place and so this is considered one of the 51 sacred abodes of Devi Parvathi. (refer to 'Yoga-agni' in 'Abodes of devi' for background story) The devi here is 'Gnana-prasan-ambike'. She is the giver of wisdom ( 'gnanam ' means wisdom ) . There is a diety for "thri-sakthi" which is the union of the trinity of devis- Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Parvathi. One has to worship "Thri-sakthi" before going to the shrine of 'Gnana-prasan-ambike'. The girdle of the Devi is the planet 'Kethu'. The shiva linga itself is planet 'Rahu'. People who suffer from malignent positions of Rahu and Kethu in their horoscopes will counter the evil effects with the worship of the devi and the Lingam in this holy place.
This kshetram is one of the ' Panch bootha sthalam ' i.e temples for the 5 elements of nature - 1.vayu (Air) 2.appu (Water) 3.Boomi (earth) 4.Theju (space) 5.Agni (fire). This is ' vayu ' sthlam. The consort of the devi is 'Kalahasthi Nadhar'. The most striking point in this legend is that The Lord is incarnated as 'Vayu deva' here. In the sanctum there is no physical idol of a linga. The air ( ' Vayu ' ) there is said to be the icon. There is a hanging light (Deepam) in the sanctum that always keeps swinging with no visible inlet for the wind. Where the wind comes from is a mystery.
There are 9 horizontal thick stripes accross the face of the Lingam representing the nine zodiac signs (Rasi). Around the Lingam 27 birth stars are represented. A five-hooded serpant is on the top of the Lingam.
The name Sri-kalahasti is a compound of three words - 'Sri' meaning spider, 'Kala' meaning serpent and 'Hasti' meaning an elephant. All these worshipped Lord Shiva for years together and attained 'Moksha' (liberation). The symbol of all these three is the swayambhu lingam (self incarnation) along with Nandi
The temple is huge and is well laid out, with magnificent entrance towers. Over a period, Cholas, Pallavas, Pandyas the local Yadavaraya Kings and finally the great Vijayanagara kings constructed different parts of the temple and its prakarams. The temple is over 7 centuries old.
The huge Kali tower and the Hundred-pillar Mandap were constructed by Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century. The Devakottai Chettiars renovated the temple in the early years of the last century. The temple and the towers of the temple are remarkable for their architectural conception and execution.
Teerthas around Kalahasthi:

• Harahar Teertham, which is three miles from Kalahasthi.
• Kalinga Teertham, which is five miles from Kalahasthi towards the east
• Sahasra Linga Teertham, which is five miles southwest of Kalahasti.
• Markandeya Teertham, six and a half miles from Sahasra Linga Teertham.
• Mayura Teertham, named after Mayura Maharshi.
• Bharadwaja Teertham, which is three and a half miles from the main temple.
• Narada Teertham in the entree of the town.
• Saraswati Teertham, which is said to have this holy water dumb able to speak if they take the water of this as Prasada for forty days.
• Suka Teertham after Suka Maharshi.
• Brahma Teertham
• Manikarnika Teertharn
• Tatwa Prakasa Teertham.

Om Sakthi

location
aprox 50 kilometers From chennai

Akhilandeswari Devi at Gajaranyakshetram

 Yaa devi sarva boodeshu jalaa roopena samsthitha |
Namasthasyei Namasthasyei Namasthasyei namo namaha ||

Akilandeswari - the re-incarnation of Parvathi devi has her abode in Gaja-aranya-kshetra - the name in classical literature. This place is popularly known as 'Thiruvanaikaval. The Devi's consort siva is here as Jambukeswarar. This peetham is called Varahi Peetham. Akilandeswari, the Mother of the Universe, is said to have worshipped the Lord in this temple. Symbolically the priest of this temple performs the noon pooja dressed like a lady . According to the legend the kneecap from the dismembered burnt body of Dakshayani fell at this place and so became one of the 51 sacred Devi-sthals of India. (refer to 'Yoga-agni' in 'Abodes of devi' for background story).
There are plenty of elephants in this place. Hence it is called Gaja-aranya-kshetram. (' Gajam ' means elephant, ' aaranya ' is forest and ' kshetra ' is sanctuary).
This place is in Tamil nadu. Another tamil name is Thiru-aanai-kaval. (' Thiru ' means beautiful ' aanai ' is elephant 'kaaval ' again is sanctuary in tamil language).
The universe consists of five elements i.e.1.vayu (Air) 2.appu (Water) 3.Boomi (earth) 4.Theju (space) 5.Agni (fire). This concept is very well known.
The linga here is Appu or water linga among the five lingas dedicated to the five elements 'Pancha Bootha Kshetras'. There is perennial oozing of water from underneath the Shivalinga in the Sanctum Sanctorum which is emptied at regular intervals.

Another legend about this place:
There was a lingam under a black berry tree. Lord Shiva is said to have done penance sitting under the tree to have the darshan of Lord Vishnu in order to get rid of the sin of Brahma-hatya (killing of a repository of Vedas).

An elephant was worshipping the lingam everyday and every day the elephant saw a spider's web woven there. It used to clear the cobwebs with water. One day the spider got very angry and went into the elephant's trunk and bit so hard that the elephant died.The elephant went to kailash as it had been worshipping the lingam every day. The spider was reborn as the Chola king of Thanjavoor.
It is said Sri Adi Sankara Bhagavadpada consecrated the Thatangam (earrings) the Sri Chakra, now adorning the ears of the Devi. He also installed a Ganapathy Vigraha (idol) in front of Sri Akilandeswari and this contained her 'Ugra kalai' - ' ferocious aspect '.
All festivals are celebrated like in all other devi temples.
'Pancha-prakaara vizhza' is special to this place. During this festival Shiva is dressed like a lady and Devi like a male. The reason for this is that Brahma created a girl and fell in love with the girl that he himself created. Because of that he could not do his duty of creation properly. Soon he realized his mistake and did penance to devi in expiation.
Lord Shiva and devi appeared before him. But they felt that Brahma in his romantic mood would fall in love with Devi. So Shiva was dressed like a woman and Devi was dressed in male attire. Brahma felt ashamed by this action of Shiva and Devi and apologised for his misdeed.This is commemorated in this annual festival.

Om Sakthi

 

Location:
Jambukeswaram popularly known as

Thiru-vanaikkaval is situated near Srirangam
in Trichy District, TamilNadu. 

Trichy has an airport and all means

of transport are available

Devi Badrakarnikai at Gokarnam

Yaa devi sarva boodeshu thrishna roopena samsthitha |
Namasthasyei Namasthasyei Namasthasyei namo namaha ||

Badra-Karnikai shakthi peet in North Karnataka is situated in Hemakooda. This is also known as 'Parasurama-kshetram'. The devi here is also known as Gokarna Nayaki. Mahabaleswarar is the consort of Devi Badra-Karnikai. According to the legend the earlobe (some say the chin) from the dismembered burnt body of Dakshayani fell at this place and so it became one of the 51 sacred Devi-sthals of India. Another legend has it that the left ear of Dakshayani fell at this spot. (refer to 'Yoga-agni' in 'Abodes of devi' for background story)This is karna-peetam (karna meaning 'ear')
The legend in this place revolves more around Mahabaleswarar the consort of Devi Badra-Karnikai.
Ravaneswara was an ardent devotee of Shiva. and constructed a temple for the lord in Lanka. He did penance for many years to obtain the 'aatma-linga' from Lord shiva to be consecrated in that temple. He composed the 'Sama-veda' and using his blood-vessels as the strings for his 'veena' he sang the veda in the 'Kamboji' raga. The Lord was very happy at Ravaneswara's devotion and appeared before him and granted ravana's wish for the 'aathma-linga'. However the Lord said that until Ravana reached the temple in Lanka he should not at any cost place the Linga on the ground. If he did it would get fixed in that place itself and would be impossible to dislodge it. Ravana was confident of taking the lingam to Lanka and started for home with the Linga reverentially held in his hands
When all the devas came to know that Ravana had obtained the Aathmalinga from siva they were worried that Ravana would became all too powerful. So they prayed to Vigneswara to stop Ravana from taking the aathmalinga to the temple in Lanka.
As Ravana was proceeding towards Lanka it became evening and he wanted to do his prayers. He was wondering what to do with the lingam when he saw an young boy passing by. It was actually Vigneswara.

Ravana called the boy and requested him to hold the lingam promising that he would finish his prayers quickly and take the lingam back. It was agreed that ravana would return before Vigneswara finished counting one to ten.
Ravanas prayer for some strange reason was getting delayed. He was not able to hold the water in his palms as required and he was not able to complete his prayer before Vigneswara finished counting ten. On this as stipulated Vigneswara kept the lingam on the ground. When he saw Ravana hurrying in great anger for keeping the lingam on the ground Vigneswara sped away to the top of the hill in Truchirappalli. Even today this temple is very famous as the 'Uchi-pilliar temple'.
Ravana tried in vain to take the lingam off the ground but it got firmly entrenched and started to grow in size. Ravana was greatly disappointed. He left the lingam there itself and returned home to lanka. He named the lingam as Maha-baleswarar.
A similar legend is related when Ravana once before tried to obtain a Lingam from Shiva for his temple in Lanka but failed.
It is auspicious to pray to Devi Badra-Karnikai and her consort on Sivarathri day after taking a dip in the Koti-Teertham. Like in a few other Siva temples here also the devotee themselves can perform the puja to the deities.

 

Om Sakthi

 

Location
From Bangalore take a train to

 Sahar and from there by bus to 'Chirchi'
and again by a bus or a private taxi to this holy city.

Sri Kamakshi Devi at Kanchipuram

Yaa devi sarva boodeshu buddhi roopena samsthitha |
Namasthasyei Namasthasyei Namasthasyei namo namaha ||

Kamakshi devi temple in Kanchi popularly known as Kanchipuram is one of the 51 'Devi sthals'. Ekambara-easwar is the devi's consort in this temple. This place became an abode of Devi Kamakshi because the rib-bone from the burnt dismembered body of Dakshayani fell here. (refer to 'Yoga-agni' in 'Abodes of devi' for background story) This temple is called Sri Chakkara Peetham and Ekambara peetam.. Kanchi is one among the seven sacred cities of liberation leading the soul to the heaven. The other six holy cities are Ayodha, Mathura,Haridwar, Kasi, Ujjain and Dwaraka. Kanchi is a city of temples with over 100 shrines. For centuries this has been a city of learned people with close associations with Adi sankara bagavat-pada.
When the acharya swamy visited kanchi all the learned people accorded a grand reception to him. He visited the cave-temple of Sri Kamakshi and found her in a ferocious state. The Devi, it was said used to go around the town at night everyday and eat whatever or who-ever crossed her path. The acharya wanted to put an end to this and bring forth the merciful and benevolent side of the Goddess. Once when he was sleeping out side the cave-temple Sri Kamakshi came out as usual and was about to kill and eat him. The Acharya however tricked the devi to go back to her 'peetam' (seat) and consecrated her on it permanently.
Kamakshi Devi is considered as the center of the whole universe. Her whole body and eyes were dazzling in brilliance like one million suns and oridinary devotees could not look at her image to pray. So to make her benign the acharya drew the 'Sri-Chakra' by him self and consecrated the same outside the cave . Kanchi, apart from being the foremost of the Shakti Peethas, is also the abode of the holy Prithvi Linga. The great Lord Shiva has manifested here in the form of 'earth Linga'- one of the five elemental forms with Sri Kamakshi as his consort.In the old Kanchipuram there is a temple dedicated to 'sahasra-lingam' (1000 Lingams in monolithic form).
Kanchipuram also became the foremost seat of Hinduism with the establishment of Kamakoti peetam by the Adi-sankara Baghavat-pada. for the propagation of Sanatana Vedic dharma and also Advaita Vedanta. The sucessive Acharyas of this great Peetham have continued to guide the people in spiritual and social matters up to the present day.
Kanchi is divided into two parts one known as the shiva Kanchi with the 'earth Linga' as Ekambareswarar with his consort Kamakshi devi.
The other is known as Vishnu Kanchi with Varadharaja perumal as the presiding diety.
Both the parts of Kanchi have over a period of time deteriorted and it was left to the Adi-Sankaracharya to commence renovation of the temples and establish regular daily rituals in accordance with the scriptures.
The hymn 'Soundarya lahiri' composed in the praise of Devi Kamakshi by the Adi Sankara baghavat pada is an enduring and a most beautiful composition. The hymn consists of 100 'slokas'. This is in praise of the Devi describing her indescribable heavenly qualities and serene beauty.

 

Om Sakthi

 

Location:
Kanchipuram is about 70 km from Chennai.
Train, bus and taxi services are available.

Devi Bagavati at senganoor

Yaa devi sarva boodeshu sraddha roopena samsthitha |
Namasthasyei Namasthasyei Namasthasyei namo namaha || 

Bagavathy Devi temple in senganoor is a holy devi sthal. A skin piece with blood from the larynx in the neck of Dakshayani fell in this place. Hence it became one of the 51 devi's abodes. (refer to 'Yoga-agni' in 'Abodes of devi' for background story) This place was called "Raktha-parvadham"(Red hills) but now it is known as 'Senganoor'(in malayalam language) Legend: Devi bagavathi's temple is in the center of Senganoor.This goddess name is 'Raktha malliga' consort name is 'Ratnamallaswerer' This place is also known as Dhakshina-kailash. In side of this temple there is a raised stone platform.
This kind of thing one can not see any of other temples in Kerala.The south side of this platform there was another stone platform but now it is sunk into the earth. If one do the tower darshan standing on that stone it is said all kind of his desires will be fulfilled.
There is an importent message is this devi every month having menstruation like humanbeings. All that three days there will be colesed the temple. The forth day there will be a grand festivel in this temple if one would take that prasadam to their house there is a bellef that very luky and also there will be cured all the deceases like fits etc.
Another legend has it that Kannagi of the epic Silapadi-garam fame after her husband's unjust execution by the Pandiya king very angrily destroyed the kingdom of Madurai and also killed the king. She also burnt the whole city of Madurai except cows,elderly people, and children.Then she went to senganoor to do penance.In that place where Kannagi did 'thapas' the King Seran-Senguttuvan constructed a temple and named the goddess 'Sengamalli'
Any one going there and worshipping Devi Bhagavathy will have a prosperous and disease-free life.  

Om Sakthi 

  Location:Chenganoor town is about 15 miles north-east
of Mavelikara in Kerala.

Patan Devi at Patna

Yaa devi sarva boodeshu sowndarya roopena samsthitha |
Namasthasyei Namasthasyei Namasthasyei namo namaha ||

Patan devi temple is at Patna in Bihar. She is the incarnation of devi Parvathi. Her consort Siva as 'Lord Mahadeva' is in a seperate shrine close to Patan Devi's temple According to the 'Thantreeka' and the "Churamani" the right thigh and a part of the dress from the dismembered burnt body of Dakshayani fell near Maharajkanj which was called Magadha and so this place became one of the 51 sacred Devi-sthals. (refer to 'Yoga-agni' in 'Abodes of devi' for background story) The Goddesses here are popularly known as Bari Patan and Choti Patan. This place is called 'Maha-peetam'.
The Devi incarnated as Maha-kali, Maha-Lakshmi,and Maha-Saraswathi.The Bari Patan temple has three small images representing the trinity of 'Devis' the presiding guardian deities who protected the founder of pataliputra which is Patna. On the northern side of Bari Patan Devi temple there is a porch for the trinity of devis and another place for Bhairav.
All these three devis are in standing pose. These three deities have crowns.
There is a holy tank near the temple in which a strange stone was found. This has been installed in a shrine and worshipped as a Goddess.
Choti Bari temple is in the south eastern part of the city. This is the place where a part of sati's cloth fell. This should be considered as a 'upa-sakthi peetam'. There are images of other gods also like in other temples. In this temple there is a century old Parvathi statue in the standing pose next to a siva temple.
The temple is open throughout the day. Tuesday is an important day. Devotees bring their new born babies for the Devi's blessings. Newly married couple also visit this temple giving 'offerings' and seeking Devi's benevolence for a blissful life. It is widely believed that Devi here answers all the rightful prayers of her devotees.

 

 

Om Sakthi

 

Location:
This temple is in Patna, Bihar

Devi kiriteswari at Dahapara

Yaa devi sarva boodeshu vriddhi roopena samsthitha |
Namasthasyei Namasthasyei Namasthasyei namo namaha ||

Kiriteswari temple at Dahapara which is on the west bank of river Bhagirathi near Murshidabad in West Bengal is a sacred devi-sthal. Devi Parvathi is popularly referred to as 'Devi Kiriteswari' here. 'Tantra-churamani' speaks about this place as one of 51 Sakthi peetas and the presiding deity here as 'Vimala' and the sthala Bhairava as Sambartha.
The Kritam (Crown)and the brain from the dismembered burnt body of Dakshayani fell in Dahapara. So this place became one of the sacred Devi-sthals. This place is also called 'Kritkona'. (refer to 'Yoga-agni' in 'Abodes of devi' for background story)
With the decline of the ruling house of Murshibad the fortunes of this temple also declined. It came to prominence when some sages discovered this temple and offered worship every day. Bhagvan Ray the Kunungo who was a devotee of 'Kriteswari' made arrangements to clear the jungle and renovate the temple. Regular worship started again.

Later a devotee Darba Narayan took of the responsibility to clear the forest and rebuild the temple. Unfortunately the image of the Devi had been taken away. There was only a large stone with carvings. Only the face of the devi is depicted. Nearby there is a Siva temple with a linga in black marble.

Darpa narayan also instituted a weekly mela which in course of time lost its grandeur.

With the end of the Muslim rule who provided support to the local kings in the maintenance of the temple and the advent of the British the fame of Kriteswari temple slowly declined.

 

 

Om Sakthi

 

Location :

Dahapara is on the west

 bank of river Bhagirathi

opposite to Murshidabad in West bengal

Devi Jai-Durga at Joshidi

Sarvaswa roope sarveche sarvasakthi samanvidhe |
Bayepyas srahino devi durga devi namasthode ||

 

Jai-Durga shakthi peeth in Joshidi which is east of Gaya is situated in Bihar. Sivapuran calls this place 'Vaidhyanatham'.
According to the legend the heart from the dismembered burnt body of Dakshayani fell at this place and so it became one of the sacred Devi-sthals of India. (refer to 'Yoga-agni' in 'Abodes of devi' for background story) 'Sivapurana' says that this is one of 12 ' Jyothir Linga Kshetrams'. Vaidyanath is the devi's consort in this 'sthala'.

When Lord Vishnu dismembered Dakshayani's body and scattered her parts in different places to establish 'Devi-sthals' all the Devas requested that Shiva also should incarnate in all 'sthals' as the consort of the Devi. Thus Siva occupies equal importance as the 'Sakthi' in all the sakthi-sthals.
In this 'sthala' again the legend revolves more around the consort of the Devi.
Having failed once to take a 'Lingam' from kailasa to Lanka Ravaneswara did penance again invoking lord Siva for many years. The power of his prayers vibrated to all the other gods also. They were all worried that with such intense penance Ravana would attain Vamacharam (devil's sakthi) and become more powerful than all the devas. They wanted to stop him from doing the penance. But could not.
Pleased with the deep devotion Siva appeared before Ravana and asked him what he wanted. Ravana said that he wished to get a lingam from Lord Siva himself to be installed in Lanka. The benign Lord agreed and gave Ravana a Lingam but cautioned him that if by any chance he kept the Lingam on the ground before reaching Lanka he would never be able to dislodge it from that place and it would remain fixed there for ever. However confident of taking the Linga to Lanka without putting it down Ravaneswara was happily homeward bound with the lingam.
All the Devas wanted to prevent Ravaneswara from taking the Lingam to Lanka. So Lord Vishnu asked 'Yogamaya-Durga' to enter into the lingam. When she did the Lingam became very heavy and Ravanesara could not carry the weight and had to put it down on the ground and that site happened to be Joshidi. As Siva said the Lingam got fixed at that place and it could not be dislodged. People began worshipping the Linga in a temple here.
Years later a hunter by name Baiju regularly did puja to this Lingam for a long time. Because of this the Linga came to be called 'Baiju-nath' which in course of time became 'Vaidhyanath'. There are many Vidyanatha temples in India -in Tamil Nadu,Gujrat, Punjab ,West Bengal and Madhya-pradesh.
'Vaidhya' means 'doctor'. So any one praying to Lord vaidhyanatha would be cured of all ailments miraculously.

 

Om Sakthi

 

 

Location
Joshidi ( Jasidhi ) is the train station located in Bihar.

Devi Thripura-Sundhari at Thallada

Yaa devi sarva boodeshu mathru roopena samsthitha |
Namasthasyei Namasthasyei Namasthasyei namo namaha ||

Tripurasundari temple at Thallada near banswadi in Rajasthan is another Devi-sthal. According to the legend a part of the head from the dismembered burnt body of Dakshayani fell at this place. (refer to 'Yoga-agni' in 'Abodes of devi' for background story) So this is considered as one of the 51 abodes of Devi. Siva as Thirupura-nandha is the consort of the devi here.
This is a very ancient temple. There are evidences to show that this shrine existed even during the time of King Kanishka. Built in the 11th century the complex was destroyed during Alauddin kilji's invasion. But the idol was saved and kept in a safe place. Later the temple was re-built by the Rajaput dynasty. They consecrated Devi's idol in the sanctum in the place where it was and re-established  the popularity of the temple. The Devi holds a bow made of Sugar cane and arrow in one hand a sword in another, sulam ( trident) in the third hand and a lotus in the fourth. She sits astride a lion appearing as Simha-vahini. One cannot forget her benign and merciful look and majestic appearance which is an unforgettable sight.
A 'Sakthi- yanthram' has been kept buried just below the legs of the idol. This is supposed to give greater power to the deity

and all wishes and prayers of the devotees are fulfilled.
The tribals Bhils pray to the devi here as their tribal-goddess. Diwali, durga-ashtami and new-year day are important festivals for celebration.

 

Om Sakthi

 

 

Location
Thallada is 15 miles from Banswadi in Rajasthan

Devi Viswamatuka at Draksharama

Yaa devi sarva boodeshu santhi roopena samsthitha |
Namasthasyei Namasthasyei Namasthasyei namo namaha ||

 Viswamatuka Devi is river Godhavari. The devi's consort here is Bhimeswaraswami. The Temple of Bhimeswaraswamy is situated in Dhaksharama near Ramachandra-puram in East-Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh.The Lord here is also known as Dandapani in the legends. This is one of the 51 sacred Sakthi Peetas. The left cheek from the dismembered burnt body of Dakshayani fell here. So this place became a sacred Devi-sthal. (refer to 'Yoga-agni' in 'Abodes of devi' for background story)
This is a memorable place. It is said that the famous 'Brahma-Yagna' was preformed by king Daksha in this place. To preserve the sanctity of that 'yagna' religious people do not perform any yaga or homa or any such kind of ceremonies with in this region even now. The name of the place changed over a period from 'Daksha' 'arama' meaning the region of Daksha to Draksharama
In the legends in the Sthala-purana Lord Siva himself manifested as Bhimeswara-swamy in a swayambu-Lingam. The Saptha-rishis seeing the swayambu-lingam went to the Godhavari to bring the water for 'abisheka' to be done before the sun-rise. On the way they encountered Tulya Maharishi who feared his hermitage would be washed away if Godavari was brought that way. They had heated exchanges when sage Veda-vyasa intervened and said that the waters of Godavari would flow underground - with out harming the hermitage of Tulya Maharishi - and form into a 'pushkarni - Saptha Godavari'. When all this was settled the moon had already risen and as it was becoming late the Sun-god himself performed the 'abishek' and the first archana to Lord Bhimeswara.
Another legend about the origin of this temple is that Siva was worshipped in Lingakara in the shape of a long cylindrical 'mula-virat' with a height of nearly 30 feet. This was a part of the original Linga which broke into five pieces and fell in 5 different places:

1. Bheemavaram (Kakinada)     2. Ksheerarama (west godhavari)
3. Amaravathi (Guntur)             4. Daksharama (east Godhavari)
5. Kottipalli (also in east Godhavari) Legend says that the sun god himself installed the first lingam before it broke. The seven sages who worshipped the lingam were there as the seven branches of Godavari flowing into the sea. Only four branches exist now and the other three are no more. The seven sages are supposed to have brought the water from their respective rivers to the Sapta-Godavari-Theertha. The pious go on a sapta-sagara yatra.
Draksharama is also called Dakshina Kasi (south Kasi). Another important thing is that the Bhimesvaraswamy temple here was founded by Vyasa himself. There is a well in the shape of a strung-bow .It is called Rudra Threertha. There is also an Idol of Sri Lakshmi Narayana Swamy. Sri Rama is the Kshetrapalaka.
There is a belief that worshipping in a temple with the idols of both Shiva and Vishnu brings salvation in the harmonious blend of both the cults.
This holy place was called 'Taksha Tapovanam' established by Vyasa. This event in legend is celebrated in an annual festival in Feb- march in the Godhavari area in Andhra Pradesh.

 

 

Om Sakthi

 

 

Location:
This place is close to

 Ramachandrapuram 

in East Godhavari Dt
There are bus facilities 

from Kakinada and Rajamudry.

Devi Bodeswari at Bangarh

Yindriyanam madhishtathri boodanancha akileshia |
Bootheshu sadadam thasyei vyapthi devyei namo namaha ||

Bodeswari Devi abode at Bangar in Dinajpur district of West bengal is another one of the 51 holy devi sthals according to the local traditional stories. In the legend of Devi Dakshayani one of the heels from her dismembered burnt body fell at this place and so it became one of the sacred Devi-sthals of India. (refer to 'Yoga-agni' in 'Abodes of devi' for background story). Some accounts say Bomikeswar is the devi's consort. This 'devi-sthal' was very popular in the 10th century as it finds mention in the texts of that period. But later works don't refer to this place and it is presumed that this centre of worship had by then lost its importance and went into oblivion. Not many details of this place are available. In south India temples are built of granite which is available in plenty there and hence the structures last for centuries. In Bengal the temples are built of bricks due to non-availability of rocks and do not last long.
From archaeological evidences bangarh was a centre of culture. Some terracotta idols of the devi goddesses were found here. Hence the confirmation that Sakthi worship was practiced here and this place was a renowned Saiva Tantric centre. There is a reference to tantric Goddess 'Carcica' whose name is in the list of 'ashta-matrukas'. It is certain that Tantric goddess was held in high status in this region.
The 'Bodeswari' fort in Dinajpur district was built to protect the temple. Broken parts of earthen and remains of a temple have been found in the ruins of this fort.

 

 

Om Sakthi

 

 

 

 

Location:
Bangarh is in Dinajpur district in West Bengal.

Devi Phullara at Attahas

Yaa devi sarva boodeshu maathru roopena samsthitha |
Namasthasyei Namasthasyei Namasthasyei namo namaha ||

Phullara devi holy abode is at Attahas meaning 'laughter' in Birbhum district of West Bengal. The Bairav is called Bhairabh-vishesya or Visweswara or Viswanatha. According to the legend of Dakshayani the upper lip from her dismembered burnt body fell at this place and so became one of the sacred Devi-sthals of India. (refer to 'Yoga-agni' in 'Abodes of devi' for background story)
There is some confusion about the exact location of attahasa. There is another place with the same name and with the same devi's name. This is at Ketugram in Burdwan district. The present one mentioned is in Labhpur in Birbhum which can claim antiquity.
However based on a stone inscription found in a place near Bolpur (Birbhum) regarding the consecration of a golden 'kumbha' on the temple of Loga Madha at Attahas this could be taken as the original 'peet'. This peet was renowned in the 9th and 10th century but declined in fame with the passing of time.
As mentioned earlier in a different context temples built by one dynasty of rulers or aristocracy become ruins and go into oblivion with the decline of the patrons and with the passage of time particularly if the temples were not built with durable material.
The peet in Burdwan has some claim for importance as a 'chamundi' image and also a number of 'female' deities were found in this area. Birbhum and Burdhwan can boast of a number of Upa-peetas earning the status of Tantric centres since the mediacval period.
.

Om Sakthi

Location:
Attahas is in the Birbhum

 district of West Bengal.

Devi Vimalai of Uthkalam

Yaa devi sarva boodeshu sakthi roopena samsthitha |
Namasthasyei Namasthasyei Namasthasyei namo namaha ||

 Vimalai Devi Sakthi peet is in Puri in 'Uthkalam' (Orissa). The legend of Dakshayani says that the navel from her dismembered burnt body fell at this place and so it became one of the 51 sacred Devi-sthalas of India. (refer to 'Yoga-agni' in 'Abodes of devi' for background story) This is also called 'Bairavi Peetam'. The legend about King Daksha is well known. He performed an 'yagna' without inviting Lord Siva the first among Gods and his son.in.law. Lord Siva's consort Dakshayani was furious at this act of her father and immolated herself in 'yoga-agni'. When Siva goes on ' Rudhra-thandav' with the body of Gathyayani on his shoulders which threatens to destroy the universe Lord Vishnu dismembered the body of dakshayani into pieces to seperate 'Sakthi' from 'Sivam' and this act widely scattered parts of her body establishing holy 'Devi-sthals' wherever the bodily parts fell.
Lord Maha-vishnu however was remorse-stricken at having cut the body of devi Dakshayani into pieces. So he immolated himself in 'yoga-agni' and his body became a log which the river ganga carried down stream to Utkalam. The log got lodged in a crevice on the river bank.
Lors Vishnu appeared in the dream of a sage and told him to retrieve the log and install it in a temple as Jaganath for popular worship.
Accordingly the sage collected the log , shaped it into an idol though crude. and consecrated it as Lord Jagannath. Parvathi devi is here as Vimalai
To emphasise the one-ness of the 'Trinity' (Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudhra) Jaganath is here as an aspect of Siva. It should be recalled that in Pushkar Rudhra is there as Brahma. In Krishna avathar Devi Vimalai was born to Yasodha as a daughter and named 'Yoga-maya'.

 

 

Om Sakthi

 

 

Location
Puri is near Kurdha road rail station.

Mahishamardini at Bakreswar

 Yaa devi sarva boodeshu dhayaa roopena samsthitha |
Namasthasyei Namasthasyei Namasthasyei namo namaha ||

Mahishamardhini temple in Bakreswar nearly 15 miles from Siuri the district head-quarters of Birbhum in West Bengal is a holy 'Devi Sthala'. The devi's consort Siva is here as Bakranath. Here the Devi's Idol has ten arms. Some time ago a ten armed Mahisha mardani idol was found at the bottom of a tank in Bakreswarar. This is considered to be the original idol in this temple. Sati Parvati devi's mind or the centre part between the brows from her dismembered burnt body fell in this place. Hence this became one of the 51 sacred devi sthals. (refer to 'Yoga-agni' in 'Abodes of devi' for background story)
Around this place there are hundreds of images in a large number of temples in the Oriyan and Bengali styles of architecture. There are temples without images also. To the east and north runs Bakreswar river and to the south is 'papahara' river. The cremation ground near by is important as the river 'papahara' literally meaning ' wiping off sins '. A large number of dead are brought here for their last rites at the banks of this
river.
Legends speak about many Tantrics who have attained Moksha - liberation achieved through God realization in Bakreswar. One Agori-Baba is a well known Tantrik considered as a ' Sidha Purusha '. This place is also called Siddha-Peetam .
Once the sages Subrita and Lomas got an invitation to attend the wedding of Devi. When they reached the marriage hall Lomas was received first with honour. Subrita felt slighted and became so angry that his body contorted into 8 curves and he came to be known as Asta-vakra.
Disconsolate he wandered till he reached Kasi to worship Visweswara. There was a voice from the heaven which said that his prayers would not be answered till he offered prayers at Gupta-Kasi in Bengal. Astavakra travelled on an eastern direction and came to Bakreswar where he prayed to Siva for thousands of years. Pleased with his devotion Rudhra appeared before him and ordained that devotees worshipping Astabakra first and himself later would receive his endless blessings.
There are seven hot springs here. Legends abound about Bakt Prahalad, Lord Brahma, Devi Gauri as having bathed in the springs here to attain Gods favours and to wash away sins.
Legends apart the waters of Bakreswar are said to have curative properties for bronchitis, skin diseases, rheumatism etc. Bakreswar has some cold springs also close by.
An annual fair is held at Bakreswar in Feb/Mar starting the day before Sivarathri and goes on for a week. This is an occasion for joy with large number of devotees taking a dip in the 'papahara' river washing away their sins and then forage into the mela for attractive shopping.

 

 

Om Sakthi

 

 

Location
Bakreswar is in the district

 of Birbhum in West Bengal.
The temple is located 

15 miles from Siuri well connected by roads.
Taxis and Bullock carts are available.