Uma Shakti Peeth

Overview

Uma Shakti Peetha located in Vrindavan is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas where the ‘Ringlets of Hair’ of Devi Sati have fallen. Here idols that worshipped are – Devi as Uma (also known as Goddess Parvati) and Lord Shiva as Bhootesh. Moreover, a divine power of the Universe “Katyayani shakti peetha” is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, where he grew up and saved the village from Kaliya Naga and lifted the Goverdhana hill on his little finger.

About The Temple

The Katyayani Devi temple, a legendary Siddha Peetha is worshipped as a supreme power bench and 8th form of Goddess Durga or Shakti by name “Uma” as referred by devotees from all over the country. The temple is very easy to locate in Vrindavan, as it is near new bus stand on Bhuteshwar road within Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple. Vrindavan also known as Vraj, is a town in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India, is one such sacred town situated on the banks of the holy river Yamuna. It is 150 Kms from Delhi and is approachable by rail or road. The town was named after a tulsi grove which existed here during the ancient times. Vrinda is the other name for the sacred Tulsi (Basil) plant. Vrindavan is a famous pilgrimage site where Lord Krishna is worshiped.

Vrindavan Shakti Peeth is located in one of the Holy city of Hindu culture, Mathura. Mathura is a cultural hub of Hinduism. The environment here is serene and charming. Although the main temple has gone through many renovations over the past few decades, the main part of the temple is still the ancient one. The temple is built of white marble and huge pillars support the temple. Pillars are made with black stone and are beautiful. Just adjacent to the steps that lead to the main temple hall, sculptures of two golden colored lions are placed as they are the carriers of Goddess Durga.

Temple Tank

Yamuna River

About The Deity

It is one of the Shakthi Peetha. In this place Devi Sati's ringlet of hair fell down and is worshiped as Uma.The Bhairava is Bhutesh.

Legend and stories

Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was well known in Mathura and a famous saint too. He was responsible for reviving the lost quintessence of this temple. One such history which is worth mentioning here is that, Lord Krishna was raised in the cow herding village of Gokul by his foster parents Nanda Maharaj and Yasoda Devi. The Bhagavata Purana describes Krishna’s early childhood spent in the Vrindavan forest; where Krishna and his brother Balarama, with their cowherd friends stole butter, engaged in childhood pranks and fought with demons. Krishna is also described as meeting and dancing with the local girls of Vrindavan village, especially Radharani, who were known as gopis. Lord Krishna was capable of amazing feats and saved the village from many perils such as the Naga Kaliya. Krishna lifted the Govardhana hill and taught Indra, the king of the devas and rain, a lesson to protect native people of Vrindavana.

According to the history, Daksha the father of Goddess Sati insulted Lord Shiva and Devi Sati. He did not invite them to Daksha Yaga. Goddess Sati did not get the permission from Lord Shiva and went to the Daksha Yaga. Her father insulted her. Mortified, Goddess Sati sacrificed herself in the Yaga's sacred fire. On hearing this, Lord Shiva got angry and he started dancing furiously and that would have destroyed the universe. To prevent this, Lord Vishnu cut the body with his Chakra. It was placed in 52 different parts in the world. That is known as 52 Shakti Peethas. It is said that the part of hair of Goddess Sati fell in Brij and the spot is known as Katyayani Peeth.

The Gopis of Vrindavan worshiped the Goddess Katyayani on the banks of the Yamuna at the Peeth Sthan to get her blessings for having Lord Krishna as their consort. Goddess Katyayani blessed them and they attained the supreme state of devotion and performed "Maharaas" (Krishna consciousness).

Festivals

• Holi- a five day festival in which people play with colors and this is being celebrated from the time of Lord Krishna.
• Basant Panchami is another festival that is celebrated by the people with utmost devotion and is dedicated to Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
• Krishna Janmastami is again an important festival and embarks the birth of Lord Krishna. During this day, people keep fast and celebrate the birth of lord Krishna in the Mid night.
• Katyayani Vrat is famous among women and they keep fast in lieu of getting husband similar Lord Krishna.
• Navaratri or Durga Puja is also major festival and is celebrated for Nine day to pray 9 forms of Goddess Durga.
• During Deepavali grand fair is organized in the Mathura city.

Nearby Places to Visit

1. Madan Mohan temple
2. Krishna Balram temple
3. Garud Govind temple
4. Rangaji temple
5. Jaipur temple
6. Shahji temple
7. Radha Damoder temple
8. Hanuman temple
9. Sri Vrindavan Chandra temple

Accessibility

Airport

Instead of Mathura you can a get flight to Kheria Airport, 46 Kms away on regular basis.

Railways

There are regular trains from other major cities of the country to Mathura.

Road

Mathura is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular buses.

Temple Address

Uma Shakti Peeth,
Durgapuram, Paanighat,
Vrindavan(Mathura),
Uttar Pradesh.