Sarvashail Shakti Peetha, Rajahmundry

Sarvashail Shakti Peetha is an ancient tantric temple situated on the banks of the River Godavari. It is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where the left cheek of Mata Sati fell. Here in this divine temple, the goddess is worshiped as the true embodiment of strength, courage, wisdom, knowledge, and power.

This 5000-year-old temple is located in the Rajahmundry district in the East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, Bharat.

This religious site is a prominent place of worship for followers of Shaktism and Shaivism. It is known by several names, including Rakini Devi Temple, Vishweshwari Temple, Viswamakuta Temple, and others.

It is located on the sacred banks of the River Godavari, the second-longest river in India, after the Ganga. Pushkaram is the most celebrated festival here, attracting millions of devotees from Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states to take a holy dip in the river. Devotees from outside India also visit the place to take a sacred bath, believing it helps cleanse their sins and purify their souls.

Devotees lovingly revere the goddess by various names, such as:

She is venerated as the universal mother, embodying the nurturing and protective force of the entire cosmos.  A compassionate mother always shows mercy to her children, welcoming anyone who comes seeking solace from this mundane world.

Lord Shiva, in his form as Bhairava, is worshipped here as Dandapani, meaning the one who holds a stick or staff.

According to the Devi Purana, Goddess Sati self-immolated herself after her father, Daksha, insulted her beloved husband, Lord Mahadeva. Depressed Shiva carried the dead body of Sati Devi, creating havoc in the universe. To save the universe from further destruction, Lord Vishnu severed her body using his Sudarshana Chakra. Different parts of the body fell at different locations, creating Shakti Peethas, and this is the place where the left cheek of Sati Devi fell.

Sarvashail Shakti Peetha is a prominent Shakti Peetha located in the city of Rajahmundry. This temple has been known since ancient times, and its name is mentioned in ancient scriptures such as the Peetha Nirnaya Tantra. However, there is no mention in any scripture of when the temple was constructed or who built it.

Built in the splendid South Indian style of architecture, the tall and majestic gopuram is the temple’s major highlight. Its elaborate carvings and colorful paintings showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of the artisans. The temple is adorned with numerous sculptures of gods and goddesses, as well as depictions of animals, birds, aquatic creatures, floral motifs, and various geometric patterns.

Navaratri: It is celebrated twice a year—once in March/April and again in September or October. Special pujas are performed to invoke the blessings of the goddess.

Pushkara Mela: It is a major festival celebrated once every 12 years and is conducted on the banks of the River Godavari when Guru enters Simha Rashi. Millions of pilgrims gather here to bathe in the sacred waters of the river Godavari. The sight of Pushkara mela is a mesmerizing event one must watch.

Shivaratri: This festival is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Devotees observe a full day fast with devotion and stay awake throughout the night.

Devotees can visit the Sarvashail Shakti Peetha during the following hours:

Timings: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM

To enjoy the beautiful darshan of Goddess Vishweshwari in Rajahmundry, you can visit the temple from October to March. This is the ideal time for planning your spiritual journey. Visiting the temple during festival seasons such as Navaratri and Shivaratri further enhances the spiritual experience.

Gautami Ghat: It is a peaceful riverside ghat, perfect for boat rides and enjoying a beautiful sunset.

Kotilingeshwar Temple: It is a famous Shiva temple located adjacent to the Sarvashaila Shakti Peetha in Rajahmundry. Although the word Koti means crore in Telugu, the number of lingas does not reach a crore.

By Air: The nearest airport to reach the temple is Rajahmundry Airport. This domestic airport, located 12 km away, connects Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Pondicherry, and many more cities. From here, autos, taxis, and buses are available.

By Railway: The nearest railway station is Rajahmundry railway station. It is located 2 km away from the temple. From the railway station, you can hire autos, taxis, and buses.

By Road: The city of Rajahmundry has a well-maintained road network. It is connected to major cities like Chennai, Vishakapatnam, Bangalore, Lucknow, and many other cities.