Indian Temples: Mithila Shakti Peeth – Sita Kund, Sitamarhi, Bihar, India - Highlights
Mithila Shakti Peeth – Sita Kund, Sitamarhi, Bihar
Introduction
The Mithila Shakti Peeth, located in Sitamarhi district of Bihar, is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, sacred sites associated with Goddess Sati. It is believed to be the place where the left shoulder of Goddess Sati fell, and hence holds immense mythological and spiritual significance. The temple is closely linked to Mata Sita (Janaki), the consort of Lord Rama, as Mithila is regarded as her birthplace.
History in Detail
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According to Hindu mythology, when Goddess Sati immolated herself at her father Daksha’s yagna, Lord Shiva carried her charred body across the universe in grief.
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To relieve Shiva’s sorrow and restore cosmic order, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to cut Sati’s body into 51 parts. Each spot where a body part fell became a Shakti Peeth, and the Mithila Shakti Peeth is where her left shoulder is said to have fallen.
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Historically, the region of Mithila has been a seat of Vedic learning, spiritual traditions, and Goddess worship, making the temple a powerful Shakti centre even beyond the Puranic legends.
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Sitamarhi, where the temple is located, is also believed to be the birthplace of Sita, and Sita Kund, a sacred pond nearby, marks the exact site of her emergence from the Earth.
Religious Significance
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At Mithila Shakti Peeth, the presiding goddess is known as Uma or Mahadevi, a powerful form of Adi Shakti. The accompanying Bhairava is Mahodara.
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The temple is a major destination for Shakti worshippers, and is considered highly auspicious for married women, seekers of strength, and fertility blessings.
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Navaratri, Durga Puja, and Ram Navami are celebrated with grandeur, attracting thousands of pilgrims from across India and Nepal.
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The dual significance of Shakti Peeth and Sita’s birthplace makes the temple a confluence of Shaakta and Vaishnava traditions.
Temple Details (Architecture and Features)
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The temple features traditional North Indian temple architecture, with a shikhara (spire) and an intricately decorated sanctum.
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The main idol is of Devi Uma, seated in a powerful posture, often adorned in red or yellow sarees, symbolizing strength and auspiciousness.
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A separate shrine is dedicated to Bhairav Mahodara, the guardian deity.
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Sita Kund, a sacred water tank nearby, is often visited by devotees to purify themselves before entering the temple.
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The temple complex includes small shrines to Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Hanuman, and other forms of the Devi.
Timings
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Open Daily:
- Morning: 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
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Aarti Timings:
- Mangala Aarti: ~5:30 AM
- Sandhya Aarti: ~7:00 PM
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During Navaratri, the temple remains open till midnight with special rituals and cultural programs.
Connectivity
Location: Sitamarhi, Bihar – near Sita Kund, around 140 km north of Patna.
By Air:
- Nearest Airport: Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, Patna (~140 km)
- Taxi and bus services are available from the airport.
By Rail:
- Sitamarhi Junction Railway Station – ~3 km from the temple
- Well connected to Patna, Muzaffarpur, Delhi, and Kolkata
By Road:
- Regular bus services from Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Darbhanga
- Good road connectivity via NH-104 and NH-77
Nearby Attractions
- Janaki Sthan Mandir – Another temple marking Sita’s birthplace
- Punaura Dham – A spiritual site dedicated to Sage Punaura
- Sita Kund – Sacred pond believed to be the emergence site of Goddess Sita
- Haleshwar Sthan – Shiva temple linked to King Janaka
Legacy
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The Mithila Shakti Peeth stands as a symbol of divine feminine power and mythical motherhood, venerated by devotees for centuries.
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Its association with Sati’s sacrifice and Sita’s origin makes it a unique blend of two profound stories of Shakti and devotion.
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The temple has played a central role in sustaining the Mithila region’s cultural identity, and continues to attract pilgrims, researchers, and seekers of spiritual power.
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Today, the temple is a powerful living centre of worship, heritage, and cultural pride for Bihar and the greater Mithila region.
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