18 Shakti Peethas / Asta Dasa Shakti Peethas

Madhur Ganapathi Temple is also known as Madur Madanantheswara Siddhi Vinayaka temple. It is one of the famous temples in North Kerala which is 8 km?s away from Kasargod town. It is located in the bank of river Madhuvahini. In front of the temple, Madhuvahini River is flowing and all other sides are surrounded by the paddy fields and coconut trees. The locality of the temple has greenery picturesque which is very natural and makes enthusiasm about the place. The main presiding deity is Lord Shiva.

It is a holy shrine dedicated to Lord Vitthal and his consort Rakhumai. Lord Vithal is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple stands on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River. The main entrance of the temple faces towards the Chandrabhaga river. A tomb of sage Namadev is seen at the entrance. A shrine of Ganesh is built inside the temple which is followed by a small assembly hall where prayers are performed. After climbing a few steps, devotees can have Mukh darshan of Lord Vittala.

Somnath temple is one of the most important temples in the country and is considered Aadi or the first of the twelve 'Jyothirlingas'. The Sivalinga here is Swayambhu or Natural formation. Somnath temple was referred to in many ancient texts and is one of the richest temples of those times.

The Temple of Kasi Vishwanath is perhaps the most popular temple in the country and is renowned the world over. The temple is in the holy town of Benares or Varanasi on the banks of the sacred River Ganges. The temple forms part of the twelve "Jyothirlinga" Shrine framework of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Siva Linga here is said to be the first "Jyothirlinga".

The temple of Shri Sai Baba at Shirdi is the most popular among Baba temples in the country and quite rightly so. The temple contains the Samadhi of Baba and is visited by millions of devotees each year. Bhagwan Shri Sai Baba is believed to bestow happiness on his devotees and each year lakhs of devotees, especially from the south, pay a visit to Shirdi upon fulfillment of their desires. The most interesting aspect of this temple is that people of all faiths worship the Lord here. As a matter of fact Shri Sai Baba cured people of their sickness and granted them freedom from worries. The fact that the Lord lived here as recently as the last century only adds to the religious fervor.