Nestled in the Neelum Valley along the Kishanganga River in ancient Kashmir, Sharada Peeth is the crowning 18th Ashta Dasa Shakti Peetham. Here, Devi Sati's right hand / sacred wisdom fell, establishing the premier seat of learning and Vedic arts in the subcontinent.
Sacred Peedam
Sharada Peedam
Devi Swaroopa
Goddess Saraswati / Sharada Devi
Associated Shiva
Lord Trishandhyeshwar
Fallen Body Part
Right Hand / Crown (Daksha Kara / Shiras)
Sacred Location
Sharda (Neelum Valley), Kashmir
Ashtadasha Shakti Peetha Stotram
"Kashmire tu Saraswati"
Sacred Topography & Temple Sanctuary
Goddess Saraswati / Sharada Devi
Spiritual Significance & Temple Architecture
Sharada Peeth historically housed the world's most renowned Vedic university and scriptorium, where the Sharada script was born. Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya ascended the famed Sarvajna Peetham (Throne of Omniscience) at this supreme seat.
The Sacred Legend (Sthala Purana)
According to Kashmiri Sthala Mahatmya, Goddess Saraswati consoled Mother Parvati on her journey northwards through Kashmir. Revered as Sarika and Sharada, the Divine Mother promised to abide in Kashmir eternally to dispel the darkness of ignorance and bestow supreme Jnana and eloquence upon all beings.