# Manibandh Shaktipeeth

Manibandh Shaktipeeth also known as Manivedika Shaktipeeth or Rajarajeshwari Puruhuta Manivedic Shaktipeeth, is one of the 51 sacred Shaktipeeths in Hinduism. It is located in Pushkar, Rajasthan, near Ajmer, India. The temple is believed to mark the site where Goddess Sati's wrists (Manibandh) fell, as described in Hindu mythology. The temple is also known locally as Chamunda Mata Mandir and holds significant religious importance.

## Location and Structure

The Manibandh Shaktipeeth is situated at the base of Gayatri Mountain (Puruhuta Hill), approximately 11 km northwest of Ajmer and 5–7 km from the famous Brahma Temple in Pushkar. The temple is now accessible by road, though for centuries it remained hidden due to the remoteness of the hill. The site has gained greater visibility with recent infrastructure improvements, making it a growing pilgrimage destination.

## Religious Significance

According to Hindu mythology Shaktipeeths are sites where body parts of Goddess Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva, are believed to have fallen after her body was divided by Lord Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra. This act was performed to stop Lord Shiva's destructive Tandava, which he began out of grief after Sati immolated herself during a yagna (sacrifice) organised by her father, King Daksha. According to Puranic texts, Sati's wrists fell at Manibandh Shaktipeeth, giving the site its name. The temple is also associated with the Skanda Purana, which identifies the site as Rajarajeshwari Puruhuta Manivedic Shaktipeeth, where Bhairava Sarvanand is the guardian deity.

## Mythological Context

The formation of the Shaktipeeths is rooted in Hindu mythology, which narrates the story of Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva. After Sati's immolation, Shiva wandered across the universe with her body. To prevent the universe from being destroyed by his grief and anger, Lord Vishnu dismembered Sati's body, scattering her parts across the Indian subcontinent. Each site where a part of her body or her ornaments fell became a Shaktipeeth. At Manibandh Shaktipeeth, Sati's wrists are believed to have fallen. As a result, the site is closely connected to themes of action and spirituality, with worship centred around Goddess Gayatri (a form of Shakti) and Lord Shiva as Sarvanand Bhairava.

## Cultural and Religious Practices

The temple is a focal point of devotion for local communities and pilgrims alike. Daily prayers and rituals are performed, with heightened activity during significant Hindu festivals. Major celebrations include Navaratri and Durga Puja, attracting pilgrims from across the region. The temple is also linked to the famous Pushkar Mela, a cultural and spiritual fair held annually on the banks of Pushkar Lake during the month of Kartik (October–November).

## Historical and Contemporary Importance

For centuries, the Manibandh Shaktipeeth remained a relatively unknown pilgrimage site due to its secluded location. Local traditions hold that the temple was discovered after devotees' prayers drew the goddess down from the mountain. Despite its significance, the temple received fewer visitors until recent efforts improved road access and awareness. Today, the temple is seeing a steady increase in pilgrims, thanks to infrastructure development and growing word-of-mouth awareness. Local priests and devotees have been instrumental in preserving and developing the temple. Devotees visiting the site report a strong sense of peace and spiritual fulfilment.

## Festivals and Celebrations

The temple sees large gatherings of worshippers during the Sharadiya Navratri (September–October) and Chaitra Navratri (March–April). Rituals performed during these festivals involve special prayers, offerings, and community participation. In addition to these, the annual Pushkar Fair or Pushkar Mela is a major event in the area, featuring camel races, cultural exhibitions, and spiritual gatherings that draw visitors from across India and abroad.

## Accessibility

By Road: Public and private transport is available from Ajmer and Pushkar, with road access recently improved. By Train: The nearest railway station is Pushkar Station, connecting the temple to major cities. By Air: The closest airport is Jaipur International Airport, approximately 150 km from Pushkar.