🕉️ Indrakshi (Nagapooshani) Shakti Peetha 🕉️
The Anklet Peetha — Where the Silambu of Sati Fell on the Island of Nainativu
📍 Nainativu Island, Jaffna District, Sri Lanka
📜 Explore This Sacred Guide
1. Introduction
On the serene island of Nainativu (also called Manipallavam) in the Jaffna Peninsula of northern Sri Lanka, stands the ancient Nagapooshani Amman Temple — revered as the Indrakshi Shakti Peetha. This powerful shrine is the only Shakti Peetha in Sri Lanka and is uniquely sacred as the site where the anklets (Silambu) of Sati fell to earth.
Indrakshi is the shrine where the anklets of Sati fell, making it the Anklet Peetha. The presiding Goddess is worshipped as Maa Indrakshi (also called Nagapooshani, Bhuvaneswari, or Nagambal), the Queen of the Universe and the Goddess who granted a thousand eyes to Lord Indra. Her consort, Lord Shiva, is worshipped here as Rakshaseshwar (also called Nayanair).
What makes this Peetha truly extraordinary is its deep connection to Lord Indra and the Ramayana. The temple is believed to have been consecrated by Lord Indra himself, and both Lord Rama and Ravana are said to have worshipped the Goddess here. The island is also sacred to Buddhists, with the Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya nearby, making Nainativu a powerful centre of interfaith harmony.
2. The Tale Behind the Peetha
The origin of the Shakti Peethas is rooted in the tragic yet profound story of Sati, the daughter of King Daksha and the first consort of Lord Shiva.
Against Shiva's wishes, Sati attended a grand Yagna (fire sacrifice) organised by her father, where Shiva was deliberately insulted and excluded. Unable to bear the humiliation of her beloved, Sati immolated herself in the sacrificial fire. Grief-stricken and enraged, Lord Shiva lifted her lifeless body and began the Tandava — the dance of cosmic destruction.
To save creation, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to dismember Sati's body. As her limbs and ornaments fell across the Indian subcontinent and beyond, each spot became a Shakti Peetha — a seat of the Goddess's eternal presence.
At Nainativu, it is believed that the anklets (Silambu) of Sati fell to earth. The Goddess here is worshipped as Maa Indrakshi, and her Bhairava is Rakshaseshwar. The Tamil epic Silappathikaram also mentions this sacred site, linking it to the story of Kannaki and Manimekalai.
3. Goddess & Her Specialty
Maa Indrakshi (Nagapooshani) is worshipped as the Goddess of protection, serpent power, and spiritual liberation. She is the embodiment of Shakti — the divine feminine power that destroys evil and grants boons. At Nainativu, she is revered as the Queen of the Universe (Bhuvaneswari) and the remover of Naga Dosha (serpent afflictions).
- Form: The Goddess is worshipped as Nagapooshani Amman, with a self-manifested (Swayambhu) black granite image. She is adorned with a five-headed serpent canopy, symbolizing her power over the Naga realm.
- Name Meaning: "Indrakshi" means "the one who gave Indra his eyes" or "Indra-eyed." "Nagapooshani" means "the Goddess adorned with serpents."
- Bhairava: The Bhairava of this Peetha is Rakshaseshwar (also called Nayanair), a form of Lord Shiva.
- Specialty: Fulfilment of wishes, relief from Naga Dosha (serpent curses), protection from evil, and spiritual empowerment. The temple is especially revered for its daily Annadhanam (mass feeding).
- Festivals: Mahotsavam (June–July, 16 days), Navaratri, Shivaratri, and Aadi Pooram.
"Indrakshi is the Queen of the Universe. Her anklets fell here, and her grace grants vision and liberation to sincere seekers."
4. The Shakti Peetha Legacy
Indrakshi is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and is uniquely revered as the Anklet Peetha of the Goddess. It is the only Shakti Peetha in Sri Lanka and is located at the southernmost point of the Peetha circuit.
- Nainativu (Sri Lanka): Silambu khanda — the anklets of Sati fell here. The shrine of Maa Indrakshi.
- Bimala (Puri, Odisha): The Feet Peetha, where the feet of Sati fell. (A separate Peetha, already covered.)
- Kamakhya (Assam): Yoni khanda — the womb of Sati fell here.
- Kalighat (West Bengal): Dakshina Pada — the right toe of Sati fell here.
The temple is mentioned in the Tamil epics Manimekalai and Silappathikaram, and in the Brahmanda Purana. The Silappathikaram describes the story of Kannaki, who is associated with this region. The temple is also a major centre of Naga worship, and it is believed that the Nagas and Garuda resolved their longstanding feud after worshipping the Goddess here.
5. Indra's Curse & the Name Indrakshi
The name Indrakshi is deeply connected to a powerful legend involving Lord Indra, the king of the gods.
According to the legend, Indra was attracted to Ahalya, the chaste wife of Sage Gautama (or Agastya). Indra impersonated the sage to satisfy his desires. When the sage discovered this, he cursed Indra, causing his entire body to be covered with a thousand female genital marks.
Humiliated and ashamed, Indra fled to the island of Nainativu (Manipallavam) and went into hiding. There, he consecrated an image of Goddess Bhuvaneswari and performed intense penance. Pleased with his devotion, the Goddess appeared before him and forgave him. She transformed the thousand marks on his body into a thousand eyes, and from that day, Indra became known as Indrakshi (the one with a thousand eyes). The Goddess herself took the name Indrakshi Amman.
This legend explains why the Goddess is worshipped as the granter of vision (both physical and spiritual) and why the temple is especially revered by those seeking relief from curses and afflictions.
6. Mahotsavam & Festivals
The Mahotsavam (Thiruvizha) is the grandest festival at Indrakshi Shakti Peetha, celebrated over 16 days in the Tamil month of Aani (June–July). It attracts over 100,000 pilgrims and is the most important event in the temple's calendar.
The festival begins with the flag hoisting ceremony and culminates in the water-cutting festival (Theerthotsavam). The Ther Thiruvizha (chariot festival) is the most spectacular event, when the Goddess is taken on a magnificent wooden chariot through the streets of Nainativu.
- Mahotsavam (June–July): 16 days of celebrations, including the golden chariot festival, the main chariot festival, and the float festival.
- Navaratri: Nine nights of special worship and devotion.
- Shivaratri: Night-long prayers and abhishekam.
- Aadi Pooram: Celebrated as the day Parvati attained puberty and became the mother of all devotees.
- Daily Poojas: Six-time pooja schedule every day.
During Mahotsavam, the air around Nainativu echoes with chants of "Jai Maa Nagapooshani," and the Goddess's protective presence is felt by every pilgrim.
7. Temple History
The Nagapooshani Amman Temple has a rich history spanning over a thousand years, marked by destruction, revival, and enduring faith.
- Ancient Origins: The temple's origins are lost in antiquity, with references in the Tamil epics Manimekalai and Silappathikaram.
- Early Temple: The original temple was founded by two traders, Manayakan and Mahasathavan, who witnessed a Naga serpent swimming towards the island with a flower.
- Portuguese Destruction (1620): The temple was demolished by the Portuguese in 1620, but the Ambal Vigrakam (idol) was saved and hidden in a tree trunk.
- Reconstruction (1720–1790): The present structure was built during this period.
- Revival (1882): A proper Agamic temple was erected in 1882 under the leadership of Sri La Sri Arumuga Navalar.
- Modern Era: The temple continues to be a living centre of Shakta worship, drawing devotees from across Sri Lanka and India. A new Raja Gopuram was built in 2015.
8. Architecture & Deity Form
The Nagapooshani Amman Temple reflects the classical Dravidian temple architectural style, with its towering gopurams and intricate carvings.
- Main Sanctum: The Goddess is worshipped as Nagapooshani Amman, with a self-manifested black granite image adorned with a five-headed serpent canopy.
- Architecture: The temple has four decorative gopurams, with the Raja Raja Gopuram rising to a height of 108 feet. The temple complex is built in the traditional Dravidian style and houses an estimated 10,000 sculptures.
- Sacred Tank: The temple has a sacred pond called Kailasa Rupa Pushkarani.
- Other Shrines: The complex includes shrines for Lord Vinayagar and Lord Muruga.
- Surroundings: The temple is located on Nainativu Island, surrounded by the Indian Ocean. The island is also home to the Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya, a major Buddhist temple.
9. Ancient References
The Indrakshi Peetha is mentioned across sacred texts and traditional listings, reflecting its enduring significance in Hindu tradition:
- Silappathikaram: The Tamil epic mentions the temple and its sacred significance.
- Manimekalai: The Tamil epic references the island and its Goddess.
- Brahmanda Purana: Mentions the sacred site.
- Shakti Peetha Compilations: List Nainativu as the Peetha where the anklets fell, with Indrakshi as the Devi and Rakshaseshwar as the Bhairava.
10. Travel & Tour Guide
Planning a pilgrimage to Indrakshi Shakti Peetha? Here is everything you need to know:
🚆 How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, about 400 km away. Jaffna Airport is closer but has limited flights.
- By Train: Jaffna Railway Station is the nearest major railhead. From Jaffna, take a bus to Kurikattuvan and then a ferry to Nainativu.
- By Road & Ferry: From Jaffna, take a bus to Kurikattuvan (about 30 km), then a 20-minute ferry to Nainativu Island.
🕒 Temple Timings (2026)
- Morning Darshan: 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening Darshan: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Pooja Timings: 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 5:00 PM
- Timings may vary on festivals. Check locally for current darshan hours.
🎟️ Darshan Options
- General Darshan: Free for all devotees. No entry fee.
- Note: Footwear must be removed before entering. The floor can be hot, so carrying socks is recommended.
👗 Dress Code & Tips
- Dress Modestly: Traditional or modest clothing is recommended. Men may be required to remove their shirts before entering.
- Footwear: Not allowed inside the temple. Leave them at the designated stands.
- Carry: Water bottles, light snacks, and a cloth bag for offerings.
- Photography: Check locally for current rules. Be respectful of the sacred space.
📅 Best Time to Visit
- June–July (Mahotsavam): The most grand and powerful time, with over 100,000 pilgrims.
- October to March: Pleasant weather, ideal for travel.
- Weekdays: Less crowded than weekends and festival days.
🏨 Where to Stay
- Jaffna offers a range of hotels and guesthouses for all budgets.
- The temple provides basic accommodation facilities for pilgrims.
- Book in advance during Mahotsavam, as accommodations fill up quickly.
📌 Special Offerings & Rituals
- Annadhanam: The temple provides free meals daily, a unique feature among Shakti Peethas.
- Naga Dosha Remedies: Devotees perform special rituals to relieve Naga Dosha (serpent afflictions).
- Red Flowers & Sindoor: Traditional offerings to Maa Indrakshi.
- Prasad: Blessed food is distributed to devotees.
11. FAQs
What is a Shakti Peetha?
A Shakti Peetha is a sacred site where a part of Goddess Sati's body or ornaments fell after Lord Vishnu dismembered her to calm Lord Shiva's Tandava. Each site is a powerful seat of the Divine Mother. There are traditionally 51 Shakti Peethas, though some texts mention 52 or 108.
Why is Indrakshi unique among Shakti Peethas?
Indrakshi is the only Shakti Peetha in Sri Lanka. It is the shrine where the anklets of Sati fell. The temple is unique for its association with Lord Indra's curse and his thousand eyes, and for its daily Annadhanam (mass feeding).
Who is Maa Indrakshi?
Maa Indrakshi (also called Nagapooshani, Bhuvaneswari, or Nagambal) is the presiding Goddess of the Peetha. She is revered for granting vision, protection, and relief from Naga Dosha. Her Bhairava is Rakshaseshwar.
What is the best time to visit Indrakshi Shakti Peetha?
June–July (Mahotsavam) is the most grand and powerful time, with over 100,000 pilgrims. October to March offers pleasant weather. Weekdays are less crowded.
How do I reach Indrakshi Shakti Peetha?
The nearest airport is Colombo (400 km). The nearest major railhead is Jaffna. From Jaffna, take a bus to Kurikattuvan (30 km), then a 20-minute ferry to Nainativu Island.
Is there an idol of Maa Indrakshi?
Yes. The Goddess is worshipped as Nagapooshani Amman, with a self-manifested black granite image adorned with a five-headed serpent canopy.
Who is the Bhairava of Indrakshi Peetha?
The Bhairava of this Peetha is Rakshaseshwar (also called Nayanair), a form of Lord Shiva. He is worshipped alongside Maa Indrakshi.
What is the legend of Indra's curse?
Indra was cursed by Sage Gautama to have a thousand female genital marks on his body after he impersonated the sage to seduce Ahalya. He fled to Nainativu and worshipped Goddess Bhuvaneswari, who transformed the marks into a thousand eyes. He became known as Indrakshi, and the Goddess took the name Indrakshi Amman.
What is the significance of the daily Annadhanam?
The Nagapooshani Amman Temple provides free meals (Annadhanam) to all visitors daily. This is a unique feature among Shakti Peethas and reflects the Goddess's role as the nourishing Mother.
Can non-Hindus visit the temple?
The temple is generally open to all visitors. However, it is best to check locally or with temple authorities for current rules regarding entry to the inner sanctum. Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
🌺 Jai Maa Nagapooshani 🌺
May the Divine Mother bless you with vision, protection, and relief from all afflictions. May her sacred shrine on Nainativu continue to grant grace and guide seekers toward liberation for generations to come.
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