Astadasa Sakthi Peetams

Sakthi Peetams have equal prominence on par with Dwadasa Jyothirlingas.

Lankayam Sankari Devi Kamakshi kanchika pure  
Pradhyumne Srunkaladevi Chamunda krouncha pattane
Alampure Jogulamba Sri Shaile Bramarambika
Kolha pure Maha lakshmi Mahure Ekaveerika 
Ujjinyam Maha Kali Peethikayam Puruhutika
Odhyane Girija Devi Manikya Daksha Vatike
Hari kshetre Kamarupi Prayage Madhaveswari
Jwalayam Vaishnavi Devi Gaya Mangala Gourika
Varanasyam Visalakshi  Kashmire tu Saraswathi 

Astadasha Shakthi Peethani Yoginampi Durlabham Sayamkale Pathennithyam Sarva Shatru Vinasanam Sarva roga haram divyam Sarva Sampathkaram subham.

Brahma performed Yaga to please Sakthi and Siva. Sakthi separated from Shiva emerge in the form of Sati and helped Brahma in creation of universe. Brahma sought to give back Sati to Siva. Daksha, son of Brahma performed Yagna with an intention to get Sati as his daughter. Sati born to Daksha and in due course she wanted to marry Shiva. At that time Brahma saw Prudhvi with bad intention and Shiva cut the fifth head of Brahma with his trident. Daksha got angry and withdrawn the marriage of Sati with Siva. But Sati attracted with Shiva and married him. Daksha got hatred on Shiva. 

Daksha intended to perform Nireeswara Yaga and invited all the Gods except Siva and Sathi in Kailas. Shiva warned Sati not to participate in the yaga in the absence of invitation. Sati gone to Yaga with Nandi and other followers. Sathi started yoga which is not possible to the Yogis moving her five elements from their origin. Fire erupted from her grave status of body and she self immolated in the fire. 

There is discrepancy in the number of Sakthi Peethams as 108,51and 52 but the 18 Sakthi Peethams are familiar as Astadasa Sakthi Peethams. The Goddess Dakshayani accompany with her consort, Lord Bhairava (Shiva) a manifestation of Lord Shiva in all the Shakti Peethas.