Disputed / Multiple ClaimantsEditorial Framework #40 of 51

Sharkara (Karavira / Sukkur / Kolhapur)

शर्करा (करवीर / सक्कर / कोल्हापुर) · Sharkara (Sukkur / Rohri limestone hills) [Textual primary] (Sindh, Pakistan)

Editorial & Scholarly Protocol: AnantaMarg uses a 51-site Pithanirnaya-based framework for this catalogue. Other Shakta traditions preserve different enumerations and identifications.

Spiritual Significance

Enshrining the three eyes (Trinetra) of Sati. The identification divides between the ancient trans-Indus limestone heights of Sindh (Sharkara) and the illustrious Karavira Mahalakshmi Temple of Kolhapur.

Sacred Triad & Field-Level Provenance

Pithanirnaya Recension

Shakti (Devi)Primary

Mahishamardini

महिषमर्दिनी

Basis: Pithanirnaya, v. 40

Sources: pithanirnaya

Documented Variants:

Mahalakshmi (Ambadevi) (महालक्ष्मी (अम्बाबाई))

Karavira Mahatmya (Kolhapur tradition)

BhairavaPrimary

Krodhisha

क्रोधीश

Basis: Pithanirnaya, v. 40

Sources: pithanirnaya

Documented Variants:

Batuka Bhairava (बटुक भैरव)

Kolhapur shrine tradition

Relic / Body PartPrimary

Three Eyes (Trinetra)

त्रिनेत्र (तीनों नेत्र)

Basis: Pithanirnaya, v. 40

Sources: pithanirnaya

Documented Variants:

Eyes / Collyrium (नेत्र / अंजन)

Tantrachudamani recensions

Modern Location & Geographic Coordinates

27.7052° N, 68.8574° E

Identified Site

Sharkara (Sukkur / Rohri limestone hills) [Textual primary]

Limestone hills near Indus river, Sukkur

State/Province & Country

Sukkur, Sindh (Pakistan)

Access Guidance: Sukkur is in upper Sindh on the Indus River. In Maharashtra, Kolhapur is accessible via Pune-Bengaluru highway and Kolhapur railway station.

Geographic Uncertainty: Indologist D.C. Sircar identified 'Sharkarara' with modern Sukkur (ancient Sakkar/Rohri) in Sindh, while the alternate reading 'Karavira' leads millions of pilgrims to honor Shree Mahalakshmi Temple at Kolhapur, Maharashtra (16.6946°N, 74.2238°E).

⚠️

Alternate Identifications & Scholarly Discussion

Competing / Alternate Sites:

Shree Mahalakshmi Temple (Karavira Peetha) (श्री महालक्ष्मी अंबाबाई मंदिर (करवीर पीठ))Kolhapur city center, Maharashtra (India)

Traditional Basis: Celebrated in Padma Purana and Karavira Mahatmya as the premier Dakshina Kashi and Shakti seat of Western India.

Documentary Sources & Provenance Hierarchy

Tier 1 — Scriptural Texts (प्रामाणिक धार्मिक ग्रंथ)

Pithanirnaya (Mahapithanirupana) (Verse 40) [D.C. Sircar (1948)]
Karavira Mahatmya — Liturgical account of Kolhapur

Tier 2 & 3 — Institutional, Archaeological & Scholarly Sources

Kolhapur Paschim Maharashtra Devasthan Committee (official temple)
Archaeological Survey of India / Sindh Antiquities Department (archaeological)

← Previous Peetha#39. Hinglaj (Kottari / Nani Mandir)51 Shakti Peethas Index Next Peetha →#41. Sugandha (Sunanda / Shikarpur)