The finite form of the Goddess was further refined by Man. These places then became popular as pilgrimage sites. All the four were thus called the Shaktipeeths (seat of the Goddesses that embodies energy).
In Maharashtra they were identified in Kolhapur, Tuljapur, Mahur and Vani.
Such sites were discovered all over India. The main places where such Mahamatruka (the great divine mother) were established came to be known as Mahamantrukasthan (abode of the great divine mother). The earliest form was of Pashan1 or Tandula2 (stone) and Varula (ant hill). In the process he first named that finite structure as Matruka (representation of energy in the form of a divine mother). He aspired to give a finite structure to the infinite energy. When Man pondered over his birth and the person responsible for it, he realized that mother is at the root of the genesis, and it is she who embodies the Shakti. In early days, this Shakti was witnessed in the form of five basic elements of Prithvi (earth), Aap (water), Tej (light), Vayu (wind), Akash (space).
