The Tara Tarini Temple is a prominent Hindu temple in the Ganjam district of Odisha. It is dedicated to Tara and Tarini, twin goddesses and incarnations of the primordial goddess Adi Shakti, and is covered with gold and silver adornments. The temple is situated on the banks of the Rushikulya River, atop a hill known as Kumari Hills, offering scenic views of the surrounding area. It is located around 35 km distance from Berhampur and 25 km from Chhatrapur. The temple is covered by a hilly green forest. The Tara Tarini Temple is not only a spiritual hub but also offers a beautiful combination of religious significance and natural beauty, making it a popular site for both pilgrims and tourists. Maa Taratarini Temple is a famous temple in the Ganjam District.
There are twin seats of the goddesses on the top of the hill in the village of Govindapur. It is connected with 999 steps from the ground. Besides this, there is a memorable road approaching the shrines. Chaitra Parba, Mela and Yatra are the main festivals of this temple. A great festival is held here on the third Tuesday of every Chaitra month, during which a large number of devotees gather to worship Maa Taratarini. Maa Tara Tartini mandir is a famous Shakti and Tantra Peetha of Odisha. Since time immemorial, Maa Taratarini has been worshipped on the sacred mountain of Tarana, Kumari Hill and Ratnagiri. A ropeway has been constructed here for the convenience of the tourists which can easily reach the temple and costs around Rs 60 per person. The place is not only famous in the district but also the state as a great Shakti Pitha. Taratarini Temple is one of the best tourist places in Berhampur, Ganjam, Odisha.
Useful Information of Tara Tarini Temple
- Shakti Peetha: The Tara Tarini Temple is one of the four major Shakti Peethas in India, where the body parts of Sati (Goddess Parvati) are believed to have fallen, according to Hindu mythology. In the case of Tara Tarini.
- Historical and cultural importance: The temple has ancient origins, with references dating back centuries. It has been a centre for Tantric practices, and the deities are worshipped as symbols of strength, power, and protection. Tara and Tarini are particularly revered by people seeking divine blessings to overcome obstacles, achieve success, and protect themselves.
- The temple sees a large influx of devotees during the Chaitra Parva, or Navaratri festival (March-April), where special rituals and fairs are held to honour the goddesses.
- Architectural Style: The temple has a typical Odisha-style architecture with a pyramid-shaped structure. The climb to the temple involves a staircase of around 999 steps, though there is also a road leading up for easier access.
- Accessibility: The nearest major town is Berhampur, which is about 32 kilometres away. It is well connected by road, and the temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for devotees from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and other parts of India.
- Offerings: You can carry or purchase offerings (like flowers, coconuts, and incense) from vendors near the temple. A special ritual known as Manasika Puja can be performed for special prayers. Many devotees offer coconuts, which are considered auspicious at the temple.
- Photography: Photography is generally allowed outside the temple premises, but it is advisable to check for restrictions within the temple complex. The hilltop offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, making it a great spot for photography.
- Prepare for the Climb: The temple is situated atop a hill, and you can reach it by climbing about 999 steps. The steps are well maintained but can be tiring, especially in the heat.If you are not comfortable climbing, there is an alternative road route that allows vehicle access almost up to the temple.
Tara Tarini Temple Puja Facilities
- Hair Offering: Devotees come to Tara Tarini Temple to offer the first bunch of Hair to the newborns with the hope that the Goddess will protect the newborns from all evils. On normal days the temple barber conducts the tonsuring of the children. Ticket for hair offering is made available on payment of Rs. 10/- per head in the Trust Board Office of the Temple.
- During Chaitra Mela when large-scale Hair offerings are made, 750 barbers with licenses are engaged at the hilltop and downhill. On obtaining tickets, devotees can offer the hair of newborns at either the hilltop or downhill barber shed.
- Thread & Marriage Ceremony: Thread and Marriage Ceremonies are allowed at the downhill temple complex. Wide cemented floors surrounded by tree growths provide a beautiful place for sacred ceremonies. Facilities for accommodation and feast are also available.
- Vehicle Puja: Facilities for the Puja of Vehicles are provided both at the top hill and downhill temple complex. Sevayats of the temple conduct such Pujas. Vehicle owners can get such Puja done on prior payment of nominal charges to the Temple Trust Board for different types of vehicles.
- Homo: Devotees on a prior deposit of Rs. 25/- can organise Homa in the temple premises. Devotees can bring Purohita with them for the purpose. Five rooms are there hilltop for devotees for Puja & Homa in the Temple premises.
- Private Bhog: Devotees can have Bhoga from the temple beyond the fixed quantity of Bhoga made in the temple on prior payment of the cost of the Bhoga. This facility can be availed on contact at least two days from the date of the Bhoga.
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