Tara Tarini Temple, Berhampur, Ganjam

Tara Tarini Temple is a prominent Hindu temple located in the Ganjam district of Odisha, situated about 35 km from Berhampur and 25 km from Chhatrapur. It is dedicated to Tara and Tarini, twin goddesses who are incarnations of the primordial goddess Adi Shakti, and the idols are adorned with gold and silver ornaments. The temple is perched atop the Kumari Hills, on the banks of the Rushikulya River, and is surrounded by lush green forests, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Tara Tarini Temple is not only a spiritual hub but also a picturesque destination, attracting both pilgrims and tourists with its unique combination of religious significance and natural beauty.

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. There is a memorable road approaching the shrines. Chaitra Parba, Mela, and Yatra are the main festivals of this temple. A great celebration 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 Tarini 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, who can easily reach the temple, and costs around Rs 60 per person. The place is not only famous in the district but also in the state as a great Shakti Pitha. Taratarini Temple is one of the best tourist attractions in Berhampur, Ganjam, Odisha.

Useful Temple Information

According to Hindu mythology, the Tara Tarini Temple is one of the four major Shakti Peethas in Odisha, where the body parts of Sati (Goddess Parvati) are believed to have fallen.
The temple has ancient origins, and it has been a centre for Tantric practices, and the deities are worshipped as symbols of strength, power, and protection.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The temple is situated atop a hill, and you can reach it by climbing about 999 steps. 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

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. A ticket for the hair offering is made available on payment of Rs. 10/- per head in the Trust Board Office of the Temple.
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 feasts are also available.
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.
Devotees with a prior deposit of Rs. 25/- can organize Homa in the temple premises. Devotees can bring Purohita with them for the purpose. Five rooms are there on the hilltop for devotees for Puja & Homa in the temple premises.