Tara Tarini Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Adi Shakti on the Kumari hills at the bank of the River Rushikulya near Purushottampur in Ganjam district of Odisha.
The shrine is considered one of the most revered Shakti Peethas & Tantra Peethas and is a major pilgrimage centres of Shakta(Shaktism)sect of Hinduism. It is believed that the shrine is a Shakti Peetha.
Also Read:- ABOUT JAGANNATH TEMPLE AT PURI
The twin goddesses Tara and Tarini are worshipped here. This shakti peeth is also known as Kalyani Dham.
The temple is built using Rekha style of architecture, and Goddess Taratarini was the principle deity of the rulers of Kalinga kingdom.
This ancient temple was built in the 17th century, and you have to take 999 steps to reach the temple, which is atop Taratarini hill or Purnagiri hill. The holy river Rushikalyani, which is believed to be the elder sister of river Ganga, flows at the foothills of the temple.
Quick Facts
- Address: Temple Road Dt, near Rushikulya River, Raipur, Purusottampur, Odisha 761018
- District: Ganjam
- Architecture: Rekha style of architecture
- Deity: Tara and Tarini
- Festival: Navratri Mahotsav, Chaitra mela
- Entry Fee: Nil
- Temple Timings : 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 2PM – 5:30PM ,6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Time Required : 1 hour
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Photography: Not allowed inside
History of Tara Tarini Temple
Mata Sati’s breasts are believed to have fallen here in Tara Tarini. The Shakti of the shrine is addressed as Maa Tara Devi.
In Mahabharata, Lord Krishna and Warrior Arjun prayed to Bhadrkali for strength. The story around the temple and its origination goes back to as old as 250 BCE during the reign of Mauryan King Ashoka.
The Kalingas worshipped Adi Shakti being Hindu and after getting defeated in the war with Ashoka spread Budhhism in this part of the kingdom. The temple has two deities one of gold and one of silver, Devi Tara and Tarini respectively with brass heads.
Daily seva puja is being performed in the temple as per the following established programmes.
Pooja Timings of Tara Tarini Temple
Time Puja
5.05 A.M Majana
6.15 A.M Mangala Alati & Pahili Bhog
12.15 P.M Raja Bhog
12.35 P.M Pahada
2.15 P.M Reopening
5.15 P.M Evening Majana
6.15 P.M Sandhya Alati
9.45 P.M Bhog & Pahada
Festivals at Tara Tarini Temple
Chaitra Parba, also known as Chaitra mela or Chaitra Yatra, is the major festival celebrated here. It is held on each Tuesday in the month of Chaitra, which falls in April-May as per the English calendar.
How To Reach Tara Tarini Temple?
By Air
The nearest airport is situated at BHUBANESWAR which is about 175 KM from the temple. Once can take a private taxi to the temple.
By Rail
BERHAMPUR is the nearest railway station to the temple and is located at about 32 KM from the temple.
By Road
Multiple state run buses ply to the temple from various parts of the state.
Places To Visit Near The Temple
Gopalpur-on-Sea
Chilika (Rambha) -A brackishwater lagoon
Bhairabi Temple
Panchama – Siddhi Vinayak Temple
Potagada Fort
Taptapani- A Hot Water Spring
Humuri-Tampara- A Sweet Water lake
Mahuri Kalua – Sakti Pitha
Bala kumari Temple
Nearby Accommodations:-
- YATRI NIVAS near Simha Dwara managed by the Tara Tarini Trust.
- PANTHASALA(Hotel Nirupama) at the foot hill of Tara Tarini Temple having 3 bed rooms and one Dormitary managed by Orissa Tourism Department for booking contact Tourist Officer, Ganjam Berhampur . Phone No 0680-2210980.
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