The Tara Tarini Temple is a vaunted Hindu shrine within the Ganjam district of Odisha, India. It is dedicated to Twin goddesses Tara and Tarini, incarnations of Adi Shakti, the primordial goddess, and is adorned in gold and silver. The temple is situated on a hill called Kumari Hills, which provides breathtaking views of the countryside.
It is located at a distance of 35 km from Berhampur and 25 km from Chhatrapur on the banks of the Rushikulya River. It is surrounded by hilly green vegetation. The Tara Tarini Temple is not only a sacred shrine, but also a heady mixture of natural beauty and sanctity, luring pilgrims and travelers alike. Maa Taratarini Temple is a popular temple in Ganjam District.
The goddesses have twin seats on a hilltop in a village called Govindapur. This place has an approach of a remarkable 999 steps from bottom to top. Certainly, a memorable trail leads to the shrines now. Chaitra Parba, Mela, and Yatra are the main festivals of this temple. On the third Tuesday of every Chaitra month, a grand festival is celebrated, to which numberless devotees arrive to worship Maa Taratarini. Maa Tara Tartini mandir is a well-known Shakti and Tantra Peetha of Odisha.
From time immemorial, Maa Taratarini is worshipped on the sacred mountain of Tarana, Kumari Hill, and Ratnagiri. A ropeway has been constructed for tourists’ convenience to reach the temple area, which costs around Rs 60 per person. This temple with beautiful scenery is not only famous in the district but also revered as a Shakti Pitha statewide. Taratarini Temple is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Berhampur, Ganjam, Odisha.
Tara Tarini Temple Puja Facilities
- Hair Offering: Pilgrims arrive at Tara Tarini Temple to offer for the first time small clumps of hair from their babies; this is believed to secure divine protection from evil. On normal days, the temple barber is responsible for the toning of children. The ticket cost for the hair offering is 10 Rupees per head at the Trust Board Office of the Temple.
- 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: The Puja of Vehicles is allowed at the top hill and uphill temple complex. Such Pujas are performed by the sevayats of the temple. Vehicle owners can get such Puja done upon prior payment of nominal charges to the Temple Trust Board for different types of vehicles.
- Homo: Devotees can solely organize Homa in the temple premises on a prior deposit of Rs. 25/-; however, for this purpose, the devotees can also bring their Purohita with them. Up the hill, five rooms are allotted to the devotees for Puja & Homa in the temple premises.
- Private Bhog: Devotees can have Bhoga out of those prepared in the temple beyond a fixed quantity by making prior payment against the cost of the Bhoga. The facility is available by contacting at least two days before the scheduled date of the Bhoga.
- On the other hand, during the time of the Chaitra Mela when several aspirants of hair sacrifice appear, it is reported that 750 licensed barbers work at the top and down below quinces. With a ticket, devotees can offer the hair of newborns separately at either the top hill or downhill barber shed.
Useful Information of Tara Tarini Temple
- Shakti Peetha: The Tara Tarini Temple in India is one of the four principal Shakti Peethas, places where the parts of the body of Sati (the Goddess Parvati) are believed to have fallen, according to Hindu mythology. In the case of Tara Tarini.
- Historical and Cultural Value: The temple has ancient origins, and the earliest mention of it must date back centuries. It has a long history as a pilgrimage site to be revered as an authority of the Tantric tradition, the indicants of Terij-adhikara being strength, job powers, nutritive powers, and protective powers. Hence, Tara and Tarini are worshipped to convey special blessings to devotees for overcoming hurdles to success and safety.
- Navaratri: The temple sees an influx of devotees during the Chaitra Parva, or Navaratri festival (March-April), where special rituals and fairs are celebrated in honor of the goddesses. This is one of the two significant festivals of the temple.
- Architectural Style: The temple boasts a typical Odisha-style architecture complemented by a pyramid-shaped structure. A staircase of about 999 steps leads to the temple, but there is also an easier road leading up.
- Connectivity: The nearest large town is Berhampur, which is 32 km away and is well connected by roads. The temple is a very popular pilgrimage site for devotees from those regions along with Andhra Pradesh and further off in India.
- Offerings: Branch out the buy offerings like flowers, coconuts, and incense sticks in the surrounding markets around the temple territory. Also, a special ritual, the Manasika puja, to be performed for special prayers. Devotees usually bring their coconuts, as they are considered auspicious in that area.
- Photography:Â Photography is normally permitted outside the temple complex, but it’s worthwhile checking for restrictions concerning photography inside the temple area. From the hilltop, one can find some very lovely views of the surrounding countryside, providing ample opportunities for the snap of a lifetime.
- Get Ready for the Climb:Â The temple is situated atop the hill and requires a climb of around 999 steps. The steps are well-maintained but can be extremely tiresome during the heat.
- If you are hesitant about climbing, there is an alternative road route that allows vehicles to access almost up to the temple.
How to Reach, Destination Facilities, Transportation, Destination Attractions, Accessibility
Temple Darshan Open Timings
Tara Tarini temple opening time is Everyday Morning 6:30 am–12:30 pm and (Evening) 02 –5:30 pm, 6:30–8:30 pm
Best Time to visit
The best time to visit Tara Tarini is at all times of the Year and in Chaitra Purnima
Nearby Bus Stand from Tara Tarini Temple
The nearby Bus stop is Berhampur, which is located around 30 KM distance from Tara Tarini Temple
Nearby Railway Station
The Nearby Railway Station to Berhampur, which is located around 33 KM distance from Tara Tarini Temple
Nearest Airport
The nearby airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, which is located around 160 KM distance from Tara Tarini Mandir
