History, Importance, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Taratarini Temple, Ancient Tantra Peetha, near Berhampur, Odisha
The Taratarini Temple, one of the ancient temple of Ma Devi Shakti, is located on Kumari Hills, on bank of the river Rushikulya, around 30 km from Berhampur city in Ganjam district, Odisha. Taratarini is one the 51 Shakti Peetha temple of Goddess Parvati, and it is believed that sthan of Devi Sati fallen down here thus it is worshipped as the Sthana Peeth or breast shrine and manifestations of Adi Shakti. The temple is one of the oldest pilgrimage centers of the mother goddess and is one of the major ancient Tantra Peetha and Shakti Peethas. As per Indian mythology, the body parts were fallen into different sacred place of Sati Devi when Shiva carried it and was wandering. Sati Devi’s breasts are believed to have fallen here in Tara Tarini. There are 51 Shakti Peethas and 26 Upa Peethas spread across the India.
The goddesses Tara and Tarini are represented by two ancient stone statues with gold and silver ornaments. In between them are two fully celebrated and beautiful brass heads as their Chalanti Pratima. Taratarini Temple boasts a magnificent artwork of Kalinga architecture and also ornamented with vivacious statues. Followers of Mahayana sect of Buddhism- who follow the same tantra rituals as the Hindus and the devotee of Ma Devi Shakti visit here throughout the year. Thus Taratarini temple is also popular as Tantrik Peeth as well. Together the twin goddesses Tara and Tarini represent Shakti and Ista Devi of Ganjam region.
The interesting facts about the temples is, normally temples were built by king but Taratarini temple was built by the Brahmin, named Basu Praharaj – great devotee of Ma Devi Shakti. Once Goddess Shakti appeared in his dream and blessed him with twin daughter. Basu cares both daughter with great faith in goddess, after a long time once both daughter were disappeared. Again Ma came in dream of Basu and ordered to build temple atop on Kumari also known as Purnagiri hills. This is also the place where in Mahabharata time, Lord Krishna and Arjun prayed to Bhadrkali for strength.
The Chaitra Yatra is the most important festival celebrated here. This festival comes during the month Chaitra of Hindu Calendar. Lakhs of devotees comes from every corner of India during this month to have the Darshan of Tara Tarini. Devotees come to offer the first bunch of hair of Newborn babies with the belief that goddesses Tara Tarini will protect the new-borns from all evils and ensure their well-being.
How to Reach Tara Tarini Temple, Near Berhampur, Odisha
The temple located at around 708 feet above sea level and can be reached by motorable road or ropeway or third is climbing nine hundred ninety-nine steps. Once you reach on top, temple offers the panoramic view of river Rushikulya, lush green paddy fields, forest and the Eastern Ghat mountain ranges. The Behrampur is very well connected with the major cities of the state. Taxi services are available from Behrampur to Tara Tarini. Regular bus service from Behrampur to Purushottampur, Polsara, Kavisuryanagar, Aska, Kodala etc are available via Tara Tarini junction. The nearest Railway Station is Behrampur Railway Station at a distance of 32kms. The nearest Airport is in Bhubaneshwar at a distance of 174kms.
