Maa Tara Tarini Shakti Peeth

About Goddess Tara Tarini - The Seated Shakti

The Twin Goddesses Tara and Tarini together are called the presiding deity (Ishta Devi) seated in Maa Tara Tarini Temple. The two self-manifested stones that represent the devi signify Maa Sati’s breasts, which fell from her lifeless body. That’s why the site is also called the Sthana Peetha, the most powerful Adi Shakti seat.

Maa Tara Tarini is often praised by the name “Bhayankar”. This is because the twin deity is known to remove bad habits and negative thoughts when a person is not able to accept change. Chanting “Tara Devyay Namah” to her gives you the strength to adapt to your new version.

Significance of Tara Tarini Shakti Peetha

The Tara Tarini Temple Berhampur is one of the oldest pilgrimage sites for devotees and holds immense importance in India. Let us have a look at its significance below.

• Tara Tarini Shakti Peeth Significance In Hinduism

Maa Tara Tarini Temple is a sacred Shakti Peetha, where the divine feminine energy is worshipped in its purest form. In Hinduism, it is believed that seeking blessings here removes obstacles, grants prosperity, and ensures protection from evil forces.

Devotees from across India visit it during the Chaitra Mela (March-April), a grand celebration of the Goddess. People also offer their newborn baby's first bunch of hair at the Taratarini temple (Mundan), believing the devi will bless their child’s health and future.

• Astrological Significance of Tara Tarini Shakti Peeth

Astrologically, Maa Tara Tarini Temple is known for neutralising planetary malefic effects, particularly those of Rahu and Ketu. Performing special pujas here is believed to bring success, stability, and spiritual upliftment. Many visit it to perform Navagraha dosha nivaran puja, ensuring peace in their personal and professional lives.

Stories Of Tara Tarini Shakti Peeth

The Tara Tarini Temple history, in relation to mythology, sings the glory of the divine feminine energy and tells us why its existence is so spiritual.

• The Origin of Maa Tara Tarini Temple

In the village of Kharida Vira Jagannathpur, Odisha, lived a Brahmin sage named Shri Basu Praharaj with his wife and had no child. One day, two mysterious sisters arrived at their home. The couple welcomed them and raised them as their own daughters. After some time, the sisters suddenly disappeared.

Deeply upset, Basu searched but could not find them. That night, he had a dream in which the sisters appeared, revealing themselves as the goddesses Tara and Tarini, manifestations of Adi Shakti. They instructed him to renovate the ancient Taratarini temple at the top of Tarini Parvat (Ratnagiri/Purnagiri) and reinstall their idols according to Vedic traditions.

• The Legend Of Tara Tarini Shakti Peeth Existence

The Taratarini Temple origins are deeply rooted in the legend of Sati and Lord Shiva. According to sacred texts like the Kalika Purana, Sati's lifeless body was dismembered by Lord Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra to bring back devastated Shiva to his senses.

Her breasts fell at this site, making it a respected Shakti Peetha, specifically known as the Sthana (breast) Peetha. Since then, it has been considered one of the original seats of Devi Sati, a form of supreme goddess Shakti.

The Pleasing Architecture Of Maa Tara Tarini Temple

The present-day Tara Tarini temple history with respect to architecture is as old as the 17th century and is built in the Rekha architectural style. Highly regarded during the Kalinga rule, devotees of that time considered Maa Tara Tarini as their guardian deity.

The temple stands at a height of 708 feet at the Tarini Parvat of the Kumari hills. From the foot of the hill's eastern side, 999 steps lead to the temple. This side of the hill is called Dahihandi.

Tara Tarini Shakti Peetha Temple Key Highlights

The MaaTara Tarini temple complex includes five temples with walls featuring mythological carvings made of sandstone and laterite. The key highlights of the temple include:

1. Garbhagriha: The area inside the main temple where the Shakti Peeth exists. It seats two stone murtis of goddesses Tara and Tarini, decorated with gold and silver ornaments and sculpted as human faces. Between them lie two brass heads signifying Chalanti Pratima, their living images.
2. Jagamohana: It is an assembly hall that supports the roof of the main temple with four pillars. Here, devotees gather to pray to the main shrine.
3. Antarala: The inner sanctum or entrance connecting the Garbhagriha to the temple’s outer areas.
4. Porch: Also called Mukhasal, it is the front entrance of Maa Tara Tarini temple.
5. Kunda: It is a sacred pond used for rituals and purification of sins by taking a dip.
6. Rosasala: It is the Kitchen or the area where the temple prasad is prepared.
7. Bhogamandapa: It is a storehouse that keeps offerings and items for rituals.
8. Balimandapa: It is a hall where devotees can make offerings.
9. Natyamandapa: It is a hall for dance and music, where artists and devotees sing and dance in the name of Tara Tarini Shakti Peeth.

Learn About Other Shaktipeeth