About Maa Tara Tarini Shakti Peeth
Nestled atop the lush Kumari Hills along the serene banks of the sacred Rushikulya River, the Maa Tara Tarini Shakti Peeth stands as one of the most prominent Tantric and Shakti shrines in Eastern India. The temple complex honors the twin sisters and manifestations of the Supreme Goddess, Maa Tara and Maa Tarini, who are deeply revered as the presiding deities of the Ganjam region.
Devotees ascend around 999 stone steps—or opt for the modern ropeway ride—to reach the hilltop shrine, which offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and winding river. The temple environment is soaked in spiritual energy, especially during the famous Chaitra Yatra (celebrated on Tuesdays in the Hindu month of Chaitra), which attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims seeking blessings for prosperity, health, and fulfillment of vows.
Rebuilt in recent years following traditional Kalingan architecture styles, the red stone temple complex features intricate carvings, polished stone halls, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it both a profound spiritual journey and a captivating heritage experience.
History
According to ancient Hindu scriptural tradition, Maa Tara Tarini is recognized as one of the four major original Shakti Peethas (Aadi Shakti Peethas) mentioned in mythological texts such as the Kalika Purana and Mahabharata. Sacred legends state that when Lord Shiva carried the charred body of Sati across the universe in his grief-stricken Tandava, the twin breasts of Sati fell at this very spot on the Kumari Hills.
Historically, the shrine has been a major hub for Tantric rituals and maritime traditions. Ancient mariners of Kalinga (modern Odisha) used to pray to Goddesses Tara and Tarini prior to undertaking perilous oceanic trade journeys to South East Asian kingdoms like Java, Sumatra, and Bali. Over the centuries, royal dynasties of Odisha patronized the temple. In recent years, the temple underwent major revitalization under traditional Kalinga architecture guidelines, transforming it into a magnificent stone monument while preserving the sacred stone idols of the ancient hill shrine.