About Tara Tarini Temple
Standing atop the scenic Kumari Hills on the serene banks of the Rushikulya River, the Tara Tarini Temple is one of India's most venerated Shakti Peethas. Located in the Ganjam district near Berhampur, this ancient pilgrimage shrine is dedicated to the twin goddesses, Maa Tara and Maa Tarini, who are worshipped as divine incarnations of Adi Shakti.
Devotees and travelers alike are captivated by the temple's magnificent hilltop setting, offering panoramic views of lush green countryside and winding river bends. To reach the hilltop shrine, visitors can either climb the 999 ancient stone steps, take a scenic drive along the winding ghat road, or enjoy a thrilling ride on the modern ropeway car.
The sanctum sanctorum houses two stone idols adorned with silver and gold crowns, decorated with colorful silk sarees and floral garlands. The temple is especially world-renowned for its Chaitra Yatra festival, held on every Tuesday of the Hindu month of Chaitra (March–April), drawing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who gather to offer prayers, tonsure their infants, and seek divine blessings.
History
According to sacred Puranic texts, Tara Tarini is designated as the Sthana Peetha (the breast shrine) among the traditional 51 Shakti Peethas. It is believed that when Lord Shiva carried the charred body of Goddess Sati in his cosmic dance of grief (Tandava), her breasts fell upon the top of the Kumari Hills, sanctifying this land with immense divine energy.
Historically, the shrine has deep roots in ancient maritime Kalinga culture and Buddhist Tantric traditions. Goddess Tara was revered as the supreme protector by sailor merchants (Sadhabas) who set sail from the ancient port of Palur on trading voyages to South East Asian kingdoms. Over centuries, local folklore intertwined with Shakti worship, portraying Tara and Tarini as two loving sisters who performed miracles for the local population before ascending into the heavens.
In recent times, the temple complex underwent a massive architectural transformation. Reconstructed in the traditional Kalinga style of stone architecture using red sandstone, the newly built temple complex showcases magnificent carvings, ornate pillars, and grand gateways reminiscent of ancient Odishan craftsmanship.