Maa Tara Tarini Temple - Raipur

Tara Tarini Temple is a major Hindu Shakti Peeth located in Ganjam district of Odisha state. The temple is situated on the top of Kumari Hill on the banks of the Rushikulya River, about 30 km from the city of Brahmapur. The place is famous for the worship of Goddess Tara and Tarini and is considered one of the four Adi Shakti Peethas of India. The history of Tara Tarini Temple is linked to ancient times. According to legend, a Brahmin Vasu Praharaj, after the mysterious disappearance of his two daughters Tara and Tarini, received darshan in the form of Goddess Tara and Tarini and was ordered to worship at this place. After this, he built this temple. The architecture of the temple is in Kalinga style and it is located at a height of 708 feet on the Kumari Hill. To reach the temple, one has to climb 999 steps, which is considered to be a symbol of a spiritual journey for the devotees. The main sanctum sanctorum houses two stone idols of Goddess Tara and Tarini, which are adorned with gold and silver ornaments. Between these statues are two brass figures, which are called 'chalanti pratima'. Apart from this, a small Buddha statue is also kept in the sanctum sanctorum. Tantric and Buddhist depictions can be seen on the walls of the temple, which depict the historical and cultural significance of this place. Regarding the main festivals of the temple, it is said that 3 main festivals are celebrated in the temple, the first being Chaitra Yatra, which is a fair held on every Tuesday of the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar. On this day special worship is done and devotees come for the first hair shaving of their children. Special 'khichdi bhog' is also distributed in the temple. The second is Navratri, in which special worship and rituals are held in the temple during Navratri. This time is considered extremely auspicious for the worship of the goddess. And finally Sankranti Mela, in which this fair is held on the first date of every Hindu month. This day has special significance for Tantra practitioners and special worship is held in the temple.