Sri Tara Tarini Temple- Odisha

Address

Sri Tara Tarini Temple- Temple Road Dt, near Rushikulya River, Raipur, Purusottampur, Odisha 761018

Deity

Amman: Tara Tarini

Introduction

• Location: Kumari Hills, bank of the River Rushikulya, near Brahmapur city, Ganjam District, Odisha, India.
• Significance: Revered as the Breast Shrine (Sthana Peetha) and manifestations of Adi Shakti. It is one of the oldest pilgrimage centers and a major ancient Tantra Peetha and Shakti Peetha in India.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Context: Established around 2300 years ago, during the fall of the Kalingan Empire after the Kalinga War led by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. The temple is believed to have been the principal deity of the Kalinga Empire.
• Buddhist Influence: The region was an active Buddhist site, with historical rock edicts of Ashoka found nearby. The name “Tara” relates to an important deity in Mahayana Buddhism, and the temple houses a Buddha statue, indicating a blend of Buddhist and Hindu traditions.
• Tara Worship Evolution: Initially, the Buddhists did not practice idol worship. However, from the 1st century AD, they began worshipping the Mother Goddess Tara, influenced by the shrine.
• Folklore: A folk tale tells of two sisters, Tara and Tarini, who appeared to a devotee, Basu Praharaj, instructing him to renovate the temple, leading to its resurgence as a significant religious site.

Special Features

• Shakti Peetha: The temple is a revered center of the Shakta sect of Hinduism, believed to represent the body parts of Sati Devi, specifically her breasts, which are said to have fallen here.
• Deity Representation: The goddesses Tara and Tarini are depicted as ancient stone statues adorned with gold and silver ornaments. Chalanti Pratima (living images) are placed between them.
• Pilgrimage Importance: The shrine attracts countless devotees seeking peace, guidance, and spiritual energy.

Festivals

• Major Celebrations:
  • Chaitra Mela/Chaitra Parva/Chaitra Yatra
  • Dussehra
  • Navaratri
  • Diwali
  • Sankranti
  • All Tuesdays of the year

Century/Period/Age

2300 years old

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India

Nearest Bus Station

Tara Tarini

Nearest Railway Station

Brahmapur station

Nearest Airport

Bhubaneswar

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