Tara Tarini Temple Information

The Tara Tarini temple in Odisha, India is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to the goddess Tara Tarini, also known as the twin sisters. The temple holds great religious and spiritual significance in the region and is considered an important part of Hinduism.

The Tara Tarini temple is considered a sacred place as it is believed to be the abode of the goddess Tara Tarini. Devotees visit the temple with the hope that the deity will bless them with health, wealth, and prosperity and fulfill their desires. In Hinduism, the goddess Tara Tarini is considered a form of the divine mother and is worshiped for her power and protection.

The temple has a rich history that is believed to date back to ancient times. According to local legends, the temple was originally established in the 8th century by King Indradyumna, who discovered the goddess Tara Tarini on a lotus in the middle of a pond. Over the years, the temple has undergone various renovations and additions, with the current structure believed to have been built in the 17th century.

The Tara Tarini temple is known for its intricate carvings and stunning sculptures. The temple is built in the traditional Kalinga style of architecture, characterized by the use of red sandstone and elaborate carvings. However, unlike many other temples in the region, the Taratarini temple is built on a hill, providing a unique and stunning view of the surrounding landscape.

The Tara Tarini temple is located on the Kumari hills in Ganjam district, surrounded by natural beauty. The temple is situated in a picturesque area that provides a peaceful and serene environment for devotees to connect with the divine. The surrounding topography is characterized by hills and valleys, and the area is known for its abundant flora, including tropical trees and plants.

Historically, the Tara Tarini temple has been used for pilgrimage by people from across the region. Devotees visit the temple to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of the goddess Tara Tarini. The temple is particularly popular during the Navaratri festival, a nine-day celebration of the goddess Durga, of which Tara Tarini is considered to be an incarnation. The temple also attracts thousands of devotees during the Chaitra Parba and Ashokastami festivals each year.

The Tara Tarini temple is also known as the Maa Tarini temple because the goddess Tara Tarini, to whom the temple is dedicated, is often referred to as Maa Tarini or simply Tarini. The word "Maa" is a term of endearment and respect that is commonly used to refer to the divine mother in Hinduism, and it is often used to describe female deities who are revered as manifestations of the divine mother.

In the case of the Tara Tarini temple, the goddess Tara Tarini is considered a form of the divine mother and is worshipped for her power and protection. The name "Tarini" means "the one who delivers," and it is believed that the goddess is capable of delivering her devotees from their troubles and providing them with the blessings of health, wealth, and prosperity.

The use of the name "Maa Tarini" reflects the deep reverence and devotion that devotees have for the goddess Tara Tarini, who is considered to be an incarnation of the divine mother. By calling the temple the Maa Tarini temple, devotees are expressing their love and respect for the goddess and recognizing her as a source of strength, protection, and support.

Chronology

• Ancient times: The site of the Tara Tarini temple has been associated with various legends and myths. According to local legend, the king of Malwa, King Indradyumna, was the first to discover the goddess and the site where she resided.

• 8th century CE: The origins of the Taratarini temple can be traced back to this time period, although the exact date of its construction is not known.

• 11th century CE: The temple was built during this century by King Anangabhima III of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.

• 19th century CE: The temple underwent significant renovations during this time period under the patronage of the Gajapati kings of Puri.

• Various ancient scriptures and texts make reference to the site as a significant pilgrimage destination for Hindus. However, specific dates for these references are unknown.

• The Tara Tarini Temple has been associated with several local festivals and celebrations, such as the Chaitra Yatra, the Kumbha Mela, and the Durga Puja.

• 1999 CE: The temple was damaged during the Odisha Cyclone and was subsequently rebuilt with significant government funding.

Additional Links:

• Odisha Photo Gallery