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Andhra Pradesh Tara Tarini Temple
Location | Kumari Hill, Ganjam District |
Also known as | Maa Tara Tarini Temple |
Primary deity | Twin goddess Tara and Tarini |
Architectural styles | Kalinga Architecture / Hindu temple architecture |
Attraction | Location on the hill surrounded by Holy River |
The temple of Maa Tara Tarini is located on the top of a small hill which his surrounded by toddling holy river called Rushikulya. In this temple, twin goddess sisters are worshipped called Tara and Tarini. Thousands of devotees and pilgrims are attracted by this auspicious religious place. According to the Hindu calendar, thousands of pilgrims and devotees come to this temple on all the Sankranties and all Tuesdays lying in the month of Chaitra.
The temple of Tara Tarini is considered to be one of the most ancient Shakti Pithas of Odisha and the goddess Tara Tarini is worshipped as a primary deity in the entire Odisha. Here devotees are allowed to perform the marriage and thread ceremonies in the downhill complex of the temple. Some of the famous festivals celebrated in this temple with utmost enthusiasm are Chaitra Parba, Basantika Parba, Phalguna Purnima, Saptapuri Amabasya, Chitalagi Amabasya, Dipawali and also Saradiya Parba.
This is one of the oldest pilgrimage centers of India and is also one of the major ancient Shakti Peethas in India.
History
There are many different interesting stories and legends related to the formation of this beautiful temple. Rekha style temple has been used for the formation and designing of this temple. Now a new temple has been designed and lintels for the new temple have been used. Goddess Tara Tarini is the primary deity for the people of Odisha. There are no basic historical records available that show the presence of Tantrika practices at 1st Century. In addition the worship of Tara by the Buddhist Tantrikas the maritime history of Kalinga also recommends the worship of Tara by the Sadhavas, merchants and sea-men before launching their sea voyage. All the legends behind the formation of this beautiful temple are considered to be myths.
Architecture
In the Tara Tarini Temple, Kalinga architecture or Hindu temple architecture is used which makes it look more beautiful. This temple has four beautiful Shakti Peethas are placed: Tara Tarini known as Stana Khanda, Jagannath temple known as Puri, Bimala known as Pada Khanda and Kamakhya known as Yoni Khanda. The Temple of Tara Tarini is made up of unique and modern architecture having carvings engraved in it. This temple has a Rekha style in it which is similar to the Puri Jagannath Temple and the Lingaraj Temple situated in Bhubaneswar. Talking about the cost, this temple has been designed at around Rs. 2.50 crores and all the architectural norms have been kept in mind for the designing of this temple. Also the Lintels of this temple have been constructed using large black granite slabs.
At the entrance of the temple, all the pilgrims can see the arch similar to that of renowned Mukteswar temple. The hill shrine of this temple is also open for all the devotees and pilgrims visiting this beautiful temple.
How To Reach
By Air
This temple can be reached by air plane also as the nearest airport is located in Bhubaneswar which is only 174 km away from the airport and also Vishakhapatnam which is 240 km away from the shrine.
By Rail
Reaching this auspicious destination via train is also simple. The railway station is in the Berhampur city which is only 32 km away from the temple.
By Road
This temple can also be reached by road. Bus service runs in the city which helps in reaching the shrine.
Other Transportation Modes
A cable car is also installed with the help of which the devotees can easily reach the hill top.
Important Shrines
In this temple, the shrines of Tara and Tarini are worshipped. Apart from the shrine of Tara and Tarini also the devotees can find idol of Lord Shiva and Parvati.
Significance Of The Temple
The temple of Tara Tarini is visited by thousands of pilgrims and devotees each year. Mostly during the Sankranties and month of Chaitra thousands of devotees visit this temple. Various festivals are celebrated with enthusiasm and zest in this temple.
Timing And Other Important Information
The devotees are advised to visit in the festive season.
Accomodation
Diganta IB
This is an accommodation place which is managed by the Tara Tarini trust.
Yatri Niwas
This is located near to the Simha Dwara which is also managed by the Tara Tarini trust.
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