About Tara Tarini Temple
The Tara Tarini Temple crowns the Kumari hill on the bank of the Rushikulya river near Purushottampur in Ganjam district, southern Odisha, about 30 km from Berhampur. The twin goddesses Tara and Tarini are worshipped here as forms of Adi Shakti, and they are the guardian deities of many families in southern Odisha. The shrine is one of the most important Devi temples in the state and draws very large crowds, especially on the Tuesdays of the month of Chaitra.
The temple is counted among the Shakti Peethas. Tradition says that the breasts of Sati fell on this hill, though lists of the peethas differ on the details, and some texts name Tara Tarini as one of the four Adi (principal) Shakti Peethas, along with Kamakhya, Vimala at Puri and Dakshina Kalika. Local legends speak of a devout Brahmin who brought the goddesses to the hill, and of the sisters as protectors of sailors and traders of the old Kalinga coast. The area has a long history: the Ashokan rock edicts at Jaugada stand a short distance away on the same river.
The present temple is a modest stone shrine in the Odisha style, painted and decorated, set on the flat hilltop with fine views over the Rushikulya valley. The two goddesses are represented by stone images adorned with silver and gold ornaments and bright clothes. Pilgrims reach the top by a long flight of stone steps, by road, or by a ropeway. Offering a child's first hair (mundan) to the goddesses is a common vow here, and special areas are set aside for the ceremony.
Tara Tarini Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Tara Tarini Temple
By air
Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, is about 175 km away.
By train
Brahmapur (Berhampur) railway station is the nearest major station, about 30 km away.
By road
Regular buses and taxis run from Berhampur. A road and a ropeway lead up the hill, and there are also stone steps for those who wish to climb.
Festivals at Tara Tarini Temple
- Chaitra Parba (Tuesdays of Chaitra)Mar/Apr
- Sharadiya Navratri and Durga PujaSep/Oct
- Sankranti daysJan/Apr
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended. Leather items are best left behind.
- Entry
- Free darshan. The ropeway is ticketed separately.
- Avoid the Tuesdays of Chaitra if you prefer a quiet visit; they draw huge crowds.
- The climb by steps is long and steep; use the ropeway or road if you have elderly family members.
- Carry water and a cap in the warmer months, as the hilltop has little shade.
- Remove footwear at the designated stands before entering the shrine area.
Places to visit near Tara Tarini Temple
- JaugadaSite of Ashokan rock edicts on the Rushikulya river, about 8 km away
- Berhampur (Brahmapur)Silk-weaving city with the Thakurani temple, about 30 km away
- Gopalpur-on-SeaBeach town on the Bay of Bengal, about 45 km away
- Rushikulya river mouthCoastal nesting site of Olive Ridley turtles, about 30 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is Tara Tarini a Shakti Peetha?
Yes. Tradition says the breasts of Sati fell here, and some texts count Tara Tarini among the four Adi Shakti Peethas, although lists of the peethas differ.
How to reach Tara Tarini Temple?
The temple is about 30 km from Berhampur, the nearest major railway station. From the foot of the hill you can climb the steps, drive up, or take the ropeway.
When is the Tara Tarini Chaitra Parba?
It is held on the Tuesdays of the month of Chaitra, usually in March and April, and is the busiest time of the year at the temple.
Is there a ropeway at Tara Tarini?
Yes, a ropeway connects the foot of the hill with the temple, in addition to the road and the stone steps.
What is the aarti time at Tara Tarini Temple?
Morning puja: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Tara Tarini Temple timings?
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Tara Tarini Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended. Leather items are best left behind.
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