Who Are Tara Tarini
On the twin Kumari hills near Purushottampur in Ganjam district of Odisha, on the banks of the river Rushikulya, stands one of eastern India's most cherished shrines to the Divine Mother. The temple houses two stone images, worshipped together as Tara and Tarini, twin forms of the same Devi.
Devotees consider this site among the oldest Shakti Peethas of the eastern coast, and pilgrims travel here from across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states to seek the blessings of the twin goddesses. The hill setting, overlooking the river below, adds to the sanctity that devotees feel the moment they begin the climb.
The Legend Behind the Twin Peaks
As per tradition, Tara Tarini is counted among the Shakti Peethas, the sacred sites associated with the grieving journey of Lord Shiva carrying the body of Goddess Sati. Local belief holds that the Devi's stanau, or bosom, fell at this spot, making the twin hills sacred ground.
Over centuries, the site grew as a centre of Shakta worship, with the twin peaks themselves seen as the living forms of the Mother. Many devotees also connect this shrine to the region's old tantric traditions, though today it is approached, above all, with simple, heartfelt devotion by ordinary pilgrims and families.
Significance and What Devotees Pray For
Devotees visit Tara Tarini seeking courage, protection and the wellbeing of their families. Fisherfolk and farmers of the Rushikulya valley have long regarded the twin goddesses as guardian mothers watching over their homes and livelihoods.
As per tradition, the Devi here is believed to answer sincere prayers, and many devotees offer a simple vow before undertaking a journey or an important task, returning later to give thanks. The presence of two goddesses together is seen by devotees as a double blessing, of strength and compassion combined.
Darshan Guide: Timings and Festivals
The temple generally follows a pattern of morning and evening aarti, with darshan open through the day. Devotees are advised to check current timings locally, as they may shift during major festival periods.
A ropeway service helps elderly devotees and children reach the hilltop shrine comfortably, though many pilgrims still prefer the traditional climb as an act of devotion in itself.
- The Chaitra Mela, held in the Odia month of Chaitra, is the temple's grandest occasion, drawing enormous crowds of devotees
- Regular Tuesdays and Fridays, considered auspicious for Devi worship, see a steady stream of pilgrims
- Navratri is observed here with special fervour, as at most Shakti shrines of Odisha
How to Reach Tara Tarini
Tara Tarini temple lies near Purushottampur, close to the city of Berhampur (Brahmapur) in Ganjam district, Odisha. Berhampur railway station is well connected to major cities and serves as the most convenient base for pilgrims.
The nearest airport is at Bhubaneswar, from where taxis and buses connect onward to Berhampur and the temple. Local transport and shared vehicles are readily available from Berhampur to the base of the hill.
Mantra to Chant and a Devotee's Takeaway
Devotees at Tara Tarini often chant 'Om Tarayai Namah, Om Tarinyai Namah', meaning 'salutations to the Mother who ferries her devotees across every difficulty'.
The twin form of the goddess reminds devotees that the Divine Mother's compassion comes in double measure for those who climb toward her with sincere hearts. Whether one reaches the hilltop shrine in person or simply remembers her from afar, worship at Tara Tarini is an act of faith and love, not a transaction.
Common Questions From Devotees
Is Tara Tarini considered a Shakti Peeth?+
Yes, as per tradition devotees regard Tara Tarini as one of the Shakti Peethas, sites connected with the legend of Goddess Sati. It is especially revered along the eastern coast of India.
Why are there two goddesses at this temple?+
The temple stands on twin hills, and tradition holds that the goddess manifests here in two forms together, Tara and Tarini, worshipped as one united Devi with two names.
What is the best time to visit Tara Tarini temple?+
The temple can be visited year round, but the Chaitra Mela is considered the most auspicious and vibrant time, when devotees gather in large numbers from across the region.
About the author
Pandit Ravindra Sharma · Vedic Rituals & Bhakti, 22+ years
Pandit Ravindra is the Vandnaa editorial team's resident specialist on aarti, chalisa, and daily devotion. He has performed home and temple pujas across Varanasi and Delhi for over two decades and contributes the bhakti-focused articles on this site.
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