Tara Tarini Temple (Shakti Peeth)

Revered as one of the ancient Shakti Peethas, this temple is a significant pilgrimage centre for devotees of Goddess Shakti, also known locally as Maa Tara and Maa Tarini.

The temple complex also houses shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Maa Kali, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Hanuman, making it a spiritual destination for worshippers seeking blessings from multiple deities.

The temple’s architecture is a classic example of the Kalinga style, reflecting the region’s rich heritage.

Known by various names such as Kumari Hills Shrine, Purnagiri Pitha, Stana Peetha, and Tara Tarini Pitha, the temple’s origins are attributed to ancient Kalinga monarchs, with significant reconstruction in the 17th century by Basupraharaj.

Today, it enjoys state heritage status and is managed by a local trust. Pilgrims can visit the Tara Tarini Temple during its open hours: 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Early mornings, winter months (November to February), and festival seasons are considered the best times for darshan.

Visitors are expected to adhere to a traditional dress code: men should wear dhoti-kurta or formal/traditional attire, while women are encouraged to wear sarees, salwar kameez, or other modest ethnic wear. Darshan options include free entry for a nominal fee, special, VIP, and seeghra darshan.

Poojas such as General Entry, Special Puja/Archana, Mundan (hair offering), and Vehicle Puja are performed in Sanskrit and Odia. The temple is especially vibrant during festivals like Chaitra Parba (Chaitra Mela), Sankranti Mela, Dola Purnima, Navaratri, Dussehra, and Deepavali.

Traditional prasadam is distributed daily, with free mass feeding (Annadanam) on major festival days, particularly during Chaitra Mela Tuesdays.

Reaching Tara Tarini Temple is convenient: arrive at Berhampur (Brahmapur) Railway Station (32 km away) or Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (160 km away).

From Berhampur, taxis or local buses take you to Tara Tarini Junction, followed by an auto-rickshaw or jeep ride to the temple base. Pilgrims can ascend the hill via 999 steps, ropeway, or temple vehicles. Paid parking, wheelchair access, and restrooms are available at the base.

For accommodation, Berhampur and Gopalpur-on-Sea offer a range of options from budget to luxury hotels. Nearby attractions include Tampara Lake, Gopalpur Beach, Rushikulya River Mouth, Aryapalli Sea Beach, and Brahmapur City.

For more information, visit the official website or contact the temple directly. Photography is permitted in outer areas but strictly prohibited inside the sanctum.