Over 3 lakh devotees throng to Tara Tarini Shakti Peetha on Second Tuesday of Chaitra

More than three lakhs of devotees thronged to Tara Tarini Shakti Peetha on the second Tuesday of Chaitra near Berhampur city in Ganjam district of Odisha.

This is one of the major Shakti Peethas in India where the twin goddesses Tara and Tarini are worshipped as the Breast Shrine of Devi Sati and the manifestation of Adi Shakti. This famous Shakti/Tantra Peetha is located on the bank of pious river Rushikulya.

The goddesses Tara and Tarini are regarded as the presiding deity (Ista-Devi) in ever part of the state of Odisha and in many parts of India.

On the occasion of Second Tuesday lakhs of devotees had started gathering at the hill shrine from Monday afternoon itself. As per the established traditions the Mangala Arati started at 12.30 am in the sanctum of the temple and after the completion of Abakasha, Snana, Sringara, Chandana lagi and Panchamruta Bhoga of Devi Tara Tarini the morning Arati was completed in 3.20 am. Following it the Darshana started for everybody after 3.30 am in the morning.

Joint Secretary of Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India Shri Satyabrata Sahu, Commandant of Army Air Defence College, Golabandha, many other senior central and state government officials, officials of district administration, Secretary TTDB Shri Pramod Panda, Temple Executive Officer, office bearers of TTDB and Temple Management were also present on the occasion.

Mundan ceremony of more than 10,000 babies (usually performed during the first year of a child’s life) is done to get the blessings of the Adi Shakti.

Ganjam District administration and District police made elaborate arrangements for the visitors. As per the believe devotees climbed 999 holy steps to reach the hill temple. The rope-way which is being operated by TTDB and ushabreco also carried thousands of devotees to the hill temple. The TTDB also operated buses to carry devotees to the hill top.

Special arrangements have been made for the convenience of the visitors. Tents have been set up on the way to the hilltop so that visitors can take rest. Temporary health camps and drinking water points are also put up. The volunteers of the TTDB, NGOs and voluntary organizations and local residents actively helped the devotees who came from various parts of the country.