Adi Shakti Shrine – Maa Tara Tarini, Purushottampur, Ganjam
The sacred Tara Tarini Temple, dedicated to the twin goddesses Maa Tara and Maa Tarini, is situated atop a hill resembling a peak on the banks of the holy Rushikulya River near Purushottampur in Ganjam district. This revered temple is considered a significant religious seat and attracts thousands of devotees, pilgrims, and tourists throughout the year. It is also a popular picnic destination due to its serene natural surroundings.
The Odisha government has undertaken beautification and development initiatives, including enhanced transportation facilities, which have led to a steady rise in tourist footfall. A special spiritual significance is attached to the Tuesdays of the Hindu month of Chaitra (from the second week of March to the second week of April), during which large numbers of devotees visit the temple to participate in special rituals and offer prayers. This period is famously known as the Tara Tarini Mela, attracting lakhs of devotees who undertake vows and offer prayers.
Though the exact origins of this tradition are unclear, the temple also witnesses thousands of devotees on every Sankranti (the monthly transition of the sun as per the Hindu calendar), as well as during major festivals such as Dussehra and other annual religious events. The temple is one of the most prominent Shakti Peethas in Ganjam district and the state of Odisha.
The temple is nestled amidst lush green forest at the top of a hill and can be accessed by climbing 999 steps. However, modern facilities like a safe motorable road and a mechanized ropeway now offer easier access to the shrine. The temple’s peaceful and scenic environment provides visitors with a unique and soulful experience upon reaching the summit.
How to Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport – Bhubaneswar
By Train: Nearest railway station – Berhampur
By Road: 32 km from Berhampur by road
