Odisha to develop Maa Tara Tarini temple as a tourist spot

Odisha government has planned to develop Tara Tarini temple, a shakti shrine in the Ganjam district, as a major religious tourist destination.

The decision was taken at a high level-meeting held recently where the state government unfolded plans to develop the spot near Purushottampur, officials said.

Tara Tarini Sthana Peeth is situated on the holy Taratarini hill (Purnagiri) at a distance of 30 km from Berhampur. The Twin Goddesses Tara and Tarini are worshiped as manifestations of Shakti. The Taratarini Hill Shrine is one of the oldest pilgrimage centers of Mother Goddess and is one amongst the four major ancient Shakti Peethas in India.

While Tara Tarini Development Board (TTDB) has renovated the old hill-top temple, several other peripheral development works including the approach roads, round the clock water supply, community toilets and a 'pantha nivas' were constructed by various departments of the government.

Situated on the banks of river Rushikulya, about 30 km from here, the place is visited by thousands of people every year, particularly on all Tuesdays of the Hindu month of Chaitra.