Tarapith Temple

Maa Tara Temple in Tarapith (celebrated across the Indian subcontinent as one of the sacred 51 Maha Shakti Peethas where the third eye or eyeball 'Tara' of Goddess Sati fell as Lord Shiva danced the cosmic Tandava, and the supreme Tantric Mahapitha of Bengal where the second Mahavidya Goddess Tara is worshipped in her fierce yet maternal form), situated in the historic temple town of Tarapith in West Bengal, is one of India's most spiritually formidable, mythologically sacred, and intensely frequented pilgrimage temples.

Rebuilt in 1818 by Jagannath Ray of Mallarpur in traditional Bengal Dochala and terracotta roofed Char chala architectural styles, this red brick sanctum rises above the sacred Dwaraka riverbank in Birbhum district, renowned for its Tantric Vamachara sadhana heritage, saintly miracles of Sadhak Bamakhepa, and ancient blessings bestowed upon Sage Vashistha.

It's the home of the sacred dual form idol of Goddess Tara (a three foot silver faced outer deity crowned with gold and red vermilion, sheltering an ancient hidden stone relief depicting Mother Tara suckling Lord Shiva as an infant to neutralize the deadly cosmic Halahala poison), an iconic Natmandir assembly pavilion where devotees chant 'Jai Tara' amidst clanging brass bells, daily ritualistic offerings of goat sacrifice and raw milk bhog, a sacred spring fed temple tank (Jivit Kunda) whose holy waters are believed to grant healing, the adjoining Mahasmashana cremation ground where perpetual funeral pyres and Tantric sadhus embody cosmic impermanence, and a deeply electrifying devotional atmosphere charged with unyielding faith.

It represents a rich Shakta Mahavidya heritage, Tantric Kaula sadhana, and Birbhum terracotta temple architecture sanctuary where 51 Shakti Peetha sanctity, Bamakhepa's supreme love, Dwaraka river snan rituals, and ancient Vashistha lore unite in Tarapith.

Located in the center of Tarapith temple town, it sits just 8 km from Rampurhat Junction Railway Station (RPH), 220 km from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata, and 120 km from Durgapur, easily accessible by auto rickshaws, battery totos, state transport buses, and private taxis.

The 51 Shakti Peethas & The Eyeball Relic of Sati

According to Shakta tradition, Sati's third eye or eyeball fell at Tarapith, making it a supreme Shakti Peetha where prayers for relief from fears and physical ailments are answered.

The name 'Tarapith' originates from 'Tara', meaning both eyeball and the supreme savior goddess who rescues souls from the ocean of worldly delusion.

Truth is, witnessing the morning Snan ritual when the Goddess is bathed with rosewater and dressed in red silk is deeply moving.

The Dual Murti & Mother Tara Suckling Shiva

Silver Outer Murti: Devotees revere the resplendent silver plated image of Tara wearing a garland of skulls, silver crowns, and red hibiscus flowers.

Inner Stone Relief: Beneath the silver sheath lies the primitive stone image depicting Mother Tara tenderly nursing infant Shiva, revealed only during the early morning puja.

Jivit Kunda & Adjoining Mahasmashan Grounds

Jivit Kunda Pond: Devotees sprinkle the sacred water of this ancient spring fed tank, believing in its miraculous curative powers.

Mahasmashana: Just steps behind the temple lies the great cremation ground where Sadhak Bamakhepa attained divine communion with Mother Tara.

After having darshan at Maa Tara Temple, visit Bamakhepa's Samadhi Mandir, explore the Mahasmashana grounds, or travel south to Shantiniketan and Kankalitala Shakti Peetha.