Journey to Divinity: Exploring the Spiritual Tapestry of Maa Tarini Pitha Ghatagaon-Odisha

Maa Tarini Pitha Ghatagaon is a famous pilgrimage centre and a Shakti Peetha in Odisha, India. It is dedicated to the mother goddess Maa Tarini, who is believed to be the consort of Lord Shiva. The temple is located on a hilltop surrounded by dense forests and wildlife, offering a scenic view to the visitors. Here is a brief article on the history, architecture, and significance of this temple.

History

According to legends, the deity of Maa Tarini was installed in the year 1480 by Sri Gobinda Bhanjadeo, the then-ruler of Keonjhar state. He had participated in the Kanchi War, where the ruler of Puri, Sri Purusottam Dev, wanted to bring Maa Tarini along with Lord Madanmohan and Raghunathjew to Puri. Sri Gobinda Bhanja asked to take the deity of Maa Tarini to Keonjhar state, and the king agreed with one condition – that he would not look back to see her on the way. Sri Gobinda Bhanja heard the sound of Maa Tarini’s horse hoofs until he reached the forest of Keonjhar, where the sound stopped. He turned back to see if Maa Tarini was still with him, and found her standing on a stone. She told him that she would stay there and bless her devotees. Thus, the temple of Maa Tarini was established at Ghatagaon

Architecture

The temple of Maa Tarini is a simple structure with a thatched roof and a wooden door. The idol of Maa Tarini is a crude stone with two eyes painted on it. She is adorned with a red cloth and a silver crown. She holds a bowl in one hand and a sword in the other. The temple has four chambers – the Jagamohan, the Natamandir, the Bhogamandap, and the Garbhagriha. The Garbhagriha is the sanctum sanctorum where the idol of Maa Tarini is placed. The temple also has a sacred pond called Tarini Puskarini, where devotees take a dip before entering the temple.

Significance

Maa Tarini is revered as the presiding deity of Keonjhar district and the protector of Odisha. She is also considered as the goddess of mercy and compassion, who fulfills the wishes of her devotees. She is especially worshipped by women for fertility, childbirth, and marital bliss. The temple receives thousands of offerings such as coconuts, diyas, and other items from devotees across the state. The transportation providers do not charge any money for this service, as they consider it as a blessing from Maa Tarini. The temple also celebrates various festivals throughout the year, such as Maha Bisuba Sankranti, Durga Puja, Kali Puja, and Makar Sankrant