Tara Tarini Temple
ତାରାତାରିଣୀ ମନ୍ଦିର
An ancient goddess temple on a hilltop by the Rushikulya River, one of India’s most important ancient Shakti pilgrimage sites.
Tara Tarini Temple sits on the Tara Tarini hilltop beside the Rushikulya River. It is dedicated to the twin goddesses Tara and Tarini and is considered one of the four ancient Shakti pilgrimage sites in India (Adi Shakti Peethas). It is the most important pilgrimage destination in southern Odisha. You can climb about 999 steps to the top, or ride the cable car that opened in 2013 (fare about 50 rupees). From the summit, you can see the river winding its way to the sea, with wide open views. Each year during the Chaitra month (March to April), a grand fair is held on Tuesdays, and local families have a tradition of holding a child’s first head-shaving ceremony here. Photography is prohibited inside the temple, and you must remove your shoes before entering. It is about 30 km from Gopalpur and 45 minutes by car.
Opening hours
Approx. 06:00–21:00
Nearby sights
- Potagarh Fort
- Rambha Bay, Chilika Lake
- Berhampur Silk Market
- Rushikulya Olive Ridley Rookery
- Gopalpur Beach
- Gopalpur Lighthouse
- Kalijai Temple
- Sonapur Beach