Tarapith Temple
তারাপীঠ
A famous Tantric pilgrimage site about 50 kilometers north of Santiniketan, dedicated to the goddess Tara. A cremation ground and the meditation grounds of the saint Bamakhepa are nearby.
Tarapith lies on the Dwarka River near Rampurhat and is one of the best-known Hindu pilgrimage sites in West Bengal. It is also regarded as a Shakti Peetha, and legend says Sati's third eye fell here. The main temple enshrines the goddess Tara, and her statue is adorned daily with garlands and a silver crown. Behind the temple, the cremation ground is a gathering place for Tantric practitioners. In the 19th century the saint Bamakhepa meditated here. Crowds of devotees come every day, and waiting to enter the sanctum can take 1-2 hours, longer on weekends and festivals. The temple offers a paid fast-track entrance. A hired car from Santiniketan takes about 1.5 hours, or you can take a train to Rampurhat and transfer. Keep an eye on your belongings, and be wary of self-proclaimed priests who approach you.
Opening hours
About 5:00 AM–10:00 PM (hall closed at midday)
Nearby sights
- Kankalitala Temple
- Sonajhuri Haat
- Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary
- Uttarayan Complex & Rabindra Bhavana
- Visva-Bharati Ashram Area
- Kala Bhavana
- Cheena Bhavana
- Amar Kutir