Tarapith Temple History: Sacred Journey to shaktipith

Tarapith temple history introduction

Tarapith temple is a famous Shakti Peeth located in Birbhum district of West Bengal.   Devotees keep coming here throughout the year. Tarapith temple has a very extensive and rich history. Maa Tara, the incarnation of Aadya Devi Shakti, resides here. Who is considered a major goddess in Hindu religion.

This place is recognized as a Jagrit Shakti Peeth and Tantra Peeth where the requests of worshipers and seekers are quickly heard. Maa Tara is considered the goddess of happiness, prosperity, health and knowledge.

Early Tarapith temple history

It is very important for all of us to know of the Tarapith Temple history. The history of Tarapith is linked to ancient times. One who reads the Tarapith temple history gets the reward of going there and worshiping.

It is believed that the eye of Mata Sati had fallen here, which makes it an important Shakti Peeth. Tara Devi is considered to be the form of Goddess Kali and she is worshiped as the goddess who fulfills the wishes of the devotees.

Mythology of Tarapith temple history

The worship of Tara Devi is described in various Puranas and religious texts. According to a famous legend, once during the churning of the ocean, Lord Vishnu distributed nectar to all the gods. At that time the gods prayed to Tara Devi and wished for their safety by pleasing her.

During the churning of the ocean, Mahadev drank poison due to which his entire neck turned blue. Devi Durga breastfed Mahadev in the form of Tara and the burning sensation in his throat subsided. It is also believed that near the Tarapith cremation ground, Vashishthamuni was sitting in long penance in worship of the Mother Goddess.

Satisfied with the penance, Goddess Durga appeared. Since he was not born from the mother’s womb, Vashishthamuni proposed to the goddess to appear in the form of a mother. On the day of Shukla Chaturdashi, Maa Tara appeared to Vashishthamuni. According to another legend, Saint Bamakhepa attained Siddhi under the Shvetshimul tree in Tarapith crematorium on Kaushiki Amavasya.

That day, Maa Tara appeared to Bamakhepa who was meditating. Mother Durga was incarnated to protect the deity from the atrocities of Mahishasur.To liberate the earth from Shumbha-Nishumbha, Goddess Mahamaya expressed her desire and Goddess Kaushiki was born.

On the new moon day of Bhadra month, Goddess Kaushiki killed Shumbh-Nishumbh. Since then this Amavasya came to be known as Kaushiki Amavasya. Tarapeeth is also known for the special puja and tantra rituals performed on Kaushiki Amavasya. Lakhs of devotees, saints and tantriks from all over the country come here on this day.

Modern period of Tarapith temple

Tarapith temple has developed as an important religious place. Every year lakhs of devotees come here for darshan. Saints like Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Bamakhepa have a deep connection with this temple, whose devotion and sadhana made it even more sacred.

Paramahans Ramakrishn Paramahans had the darshan of Maa Kali in Dakshineshwar. Similarly, Maa Tara had given darshan to Vamakhepa in the great crematorium of Tarapeeth. Vamakhepa used to talk to maa Tara. In Bengali, Khepa means mad. His madness was for his maa Tara. It is believed that Vamkhepa had visions of Maa Tara.

Maa Tara used to eat food with him. Like a mother, she used to make Vamakhepa sleep in her lap. Maa Tara did not even accept bhog from anyone other than Vamakhepa. After the death of Vamkhepa in the year 1922, he was given Samadhi under a Neem tree near the crematorium.

Architecture Tarapith temple

The architecture of Tarapith temple is extremely beautiful and unique. The temple structure is an excellent example of Bengali architecture. A grand idol of Tara Devi is situated in the main sanctum, which provides spiritual experience to the devotees.

Religious and ceremonies of Tarapith

Various religious festivals and ceremonies are organized throughout the year at the Tarapith temple. Especially during Durga Puja, Kali Puja and Kaushiki Amavasya the atmosphere here becomes extremely devotional.

On these occasions, there is a huge crowd of devotees and there is an atmosphere of devotion and enthusiasm all around. Tarapith is also considered a big center of Tantra Sadhana. The cremation ground of Tarapeeth is considered quite lively.

Which is situated on the banks of Brahmakshi river at a short distance from the temple. In the great crematorium, there is the place of worship of Vamakhepa and his disciple Tarakhepa. Due to being the place of worship of these two, Tarapith has been considered as Siddhapeeth.

Religious and cultural impact of the temple

The religious and cultural influence of Tarapith temple is widespread. It is an important religious place not only locally but also at the national level. Devotees coming here consider their lives blessed by receiving the blessings of Tara Devi.

Modern Development

There is no match to the glory and sanctity of Tarapith temple. This temple is not only a religious place but also a cultural heritage, which has remained the center of faith of devotees for centuries.

A visit to Tarapith provides a unique spiritual experience and gives new energy and inspiration to the devotees in life. In modern times, many facilities and services have been provided in the Tarapith temple complex.

There are excellent arrangements for accommodation, food and security for the devotees coming here. Various social and religious programs are also organized by the temple committee from time to time.

How to reach Tarapith temple

By Air:—

Kolkata International Airport is the nearest airport, at a distance of about 220 km from Tarapit Temple. From the airport you can take a taxi or prepaid cab service to reach Tarapith Temple. Or you can also reach Tarapith via train from Kolkata. Trains are available from Kolkata all the time to reach Tarapith.

By train:—

Rampur Hat Railway Station is the nearest railway station, at a distance of about 8 km from Tarapith Temple. From here you can reach the temple using taxi, auto-rickshaw or bus.
by the road: Tarapith is well connected by road to major cities of the country. You can use State Transport Corporation bus services or private bus services.

By the road:—

Tarapith is well connected by road to major cities of the country. You can use State Transport Corporation bus services or private bus services.