Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Taratarini Temple, Ganjam – History

Taratarini Temple, Ganjam – History
Tara Tarini Shrine is situated close to Sampa, ancient capital of Kalingan Empire. Tara Tarini was worshiped as the principal deity of the mighty Kalinga Empire. The shrine lost its relevance after the defeat of Kalingan Empire by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. The name Tara (Buddhism), an important deity of Mahayana Buddhist Pantheon, is suggestive of Buddhist influence. An image of Buddha in meditation, present inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple lends credence to the claim of this site as an ancient centre of the Buddhist Shakta cult.
According to the texts of Mahayana Buddhists, in the initial days, the Buddhists didn’t believe in the worship of Goddesses or in Pratimapuja (Idol Worship). After the fall of Kalingan Empire, Mahayana Buddhists accepted the worship of Goddess Tara. It is believed that the Buddhists have learned the Tara Puja concept from this shrine. The Buddha Tantrik texts, texts of Vajrajani sect and Hindu Tantrik texts also attest these facts. It is believed that the Buddhists worshiped Taratarini, the principal seat of Tantrik sect in Hinduism at that time.
Later, Tara was included in Buddhism as the Tantrik deity or spouse of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. The maritime history of Kalinga suggests the worship of Tara by the Sadhavas, merchants and seamen before launching their sea voyage from the great sea ports like Dantapura (Gopalpur), Pallur near Chilika Lake, Kalingapatna and river Rushikulya. All these major sea ports were very near the Tara Tarini hill shrine. It is known from the available sources that till 17th century, this place was out of the sight of the common man. The original structure was demolished in 2005 and the new temple replaced the old one.

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