Taratarini Temple, Ganjam – The Temple

Taratarini Temple, Ganjam – The Temple

The Temple is situated on top of Tara Tarini Parvat on the banks of Rushikulya River. Tara Tarini Parvat is also known as Kumari hills / Ratnagiri / Purnagiri. The Hill is about 708 feet high. There are 999 steps to reach the temple at hilltop on the front side and also a pucca road for vehicle on the backside of the hill to reach the Temple. The Temple is facing towards east. The Temple consists of Rekha Vimana, Pidha Jagamohana and frontal mandapa of impoverished Kalingan order.

All are square on plan and stands over a high platform. The temple is saptaratha on plan and Panchangabada in elevation. The Sanctum houses the goddesses Tara and Tarini. The goddesses Tara and Tarini are represented by two ancient stone idols with gold and silver ornaments. Both the deities are about 10 feet high. Two brass heads, known as their Chalanti Pratima, or festive Image, are placed between them. The view from the temple provides a panoramic view of the river Rushikulya, forests and neighboring villages.