Tara Tarini, Bimala, Biraja Shaktipeeths: A blessed journey across Odisha

When the Universal Mother, in her infinite compassion, wants us to reconnect with her energy, we start yearning to visit one of her great temples. All plans fall in place … and finally, when we reach there, the love that we feel in our hearts merges with her universal heart, and at that moment we are one with her. So whenever we visit a Shaktipeeth, we must understand that the call is her command, and our yearning is her great love.

Our ancient texts mention 4 Adi Shaktipeeths as Tara Tarini (Stana Khanda), in the Ganjam district of Odisha; Bimala (Pada Khanda) inside the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri; Kamakhya (Yoni Khanda) in Guwahati; and Dakshina Kalika (Mukha Khanda) in Kolkata. These 4 Adi Shaktipeeths are the most powerful temples (among the 51) where different parts of Maa Sati’s body are enshrined. Ever since I visited Maa Kamakhya Temple and Kalighat about a year ago, I have been yearning to visit Tara Tarini and Maa Bimala Shaktipeeth in Odisha and complete the 4 Adi Shaktipeeth Yatra, which, with Maa’s blessings, I was finally able to do in this month.

Tara Tarini Shaktipeeth

Tara Tarini Shaktipeeth is about 153 km from Bhubaneswar, and from Gopalpur it is less than an hour’s drive away. Located in Ganjam district, the nearest railhead is Brahmapur. This is the place where the breasts of Maa Sati fell and there are two stones representing the twin goddesses – Tara and Tarini. Since time immemorial, the temple has been renowned as an extremely powerful shaktipeeth where the Universal Mother is “attentive” to the prayers of her seekers.

In the days of yore, the temple was held in great reverence by seafarers from the eastern coast and beyond, who believed that the goddess gave them protection in their journeys. The shrine was also associated with the Vajrayana sect of Tantrik Buddhism.

Today, being one of the Adi Shaktipeeths, thousands of pilgrims throng here every day. The temple is situated on Kumari Hills and the best option to reach is the cable car, aptly named Maa Tara Tarini Udan Khatola. Devotees can also trek to the top of the hill climbing about a thousand steps or park their vehicles and board the special buses provided by the government to take them to the temple. I took the cable car and for a minimal fare reached the hill-top. The view around was picturesque with the river, Rushikulya, flowing nearby.

A large tree dominated the expansive courtyard, just outside the main temple structure, which is a truly beautiful sight with its intricate carvings and sculptures. In fact, the whole hill-top complex has been restored taking into consideration the convenience of the pilgrims.

I was happy to see that there were many more people outside the temple than inside, so there was less crowd to counter. The priests were kind enough to let us enter the sanctum sanctorum. Near the feet of the beautiful main idol are the two sacred stones representing the goddesses Tara and Tarini, and their masks. The divinity of the moment made me feel truly grateful and blessed.

The Tuesdays in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April) are considered especially auspicious, and the Chaitra Mela (Tara Tarini Jatra) is held here attracting huge crowds.

I was told by our driver, Ashok, that the forest and hills around were popular among village folks who come here in large groups on special occasions to celebrate, and while on our way out from the parking spot, we did see them cooking their feast in large cauldrons.

Bimala Shaktipeeth

Located within the Jagannath Temple complex is one of the foremost temples of Adi Shakti – Bimala Shaktipeeth. Though it is one of the smaller shrines within the complex, its significance is pre-eminent as an Adi Shaktipeeth, where the feet (pada) of Maa Sati are believed to have fallen.

It is essential to visit Bimala Shaktipeeth along with the Lakshmi temple in the Jagannath Temple complex. Totally in contrast to the jostling crowds eager to have a view of Shree Jagannath, there was hardly any crowd at Bimala Shaktipeeth when we visited. I felt at peace when I had her darshan, and my heart overflowed with gratitude that she had brought me to all her Adi Shaktipeeths within a span of 12 months.

There was no prayer on my lips, no thoughts in my mind, just a heart suffused with great love and gratitude. And, this I believe has been her greatest blessing.

Biraja Shaktipeeth

Located in Jajpur, a distance of less than 125 km from Bhubaneswar, Biraja Shaktipeeth can be a day trip from Odisha’s capital city. It is an important pilgrimage site that dates back to the 5th century. This is where the navel of Maa Sati fell, and she is worshipped here as goddess Biraja / Durga. It is a large temple complex with many shrines and is situated near the Vaitarini river.

Having been warned about not engaging any pandas in the temple, we went straight ahead inside. The approach to the sanctum sanctorum was dark, but there was minimal crowd. The beautiful dark face of the goddess with a glittering forehead was mesmerizing. I wanted to stay in her magnetic presence for a longer time but had to leave as more people started coming in.

The temple complex has many ancient shrines, like the Bagalamukhi Devi temple as a Dasamahavidya (the 10 tantrik forms of Shakti), Bhairava and Kali Temple, and 108 Shiva lingas in 2 small halls. The Shiva lingas were of varied shapes and sizes and made for a fascinating sight. It is in fact believed that the whole area of Jajpur has more than one crore Shiv lingas. Those interested in exploring the area must visit Trilochaneshwar Temple, Jagannath Temple, Siddheshwar Temple, among others.

Important info:

How to reach: All the above Shaktipeeths are well connected by road and train services.
Accommodation: There are varied accommodation choices in Bhubaneswar, Puri and Gopalpur. I was staying at Swosti Grand (Bhubaneswar), Pride Ananya Resort (Puri) and Swosti Palm Resort (Gopalpur).

(Sudipta is an energy healer and mystical storyteller. Her collection of short stories ‘Invoking Our Inner Goddess’,’ Mystical Tales Of Sacred Earth’, ‘The Blue God’s Love’ and ‘Enchanted Waters: The Magical Flow Of Life’ are available worldwide on Amazon Kindle.)