TOURISTS BACK IN CYCLONE-HIT GANJAM

Tourism in the Phailin-hit Ganjam district has resumed with a gradual inflow of visitors to the famous tourist destinations like Gopalpur-on-Sea, Rambha-on-Chilka and the Tara Tarini Shakti Peeth. As the peak tourist season spans from October to March, all the 20 major hotels — including the State-owned Panthanivas — have been getting visitors soon after the authorities cleaned up Gopalpur, according to hoteliers.

Visitors from the USA, Canada, Italy, Korea, Britain, Germany and Belgium have been visiting the town after normalcy was restored after the Phailin battered the sea resort on October 12. The lighting system has been restored in the beach on a priority basis for the convenience of the tourists, said Gopalpur Notified Area Council Executive Officer R Mishra.

Tourists from West Bengal and some other places have come to Rambha. They had been lodged at Rambha and Barkul before visiting the Chilika lake. The restoration work is almost complete at Chilika. Boating has also resumed in the lake, Rambha Panthanivas Manager Rabi Das said. Another tourist spot, the Tampara lake, located near Chhatrapur, has suffered a serious setback as its boating club, jetty, decorative electric poles and other facilities were destroyed. It would take some more time to restore normalcy at the lake area, official sources said. Source: The Pioneer 

Phailin changes face of ‘green’ Maa Tara Tarini hill Shrine

Nature’s fury in the form of the Phailin cyclone has devastated everything at the famous Tara Tarini hill shrine except the main temple on the hill top.

The 965 feet high hill, which was proud of its lush green vegetation cover, has become totally naked with the brown rocky base showing up. Most of the large trees on this hill have got uprooted or massively damaged by the cyclonic storm. According to secretary of the Tara Tarini Development Board (TTDB) Pramod Panda, they included several decade old banyan and peepul trees. “Due to its lush green nature, this hill was being called Purnagiri or Kumari parvat. But the cyclone seems to have snatched away that identity from the hill,” he said. A cashew plantation of the hill shrine at Sholaghara near the hill has also been completely devastated.

According to the priests and authorities of the TTDB, this hill shrine had not faced such devastation during the two cyclones that hit Ganjam district in 1999.

Major attraction

A major attraction of this hill shrine was the rope way to the hill top. It is an irony that it was to be restarted recently after renovation. But the cyclone has caused much damage to the ropeway which would surely delay its inception.

The ropeway station at the foothills of the famous Tara Tarini
mangled with uprooted trees in the aftermath of Cyclone Phailin 

Although the towers and cables of the ropeway are in place, they have to be checked up to ascertain whether they are strong enough after the cyclone. The carriages of the ropeway have been damaged.

All buildings at the hill top and most buildings at the foot of the hill were damaged by the cyclone. No structure has remained at the hill top except the newly-renovated temple which was completed in 2010.

This temple had been built as per traditional Rekha style of Odia temple architecture. It again proved that Rekha style of temple architecture as per which famous Jagannath temple of Puri and Lingaraj temple of Bhubaneswar have been built can with stand major cyclones.

The stairway and the road to the hill top have been cleared up but drinking water supply and power connectivity to the hill top remains snapped.

For providing drinking water to devotees, water is being taken by tanker to the hill top.

Nature’s fury also had its impact on the flow of devotees to the hill shrine. Very few visitors are visiting the hill shrine and their number was not expected to rise even during the Kali Puja, the priests of the temple said.

Pre cyclone image

Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), southern division, Bikash Mohapatra, who also happens to be president of the TTDB, said all the developmental projects proposed for this hill shrine were also stalled due to the devastation caused by the cyclone.

The TTDB had planned to move around a ‘rath’ in Ganjam district to collect donations for the development of the hill shrine, which cannot be taken up now as the whole district is devastated by the cyclone and the rains and flood that followed.

“We are now planning to start online donation facility for the restoration and reconstruction works at the hill shrine so that devotees living outside could come over to help in rebuilding the hill shrine to its past glory.

Priority

“Our first priority now would be to regenerate the devastated vegetation of the hill shrine in consultation with the forest department,” said the RDC. The aim would be to plant those species of trees on the hill which would sustain cyclonic storms in future and would not get uprooted. But it is for sure for next few years the hill shrine would continue to have a barren look as a memory of wrath of nature which did not spare the hill which was a major centre of faith. Source: The Hindu

Navaratri begins at Tara Tarini Shakti Peeth

Navratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Maa Durga/ Shakti. The word Navaratri literally means nine nights. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshiped. Like in First Navratri – Shailputri, Second Navratri – Bhramcharini, Third Navratri – Chandraghanta, Fourth Navratri – Kushmanda, Fifth Navratri – Skandmata, Sixth Navratri – Kaatyayani, Seventh Navratri – Kaalratri, Eighth Navratri – Mahagauri and Ninth Navratri – Siddhiratri are worshipped. The tenth day is commonly celebrated as Vijayadashami or "Dussehra".

Vijayadashami or Durga Puja is a festival, which is celebrated in different ways in India. In major Shakti Peethas like Kamakshya, Daksinakali, Bimala, Vaishnodevi, Chamundeswari and particularly in Adi Shakti Peeth of Maa Tara Tarini the Durga Puja is observed for 16 days, starting from Krushna Paksha Ashtami to Shukla Paksha Navami of the Hindu Calendar, also known as Shodasa Dinatmaka Upachara. Navaratri is the last nine days of Shodasa Puja.

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SHODASA PUJA BEGINS AT TARA TARINI SHRINE

Wednesday, 02 October 2013 | PNS | BRAHMAPUR | in Bhubaneswar: The Sodasha Puja or Shodasa Dinatmaka Upachara of Maa Tara Tarini in the run-up to the Dussehra festival started from Mulastami on September 27 at the hill shrine near here.

The Sodasha Puja began with Chandi Path and Yajna, also known as Devi Utthapana.  With the chanting of religious hymns in the spiritual ambiance of the hill shrine and the ritualistic worship by the devotees, the festive atmosphere looked surcharged with an exhilarating blend of spirituality. Tara Tarini Development Board (TTDB) secretary, office bearers, temple authorities and thousands of devotees were present on the day…Link- http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhubaneswar/shodasa-puja-begins-at-tara-tarini-shrine.html

Odisha: Shodasa puja begins at Tara Tarini

Report by Odisha Diary bureau, Berhampur: The Sodasha Puja or Shodasa Dinatmaka Upachara of Maa Tara Tarini in the run up to the Dussehra festival started from Mulastami on 27 September at the hill shrine near Berhampur city in Odisha. The Sodasha Puja began with Chandi Path and Yagna, also known as DEVI- UTTHAPANA……Link http://www.orissadiary.com/ShowDistrictNews.asp?id=44500

SHODASA PUJA BEGINS AT TARA TARINI SHRINE

Ganjam: The Sodasha Puja or Shodasa Dinatmaka Upachara of Maa Tara Tarini in the run-up to the Dussehra festival started from Mulastami on September 27 at the hill shrine near here.

The Sodasha Puja began with Chandi Path and Yajna, also known as Devi Utthapana.  With the chanting of religious hymns in the spiritual ambiance of the hill shrine and the ritualistic worship by the devotees, the festive atmosphere looked surcharged with an exhilarating blend of spirituality-Like -http://www.odishabarta.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14399:-shodasa-puja-begins-at-tara-tarini&catid=35:top-stories

Shodasa Puja begins at Maa Tara Tarini Adi Shakti Peeth

The Sodasha Puja or Shodasa dinatmaka Upachara of Maa Tara Tarini in the run up to the Dussehra festival started from Mulastami on 27 September at the hill shrine near Berhampur city in Odisha.

FACEBOOK.COM/TARATARINIHILLSHRINE 

The Sodasha Puja began with Chandi Path and Yagna, also known as DEVI- UTTHAPANA. With the chanting of religious hymns in the spiritual ambiance of the Hill Shrine and the ritualistic worship by the devotees surcharged the festiv...See More Like - https://www.facebook.com/Taratarinihillshrine

Shodasa puja begins at Tara Tarini

The Sodasha Puja or Shodasa dinatmaka Upachara of Maa Tara Tarini in the run up to the Dussehra festival started from Mulastami on 27 September at the hill shrine near Berhampur city in Odisha. The Sodasha Puja began with Chandi Path and Yagna, also known as DEVI- UTTHAPANA.  With the chanting of religious hymns in the spiritual ambiance of the Hill Shrine and the ritualistic worship by the devotees surcharged the festive atmosphere with an exhilarating blend of spirituality. The Secretary TTDB, other officials of TTDB, temple authorities and thousands of devotees were present on that day at the hill top shrine.

With the commencement of the puja after 3.00 pm on Mulastami and amidst chanting of hymns the Sevakas of Maa Tara Tarini temple brought 108 pots of water from the holy River Rushikulya flowing at the foot hill of this ancient Shrine. After the rituals of Snana, Majana, Maha Arati and commencement of Yagna in the established tradition the goddess gave darshan to her devotees in the Rajarajeswari Besha and the entire process continued till 7.30 pm. As per the information from the Shrine the Chandi Patha and Yagna will continue till last day of Vijayadashami / Dussehra.

Durga Puja is a festival, which is celebrated in different ways in India. In major Shakti Peethas like Kamakshya, Daksinakali, Bimala, Vaishnodevi, Chamundeswari and particularly in Adi Shakti Peeth of Maa Tara Tarini the Durga Puja is observed for 16 days, starting from Krushna Paksha Ashtami to Shukla Paksha Navami of the Hindu Calendar, also known as Shodasa Dinatmaka Upachara. The Goddess Durga is also worshiped by devotees in different Pendals for a period of either nine days or less across the states of eastern India.

Out of the 16 days the Navratri Puja at the Tara Tarini shrine will start from October 05 and will culminate till october13. The Sodasha Puja and particularly Navratri are very important and major festival in the religious calendar of the Shrine. The word Navaratri literally means nine nights. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshiped i.e., on theFirst day of Navratri – Shailputri, Second day of Navratri – Bhramcharini, Third Navratri – Chandraghanta, Fourth Navratri – Kushmanda, Fifth Navratri – Skandmata, Sixth Navratri – Kaatyayani, Seventh Navratri – Kaalratri, Eighth Navratri – Mahagauri/Mahakali and Ninth Navratri – Siddhiratri are worshipped. The tenth day is known as Vijayadashami and the Sharad Sodasha Puja culminates in Durga Puja or "Dussehra".  During this entire 16 days period the Sanctum of Maa Tara Tarini Shakti Peeth remains open round the clock for Darshan of the devotees.

Odisha Tourism bagged 'Best Pilgrimage Tourism Destination Award' 2013

Major religious destinations of the State Puri, Konark, Bhubaneswar, Maa Tara Tarini near Berhampur in Ganjam, Maa Tarini Temple in Keonjhar, Sabara Shrrekhetra in Koraput.

Odisha Tourism has bagged ‘Best Pilgrimage Tourism Destination Award’ 2013. Acclaimed tourism magazine 'Today's Traveller' conferred this award to Odisha Tourism in a glittering ceremony at The Taj Hotel in New Delhi on Aug 30, 2013. 

Odisha Tourism, Director, Manoranjan Patnaik has received the award on behalf of Odisha Tourism from  Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Oscar Fernandes. After receiving the award Odisha Tourism, Director, Manoranjan Patnaik said to media that Odisha received this prestigious award following its initiatives to promote tourism at various religious places and preserving culture and history and raising the quality of tourism services and preservation of the state’s historical, cultural and religious centers includes the holy pilgrimage cities like Puri, Konark, Bhubaneswar, as well as the other major destinations like Maa Tara Tarini in Berhampur, Ganjam, Maa Tarini Temple in Keonjhar, Sabara Shrrekhetra in Koraput etc.

It may be noted that the award conferred on the principles on fair tourism, ethical tourism and safety standards and historic preservation of cultural sites. The Today’s Traveller Awards were instituted in 2007 as an annual affair to recognize the outstanding efforts of the companies in the travel, tourism, and hospitality and aviation industry. Each year the awards felicitate certain corporate companies for their achievements as well.  Source: Odisha Diary 

Old hand art of Adi Shakti Maa Tara Tarini

Tara Tarini development plans reviewed

The Sambad

Were Ganjem in Goa and Ganjam in Odisha linked in ancient times?

Was the Devi of Ganjem in Goa inspired by Tara-Tarini of Ganjam, Odisha?

A professor in Goa University's history department, Pratima Kamat has posed this question after her ethnoarchaeological research into the 'Boat Deities' of the Mhadei River Valley of the Satari and Sanguem talukas of Goa (Tarini and Tar-Vir: The Unique Boat Deities of Goa, 2008) revealed what she terms as exciting new linkages between Goa and Odisha.

Kamat points out that scholars have written about Goa's cultural links with Bengal, especially about the migration of the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins to Goa, but not much about the maritime traditions and heritage with the state's links to Odisha. "Certain cultural similarities are visible in the ethnographical heritage of the two maritime societies, Goan and Odia, located on opposite coasts of the Indian peninsula etched in the early medieval times that are worthy of more intensive research," Kamat states in her study.

Ganjem was a last port of call along the River Mandovi for centuries, but its past is fading with time.

"Unique votive as well as abandoned sculptures of the Devi-in-a-boat are located in the Satari and Sanguem talukas of Goa. These may be compared with a similar Devi-in-a-boat found in some parts of coastal Odisha," says Kamat.

In addition to iconographical evidence, she points to ethnographical comparisons between the worship of Tara-Tarini/Tara in places like Ganjam, Ghatgaon and Ratnagiri in Odisha, and the votive traditions associated with the Devi-in-a-boat as 'Tarini' in the Satari and Sanguem talukas of Goa.

Kamat draws similarities between the boat festival of Sanquelim, another riverine port like Ganjem, with the Boita Bandana and Bali Yatra of Cuttack, Odisha.

The Goan river, Mhadei and its tributaries are hosts to the Devi-in-a-boat and shaped the region's cultural history as much as River Mahanadi influenced Odisha.

Both states also witnessed the influence of Buddhism and Jainism; have a votive tradition of supplicating the Saptamatrika; enjoy a Shaktipitha status; possess similar maritime traditions, Kamat states in her study.

Referring to the culinary aspect, the Goan patoli and its Oriya country cousin, the endura pitha, Kamat says they suggest another reason to support her research. Source: ToI 

Tara Tarini hill shrine to get new ropeway

Tara Tarini hill shrine near Berhampur in Ganjam district is all set to get a new ropeway to the hill top shrine. According to authorities of the Tara Tarini Development Board (TTDB), a test run of this new modernized ropeway had started from May 14. After completion of one month of test run, there would be a proper security check and date of its inauguration would be fixed.

It may be noted that a Kolkata-based company had started a ropeway to the hill top in 2007. In August 2012 this company withdrew from the project. Now Usha Breco Pvt. Ltd, Ghaziabad has established this ropeway at the Tara Tarini hill shrine near Berhampur on the lines of the modern Ropeways at Mansa Devi in Haridwar.

According to the secretary of the TTDB, Pramod Panda, the ropeway had remained defunct since August 2012. Source: The Hindu

RDC reviews the ongoing developmental works and law and order situation at Tara Tarini Hill Shrine

A meeting of Tara Tarini Development Board (TTDB) was held on 8 May in Berhampur under the Chairmanship of Revenue Divisional Commissioner Southern Division and Chairman TTDB Shri Bikash Mohapatra to review the ongoing developmental works and law and order condition at Tara Tarini Hill Shrine.

After reviewing the current law and order situation at the Shrine area the Chairman directed the Ganjam Collector (In-charge) Shri Lingaraj Rath to expedite the establishment of a police station at the Hill Shrine.

Evaluating the on going developmental works the Chairman clarified that the R&D department Govt. of Odisha would soon start the construction work of a Reception Centre, Bus Stand, Prasad Mandap and lavatory complex at the Shrine. The Tourism Department, Govt. of Odisha has already sanction Rs. 86 lakhs for this purpose.

It was also decided that the ambitious parking project on the hill top area connecting the Ghat road to the Path Way will commence soon at a cost of Rs. 4 crores. This project will create more space for parking of vehicles near the shrine on the Tara Tarini Hill top.

As per the decision the ropeway modernization work undertaken by Usha Breco Pvt. Ltd will be completed soon and opened for public use. The RDC directed the Sub-Collector, Chhatrapur, to check the safety standards and other details according to govt. rules before giving clearance.  Notable, Usha Breco Pvt. Ltd has established this ropeway at the Tara Tarini hill shrine on the lines of the modern Ropeways at Mansa Devi in Haridwar.

In this meeting the Chairman also said that the Solar Light project which was pending nearly for a year will be expedited. Rs. 50 lakh has been sanctioned by the Govt. of India for this project, he informed.

In this meeting the Chairman closely monitored the law and order situation at Tara Tarini shrine area and security of the pilgrims coming to this Shakti Pith. He said that an unfortunate incident of sexual assault has happened in the recent past at a distance of around 5 kms from the holy Shrine.

He directed the District Collector and SP to keep strict vigil in the entire holy Shrine area and ensure the security of the devotees coming to the Shakti Pith.

He said the upcoming police station near the shrine will further strength the law and order situation in the Shrine area.

Along with the RDC, the OMFED CMD Shri Sanjeev Kumar Mishra, Ganjam Collector In-charge Shri Lingaraj Rath, officials of Ganjam District, Tahsildar Purushottampur, Secretary and other officials of TTDB were also present in the meeting.

Ram Prasad Tripathy, PRO, Tara Tarini Development Board, Berhampur, Odisha

Month long Chaitra Yatra concludes at Tara Tarini Shakti Pith, over 15 lakh pay obeisance

Marked by devotional celebrations and with the presence of lakhs of devotees the month long Chaitra Yatra at Tara Tarini Shakti Pith came to an end. The chanting of religious hymns in the spiritual ambiance of the Hill Shrine and the ritualistic worship of the devotees throughout the month charged the atmosphere with an exhilarating blend of spirituality.

So far as the Chaitra month is concerned, in India's national civil calendar it is the first month of the Hindu year. This month is also associated with the coming of spring season and therefore Holi, the spring festival of colours, is celebrated on the eve of Chaitra throughout the country. The first day of Chaitra is widely celebrated as Hindu New Year's Day in India (Varsha Pratipada), known as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Chaitrai Vishu or Puthandu in Tamil Nadu and Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

The Chaitra Yatra in the holy Chaitra month is celebrated at the ancient Tara Tarini hill shrine every year during the early spring season that falls in the month of March/April.

Chaitra Yatra 2013 commenced on the 27 March and concluded on April 27. Thousands of Sadhus, Sanyasins, Devi Sadhkas and devotees thronged the shrine for divine blessings of Maa Tara Tarini during this period.

Like the other Tuesdays of the month there was also heavy rush on the last and fourth Tuesday at the hill shrine. Darshan for the devotees started in the sanctum sanctorum after midnight Maha Arati at around 3.00 a.m and continued up to late evening. During the Maha Arati festival thousands of devotees were present at the shrine.

It is notable, that all the Tuesdays of the month of Chaitra are days of celebration at this shrine and devotees gather in lakhs to take a glimpse of Adi Shakti Maa Tara Tarini to get rid of their difficulties and to accomplish their worldly desires. On the fourth Tuesday devotees waited in long queues to take a glance of Maa throughout the day and offered prayers. On this occasion more than ten thousand kids tonsured their heads at the Shrine for a delightful life.

Tara Tarini Development Board arranged; Khichdi Prasad for lakhs of the pilgrims, special bus to reach the hill top shrine and made arrangements for special darshan, barbers for Mundan ceremony of the babies besides safe drinking water for the devotees.

As per the tradition like other Tuesdays thousands of families and groups cooked food as an offering to the goddesses in around 2 square k.m orchards of the foothill area after fulfillment of their desires and had a day of picnic at the Shrine.

Heavy police deployment was made by the district administration. Two IPS officers were in charge to control the law and order situation in and around the shrine. The administration also made wide arrangements to control traffic at the foot hill area during the month.As per primary assessment over 10 lakh of devotees paid obeisance on Four Tuesdays of the Chaitra month and another 5 lakh pilgrims visited the Shrine during other days of the month.

This year the month long Chaitra Yatra at this Shakti Pith has passed off peacefully but it remained in news due to the death of 3 pilgrims.

The district administration, volunteers, social organizations, media (both electronic and print), Panchayat and local people extended their full support to Tara Tarini Development Board for peacefully arranging the Yatra during the whole month.

More than five lakh devotees throng Tara Tarini Hill shrine on Third Tuesday of Chaitra

The Third Tuesday (April 16, 2013) of the Hindu month of Chaitra passed off peacefully at Maa Tara Tarini Hill Shrine near Berhampur in Odisha. More than five lakh devotees thronged this ancient Shakti shrine which is believed to have originated from the limbs of Mata Sati. Located on the banks of River Rushikulya, the Tara Tarini Hill Shrine draws people across the year, but the month of Chaitra and the Third Tuesday in particular witnesses the largest congregation of devotees. As per the age old practice, more than twenty thousand babies tonsured their heads during the day through ‘mundan’ and offer hairs seeking the blessings of the mother Goddesses for a blissful life.

The third Tuesday, considered the holiest in the annual calendar of events of the Hill Shrine, began with the chanting of traditional Mantras on the midnight of Monday.  The priests performed the rituals of Snana, Majana and Maha Arati of the Goddesses before the sanctum sanctorum of the Shrine was thrown open for the devotees. Thousands of devotees were seen standing in queues on the hilltop to have an early darshan of the goddesses. Many senior officials of the State government were present on the occasion including Shri V. Karthikeya Pandian, I.A.S and Secretary to Chief Minister of Odisha, the District Collector of Ganjam Shri Krishan Kumar and the Superintendent of Police of the District, officials of the local administration, office bearers of TTDB and Tara Tarini temple administration were also present on the occasion. 

The Third Tuesday of Chaitra which saw a footfall of more than 5 lakh people passed off peacefully. The entire Hill Shrine and its surrounding areas including the Rushikulya riverbank was chockablock from the wee hours till late evening. Devotees waited in long queues and dared late-afternoon drizzle to offer prayers at the temple on the hill-top and participate in the Chaitra Mela, one of the biggest religious fairs in the country. On this occasion, more than 10,000 groups were seen cooking in the surrounding locations and had a day of picnic at the Shrine. TTDB also arranged Khichdi Prasad of Maa Tara Tarini besides safe drinking water was distributed to the devotees.

Like the earlier occasions, heavy police deployment was made by the local administration to avert any untoward incident and control the large number of people gathered for the fair. The district administration also made arrangements to control traffic in and around the shrine. Police beat houses and temporary health centers were set up near the foot hill bus stop and at the Lions’ Gate of the shrine. Six special buses were pressed into service to help the devotees reach the hill top. Arrangements were also made for special Darshan of Maa on the hill shrine and more than 8,000 devotees queued up for special darshan on the hilltop.  

Third Tuesday of Chaitra draws lakhs of devotees to Tara Tarini Shakti Pitha

Source: The Sambad

Second Tuesday of Chaitra passes off peacefully at Tara Tarini Adi Shakti Pitha

The Second Tuesday (April 09, 2013) of the Hindu month of Chaitra passed off peacefully at Maa Tara Tarini Hill Shrine near Berhampur in Odisha. With the chanting of traditional Mantras on the midnight of Monday the festivals of the holy Tuesday started.  The priests performed the Snana, Majana and Maha Arati of the Goddesses at the midnight. After these traditional ceremonies the sanctum sanctorum of the Shrine, considered as the Sthana Pitha (Breast Shrine) of Adi Shakti, was thrown open for Darshan of devotees at 2 am in the morning.

During the Maha Arati festival at the midnight around 30 thousand devotees were present in the hill shrine.  Mr. Satyabrata Sahu, IAS Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Fisheries & ARD Department Government of Odisha including many other senior officials of the State Government, district administration, office bearers of TTDB and Tara Tarini temple administration were present during this occasion.

The Second Tuesday of this holy Chaitra month saw footfall of around 2 to 3 lakh devotees in the hill Shrine starting from the wee hours till late evening. Devotees waited in long queues to take a glimpse of Adi Shakti Tara Tarini and offer prayers at the temple on the hill-top. People from every nook and corner of Odisha and far off places of the country and outside were present on the occasion. On this occasion more than ten thousand kids tonsured their heads as per the age-old tradition of offering hair of newborns after the first birthday at the Shrine for a blissful life.

TTDB arranged Khichdi Prasad of Maa Tara Tarini besides safe drinking water was distributed to the devotees. As per the tradition around 3000 groups from different parts of the State cooked their food as an offering to the goddesses in the orchards at the foothill and had a day of picnic at the Shrine.

Heavy police deployment was made by the local administration to avert any untoward incident and control the large number of people gathered for the fair. The district administration made arrangements to control traffic in and around the shrine.

Tara Tarini chock-a-block with devotees on first Tuesday of Chaitra

Thousands of devotees from far off places in the state and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh thronged Tara Tarini temple, about 35 km from Berhampur city, on the occasion of first Tuesday of Chaitra Mela on April 02, 2013.

Braving the scorching heat, they climbed the 999 steps of the 17{+t}{+h} century temple, on the banks of river Rushikulya, to tonsure the head of their children. Devotees offer hair to the deity, as a part of age-old tradition, on every Tuesday during the month of Chaitra. "I work in Delhi and have come all the way to get my child's head tonsured here," said Deepak Sahu, a software engineer. Even though a road has been laid till the temple, most devotees prefer climbing the steps for 'darshan'.

"The district administration and the temple administration have made elaborate arrangements for the convenience of visitors," said secretary of Tara Tarini Development Board (TTDB) Pramod Kumar Panda. Water is being provided on the way to the temple along with healthcare facilities. At least 500 police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order. "No untoward incident has been reported till now," said SDPO (Chhatrapur) A Ch Pahi.

The authorities charge Rs 20 for 'Mundan' (close shaving) on the temple premises and only Re 1 for 'darshan', though special darshan costs Rs 50 per head, sources said.

Volunteers have been engaged to make the drive against polythene on the temple premises successful. They have been asked to convince the devotees not to throw polythene on the premises. RDC (southern division) Bikash Mohapatra had stressed making the shrine a polythene-free zone at the preparatory meeting for the festival. Source: Times of India

TTDB welcomes the devotees to the famous Chaitra Yatra

Preparatory meeting held for Chaitra Yatra at Tara Tarini Hill Shrine

As part of the preparations for the upcoming Chaitra Yatra at Tara Tarini Hill Shrine in Odisha, the District Collector of Ganjam and Vice Chairman of the Tara Tarini Development Board Dr. Krishan Kumar called a special meeting at the Conference Hall of the Collectorate in Chhatrapur on March 19, 2013. Notable, that the month long Chaitra festival at Tara Tarini Hill Shrine, believed to be the Breast Shrine of Adi Shakti, has a special significance in the annual calendar of events of the Hill Shrine. This year the Chaitra Yatra will start on the first Tuesday from April 02. As per the English calendar the Second, Third and Fourth Tuesdays which are the most auspicious days during the Chaitra month falls on 09th, 16th and 23rd April respectively.

As per the trends witnessed in the previous years, lakhs of devotees are expected to gather during the whole month. Especially on each of the four Tuesdays, considered most auspicious at the Hill Shrine, around 5-6 lakhs of devotees gather at the shrine. Taking the huge gathering into consideration and for peaceful management of the Chaitra yatra, the meeting discussed all aspects relating to the management of the Yatra.  Chairman of the Tara Tarini Development Board (TTDB) and Revenue Divisional Commissioner Southern Odisha Shri Bikash Chandra Mahapatra presided over the meeting.   Reviewing the preparations made by the district administration he sought the help of all to make the holy Shrine a polythene free destination during the yatra period. He instructed the district administration and the Development Board to strictly implement this decision from April 01.

Ganjam district collector Dr. Krishan Kumar reviewed the law and order, water supply, transportation, parking and sanitation arrangements in and around the holy shrine.  He informed that taking the huge gathering into consideration 10 more temporary lavatory complexes will come up on the hill top. Drinking water will be provided to the people both on the hill top and on the foot hill of the shrine and for that the administration will arrange adequate number of water tankers on the foot hill area, he said. The collector also informed that the administration will take all necessary steps to provide uninterrupted power supply to the shrine from each Monday midnight to Tuesday midnight during the whole month. He said the chief district Medical officer will open health camps and look into the food quality on the road side eateries in and around the shrine area.

The Collector informed that akin to the practice of previous years, facility for Special Darshan at the shrine and special buses to the hilltop will be arranged for the benefit of the devotees. Huge police deployment will be made on all Tuesdays of the month for the maintenance of law and order and traffic management in and around the hill shrine. He said that clean water will be released on every yatra day from the reservoir to the holy Rushikulya River on the foot hill for bathing purpose of the devotees.

It is noteworthy that the modernization work of the Ropeway to the hill top by the USHA BRECO Company, Ghaziabad, is currently underway. The district collector has given instructions to the company to make it ready by the first week of April for quicker and hassle free transportation of devotees.  Among others, Chhatrapur sub-collector, District Culture officer, BDO Purushottampur, Tahasildar Purushottampur, TTDB Secretary Pramod Kumar Panda, Executive officer MBK Rao, District Superintendent of Police other officials and TTDB office bearers were present on the occasion.

Preparations in full swing

for Chaitra Jatra

BERHAMPUR, March 24, 2013: Preparations were in full swing for the annual Chaitra Jatra festival at Tara Tarini hill shrine in Ganjam district...................

All set for Tara Tarini Mela
Bhubaneswar: 23/March/2013: Kishan Kumar has asked the officials to get in readiness for the upcoming Chaitra Yatra at Maa Tara Tarini Hill Shrine in Odisha, This is the Holiest shrine ................................

Preparatory meeting held for Chaitra Yatra

 at Tara Tarini Hill Shrine

Report by OdishaDiary bureau, Berhampur: As part of the preparations for the upcoming Chaitra Yatra at Tara Tarini Hill Shrine in Odisha, the District Collector of Ganjam and Vice Chairman of the Tara Tarini Development Board Dr. Krishan Kumar called a special meeting......................................................

Record hair collection expected at Tara Tarini Shrine in Odisha

Famous Tara Tarini temple in Ganjam district of Odisha is expected to earn around Rs 3.88 lakh by selling hair offered to its deities this year. "About a dozen organisations took part in the auction last week and a group from Andhra Pradesh bid the highest", said an officer of the temple administration. The highest bidding during auction of hair last year was Rs 3.42 lakh, he said.

Hundreds of people climb the 999 steps to this centuries old shrine atop Dahibandi near Purushottampur; about 35 km from here, to get the heads of their children tonsured every Tuesday in the month of Chaitra. "There has been a rise in the number of bidders," said secretary of the Tara Tarini Shrine Development Board (TTSDB), Pramod Kumar Panda.

The hair collected from the temple is processed and exported to the US, the UK, France, Germany and Hongkong. The hair is either made into wigs or used for extensions. The short strands serve as raw material for cosmetic products, sources said.

Around 90 per cent of the total collection of hair comes in Chaitra. "The organisation engages several people to collect hair every Tuesday during this month. On other days, a single person is given charge of collecting the hair", said revenue inspector of Tara Tarini, L N Panda. They will be deployed on the temple premises from April 1, he added.

The temple is also going environment-friendly by banning plastic on its premises. In a recent meeting, the TTDB took the decision to make its premises free of polythene and stressed the strict implementation of the decision.

The meeting, held under the chairmanship of revenue divisional commissioner (southern range) Bikash Mohapatra, also discussed plans for the smooth conduct of the Chaitra festival at the temple beginning April 2. Lakhs of devotees are expected to visit the temple every Tuesday during Chaitra.

Some of the Comments on the Times of India

jnm22 (Puri)

It is a Good scheme to improve the Cash Flow of the temple Administration. I think the temple Admin is following the Tirupati Model.

Syed Yousuf (Kuwait)

Hinduism does not promote idol worship/worshipping demi gods infact it rejects it. Shvetashvatara Upanishad Chapter 4 Verse 19 says "Na tasyapati na asti" (For God there is no pratima, no image, no picture, and no statue) and Yajur Veda Chapter 40 Verse 9 says "Andhatm pravishanti ya aashambhuti upaste" (Those are entering in darkness who worships the natural things (like-fire, water, air etc.) & those are entering in more darkness who worships the shumbuti (created things like statue,table, chair etc.) But unfortunately the common hindu majority of whom neither read these scriptures nor follow them blindly worship what not idols, snake, monkey, Shiv Ling etc., etc.,. I sincrely request all Hindus to read their scriptures with understanding and am sure you will find the Truth.

kamal (Delhi) replies to Syed Yousuf

The Hinduism also says that the God or the Supreme Being is present in every particle and object of this universe. So whats the problem in worshiping an image.............if the Supreme Being is present in that image. U r a new comer in the world of Hinduism......so, go deep, u will understand what Hinduism really is .........

kamal (New Delhi)

The Tara Tarini Hill Shrine in Ganjam, Odisha is also going environment-friendly by banning plastic on its premises this year. The Tara Tarini Development Board (TTDB) took the decision to make its premises free of polythene. Its a great idea. The authorities of this shrine always took environmental friendly decisions. In the recent past, in collaboration with TATA the TTDB has decided to plant thousands of trees for the betterment of the environment. A major SOLAR LIGHT project is also being implemented in this shrine in collaboration with the Central Government. Really you are doing a good work. Others must imitate these steps taken by the Shrine. I congratulate the authorities of Maa Tara Tarini holy shrine for these environment friendly moves.

DP Mohanty (Bangalore)

Hairs after auction are exported to western countries....

Dev (Australia)

its a good idea. Shows the temple authorities are proactive.. and trying to improve their lot. funds are always needed in temple. Rather than always asking for cash donation, they should try various such methods.

Neeraj (UAE)

Its very good business........

Chaitra Parba/ Chaitra Mela/ Chaitra Yatra at Taratarini Hill Shrine

The 'Taratarini Mela' or Chaitra Mela at Taratarini shrine is one of the biggest fairs, take place during the month of Chaitra and particularly on each Tuesday of the month of Chaitra i.e. during March-April (according to the English calendar) at the holy Tara Tarini Hill Shrine. Lakhs of devotees come from every corner of world in order to have darshan of the Goddess Tara Tarini and perform their Manasika after fulfillment of their desires. Grand congregations take place on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Tuesdays of this month. This Chaitra Parba/Chaitra Mela/ festival is the most important amongst the festivals, celebrated at the Tara Tarini Hill Shrine.

Significant features of the Chaitra festival are as follows;

• On Tuesday, the Shrine remains open for the Darshan of the deities from 1.00 AM (mid-night on Monday) till 11 PM (of Tuesday). During that period, Pahada (daytime rest) of the deities is confined to night-time only.
• Devotees in large numbers congregate at the top of the hill and the foothill from Monday night itself.
• 2nd & 3rd Tuesdays of the Chaitra are considered to be the most auspicious days to get Siddhi. Therefore large number of devotees (Around 5-7 lakhs) congregate during these days.
• Puja and offering by the devotees are offered to the Chalanti Pratima of deities placed at the Bije Peetha for the Bije Pratima in-front of the temple. However, Darshan of the deities in Garbha Griha (Sanctum of the main temple) is allowed.
• Special Khechidi Bhoga (Fried Rice of around 1,000 K.g of rice, Ghee, Cashew, dry fruits and other items) is supplied to the devotees from Monday mid-night till 6 PM of Tuesday evening non-stop.
• Thousands of devotees come to the shrine during the month of Chaitra and particularly on four Tuesdays to offer the first bunch of Hair of their newborn babies to the goddesses.
• About 20-30 lakh devotees and tourists visiting this holy shrine during this month.

Hair Offerings during Chaitra Mela

Devotees come to offer the first bunch of Hair of the newborn babies with the believe that Goddesses Tara Tarini will protect the newborns from all evils and ensure their well-being. On normal days the temple barber conducts the tonsuring of the children. Special arrangements for hair offering are made during the Chaitra Tuesday festivals. The temple administration arraigning all equipment necessary for tonsuring. Around 1000 barbers at the barber-shed on hill top and on the foot hill are engaged to help the hair offering of children and other devotees. Hair offering continues from the early morning till 6 PM of Chaitra Tuesdays.