Tarapith

Tarapith is a Hindu temple town and a pilgrimage site located in Birbhum district, West Bengal. It is approximately 6 kilometers from Rampurhat. It is famous for its Tantric temple dedicated to the goddess Tara, a cremation ground (Maha Shamshan), and its association with the Tantric saint Bamakhepa. The name Tarapith is derived from a combination of the words ‘Tara’ and ‘Pitha’. ‘Tara’ refers to the goddess Tara, and ‘Pitha’ refers to a sacred pilgrimage site. There are 51 such Shakti Pithas scattered throughout India, each associated with a different part of the body of the Hindu goddess Sati.

The place is filled with many ancient legends. One such legend is about about Sati, who felt very upset when her father didn’t invite her husband Lord Shiva to a big ceremony. When she went anyway, her father insulted Shiva. Sati couldn’t take it and jumped into the fire. This made Shiva very angry. To calm him down, Lord Vishnu cut Sati’s body into pieces with his Sudarshana Chakra. Each piece fell in different places in India, and those places became sacred.

There are a lot of things to do in Tarapith. Visit the Tara Maa Temple and explore the temple complex. Participate in the arti, offer puja to the goddess. The Maha Shamshan is believed to have the presence of the goddess Tara; visit the place to witness Tantra practices. Don’t forget to visit the Bamakhepa Temple and Bamdev Shangha Ashram. Visit the local market to buy souvenirs. There are many local food stalls around the place; taste the local food from them.

There are lots of amazing places to visit in Tarapith. You can explore the main attraction, Tarapith Temple, along with Bakreswar Temple and Nalhateshwari Temple. Don’t miss the Mallarpur Shiv Temple, which dates back to 1192, and Birchandrapur Temple, the birthplace of Nityananda Swami.

The peak time is from October to February. During this period, the weather is cool, and thousands of visitors visit the temple. From March to June, it’s extremely hot with humid weather. Expect rain during July to September. You can also visit the place on special occasions like Sankranti Mela, Gamha Purnima, or Kaushiki Amavasya.

You have several options to reach Tarapith. If you’re flying, the nearest airport is in Kolkata which is approximately 230 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi, a bus, or a train. If you prefer trains, the closest railway stations are Rampurhat Junction and Tarapith Road Railway Station. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available at the stations to take you to the temple

Many visitors visit the temple every day, and some days it gets even busier, so it’s important to know the temple timings beforehand. The temple remains open throughout the year, typically from 5:30 AM to 10 PM. Darshan timings vary from 4:30 AM or 5:30 AM to 12 noon or 1:30 PM, and then from 6:00 PM, 7:30 PM, or 8:30 PM, with Shila Murti darshan available until the departure of devotees.

There are many options to stay in Tarapith, including hotels, guesthouses, lodges, and dharamshalas. Many hotels and resorts near the temple offer comfortable stays for visitors on various budgets. You can book hotels and resorts online for hassle-free check-in, especially during peak seasons.