Things to do in Tarapith

Tarapith Temple

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  Dedicated to an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi, the Tarapith Temple is among the 108 Shaktipeeths and marks the spot where Goddess Sati’s third eye fell.

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  It is well-known for its offerings of goat’s blood, whisky, sindoor, and non-vegetarian dishes.

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  The cremation ground adjacent to the temple is known to be a favourite haunt of Goddess Tara and is home to several tantrics including the revered Bamakhepa.

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  Special entrance tickets are available for fast-track darshan and special puja can be conducted for an extra charge.

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  Temple Timings: Morning – 5:30 am to 12:00 pm | Afternoon – 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm | Evening – 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

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  Aarti Timings: Morning - 6:30 am | Evening - 8:30 pm

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  Prasad: Prasad as offered to the Goddess can be booked in advance and collected from the temple at 2 pm and 8 pm. The prasad is of 2 types – the normal prasad has 10 dishes and the special prasad has 15 dishes, including whiskey.

Best Areas to Stay in Tarapith

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  Tarapith Temple: This area is ideal for devotees who are keen on staying close to the main temple.

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  Tarapith Road: The accommodation available here is preferred by those seeking a peaceful stay away from the crowds.

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  Rampurhat Junction: The accommodation in this neighbourhood enjoys easy access to the Rampurhat Junction railway station, besides being well connected to the Tarapith Temple.

Other Popular Temples in Tarapith

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  Nalhateshwari Temple: Another Shaktipeeth, this temple marks the spot where Goddess Sati’s throat fell. The Goddess is worshipped as Maa Nalateswari with goat sacrifices as a common offering. Temple Timings: 4:30 am to 8:30 pm

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  Bakreswar Temple: Dedicated to Lord Bakranath, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, this temple is well-known for its hot springs. These springs are rich in minerals and have medicinal properties. Temple Timings: 5:00 am to 10:00 pm

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  Mallarpur Shiv Temple: Dating back to the 12th Century, this temple complex has 24 small shrines and is believed to have the Shiva idol worshipped by Pandava’s mother, Kunti.

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  Birchandrapur Temple: This historical temple is renowned amongst Vaishnavites, i.e., the devotees of Vishnu.

Good to Know Before You Travel

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  How to Reach: Book a flight to the Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport in Durgapur, around 108 km from Tarapith. Alternatively, board a train to Rampurhat Junction, which is just 9 km from Tarapith. If travelling from neighbouring cities or states, opt for a bus ride to Omarpur Bus Stand, which is 60 km from the temple.

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  What to Buy: The roads leading to the Tarapith Temple are lined with shops selling all kinds of religious goods, traditional artefacts, handicrafts, and sweets like peda sandesh & langcha.

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  What to Eat: Besides a wide range of mutton and fish delicacies, this town is famous for its daal puri, langcha, and peda sandesh.