All travel is not just about sightseeing. Some journeys go through the heart, touch the soul. One such place is Tarapith.
A small town in Birbhum district, but an abyssal mystery, a centre of faith, tantric practice. Here the goddess is not Tadka, she is Maa Tara – the compassionate, the tender mother who comes forward on hearing the cries of the devotee. There is history on the walls of the temple, there is vision in the eyes of Chandali, and the voice of Brahma is heard in the early morning hours.
Today let’s go together to that Tarapith – where the Goddess herself resides, and man finds eternal peace by placing all his sins, sorrows, desires and cries at the feet of the Mother.
Beliefs and history
Tarapith is not just a pilgrimage site – it is a Shaktipeeth. According to the Hindu religion, Sati has 51 Shaktipeeths, one of which is Tarapeeth. It is believed that the third eye of Sati fell here, and since then this place has become the abode of Goddess Tada.
At one time this was a deserted place. On reaching here, Tantrasadaka Vamakshyapa started his practice. His name is still associated with Tarapith. He saw Maa Tara not only as a goddess of worship but also as a loving mother. The story of Vamakshyapa’s penance, miracles, and the acts of kindness performed by him continue to amaze people today.
Places to visit
1. Mother’s Temple
The main purpose of coming to Tarapith is to visit the temple of Mother Tara. The mother, adorned with red robes, is in the form of Kali on the chest of Shiva lying in the crematorium. This is not seen anywhere else. It is difficult to express in words the feeling that one gets inside the temple – as if the mother is seeing, hearing, feeling with her own eyes.
Every day thousands of devotees come – some for the pious desire, some for the cure of diseases, some for the hope of children. But everyone returns with an invisible peace.
2. Bamakshepar Ashram
The ashram is right next to my mother’s house. There are the memories of his life, the things he used, and his tomb. If you sit here, your mind will think about it.
Many miracles can be heard in the mouths of the saints – how Vamakshyapa spoke to his mother, sometimes fed her, sometimes quarreled. This relationship is an example of a loving bond beyond devotion.
3. cremation ground
Another famous and miraculous place of Tarapith is the cremation ground. Devotees spend the night here. Many people come here not out of fear, but out of respect. It is the place where the end and the beginning of life meet – a strange bridge between death and redemption.
Religious customs and traditions
Different types of pujas are performed in Tarapith every day – Mangal Aarti of the Mother in the morning, Abhishekam on the throne in the afternoon, Deepa Aarti in the evening. But the most prominent is the Tantric method of worship.
Shravan, Kali Puja, Amavasya – on these days, devotees flock here. Many people come to fast, some organize sadhana in the crematorium at night. Surprisingly, Tantra and Bhakti go hand in hand here – the Veda Mantra and the Kalishuti echo in one voice.
Food and snacks
Among the most popular dishes in Tarapith are the mother’s prasad – khichdi, labra, chutney and payesh. In many places, delicious vegetarian food is available at very low prices.
For street food lovers, there’s raw chop, prawn mocha chop, chickpeas, jhalmuri, and that famous papdi chaat.
And yes, you’ll find a variety of sandesh, sweet yoghurt, and coconut nadus in stores – all of which will make your family happy when you take them home!
Shopping and souvenirs
There are many shops around the temple. You can buy it here:
Mother of the Star
Rudraksha Mala
Religious texts and paintings
Left picture
Handmade candles and incense sticks
They are not just a souvenir, but a kind of kindness.
How to go
1) Rail route: Trains are available from Kolkata to Rampurhat (like Howrah-Rampurhat Express). Tarapith is 9 km away from there by auto / toto.
2) By road: About 5-6 hours by bus or private car from Kolkata. The road is good, but it gets a little crowded during the festival.
The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. You can get there by train or car.
The best time to visit is
October-March: The weather remains cold, ideal for pilgrimage.
Deepawali and Kali Puja: The significance of Tantrasadhana increases a lot during this time.
Amavasya night: Those who want to understand the seriousness of Tantrasana, this time can come.
Travel tips
Book your tarapith hotel in advance, especially during the festive season.
As it is a religious place, maintain humility in dress and behaviour.
It is forbidden to take pictures inside the temple – look into the eyes, remember.
Locals can be hired as guides – the stories make the trip come alive.
When you go to the cremation ground, stay calm, keep respect instead of curiosity.
Conclusion
It’s not just a place, it’s a feeling. Time here is slow, but full of vibrations. When you look into your mother’s eyes, she seems to know you – all the sorrows, the desperate prayers, the lonely cries. And you can start a new life.
Once at Tarapith, it seems that God is not only in the image – He is in the eyes of the devotee, in the prayers of the saint, in the smell of incense in the air, and in the smile of the woman who is returning home with her head resting on her mother’s feet, perhaps ten times.
This city will give you something – maybe not salvation, but peace; maybe not a miracle, but a touching feeling.
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