Tarapith

A Hindu pilgrimage destination, Tarapith Temple is located in a small hamlet of Chandipur in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. It is well-known for its rituals and the site for cremations (Maha Shamshan). Tarapith Temple is dedicated toMa Tara (Goddess Tara). Tarapith Mandir is one of the Shakti Piths. Sadhak Bamakhepa, a saint dedicated his life to the worship of Ma Tara. His ashram is one of the places to visit in Tarapith. Bakreswar Temple, Nalhateshwari Temple, Mallarpur Shiv Temple and Birchandrapur Temple are some of the other places to visit in Tarapith. Plan a trip during the best time to visit Tarapith to get the best out of the places to visit in Tarapith.

Tarapith Overview

Best Time to go Around Places to Visit in Tarapith

October to February is the best time to visit Tarapith. The weather is ideal at this time for sightseeing at the places to visit in Tarapith. July to September experience moderate to heavy rainfalls. The weather is humid and not appropriate for outdoor activities. Summer in this place approaches in March and trails off in June. It is extremely hot and humid and not suitable to explore places to visit in Tarapith during this time.

How to Reach the Places to Visit in Tarapith

To go to the places to visit in Tarapith you will have to take a train or flight to Kolkata. Kolkata is well-connected with Tarapith. From Kolkata, you can take a train to Rampur Haat, the nearest railway station to Tarapith. It takes 3.5 hours by train. If you take a bus, it will take 6 hours and 30 minutes to cover the distance. You can also rent a cab or drive on your own.

Things to See & Do in Places to Visit in Tarapith

Bakreswar Temple

Bakreswar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Bakreswar) and Goddess Kali. Located on the banks of the Paaphra River in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, this temple is one of the most important places to visit in Tarapith. The Oriya-styled architecture of the temple is worth mentioning. It is believed that Devi Satis eyebrow and forehead fell in this place thus it is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. There are many hot springs surrounding this area which add up to the scenic beauty of this place.

Nalhateshwari Temple

Located at a distance of 24km from Tarapith Temple, Nalhateshwari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is listed in the places to visit in Tarapith because it is believed that Goddess Satis throat had fallen here. Another legend says that her forehead had fallen here. People come here to pray to the goddess to fulfil their wishes. The temple looks beautiful from the outside as well as inside. Dussehra and Kali Puja are celebrated elaborately. While planning a trip to the places to visit in Tarapith, remember that the temple is open from 5.30 AM to 8.30 PM.

Birchandrapur Temple

Birchandrapur Temple is very close to Tarapith Temple and is an unmissable part of the list of places to visit in Tarapith. It is the birthplace of Nityananda Swami, who, along with Shri Chaitanyadev established the Baisnav religion. The temple is named after the son of Nityananda Swami, Birbhadra Goswami. It is believed to be almost 300 years old. According to Indian mythology, Birchandrapur is a part of the village Ekachakra where Pandavas lived for some time.

Mallarpur Shiv Temple

One of the places to visit in Tarapith is the Mallarpur Shiv Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple complex is believed to be one of the oldest in the Birbhum district. This temple complex houses 21 beautiful temples and a pond that adds to the beauty of the complex. The temple was built by King Malla Raj in 1192. The temple complex is an important addition to the list of places to visit in Tarapith as it is very popular among the devotees of Shiva who gather in large numbers at this temple during Shivaratri.

Bamdeva Sangha Ashram

Located at a stones throw distance from Tarapith, Bamdeva Sangha Ashram is another inclusion in the places to visit in Tarapith. The ashram is dedicated to Sadhak Bamakhepa. Bamakhepa was an ardent devotee of Ma Tara and lived near the temple. He went to the nearby cremation ground to meditate and was often popularly referred to as the mad saint. This Ashram is home to the samadhi of Bamakhepa. It exhibits the important events of his life and also has a large white statue of the saint.

Food to Try in the Places to Visit in Tarapith

There are a lot of food stalls around the places to visit in Tarapith. Langcha is a very famous dessert found in this area. This deep-fried dessert is made from Khoya and is dipped in sugar syrup. It is a very delectable dish. After offering their prayers at the temple, the devotees love to feast on crunchy “Daal Puris” and piping hot tea served in khuri, kulhad or earthen pots. Peda Sandesh is offered to the Goddess in the temple and hence it is available in all the sweet shops outside the Tarapith Temple. Snacks like Shingara (Samosa) and Pakodas (an assortment of fritters) are available at the street-side shops.

Things to Buy at the Places to Visit in Tarapith

Shopping in Tarapith and around other places to visit in Tarapith is an interesting activity in which you would love to indulge. Other than sweet shops selling famous langcha and wholesome breakfast, you will find small stalls from where you can buy all the things you want to offer to the Goddess inside the shrine. You will get flowers, sweets, incense sticks, sindur etc. You will find saree shops from where you can buy a saree and offer it to Goddess Tara. There are small shops that sell mementoes related to the divinity of the place. These serve as perfect souvenirs for your friends and relatives.

Known for its Pilgrimage, Tarapith is a hugely popular tourist spot. Thronged by tourists mainly during October, November, December, January and February, Tarapith is a tourists delight. Sankranti Mela, Gamha Purnima, and Tarapith Amavasya Annual Festival are some of the most popular festivals that happen during the month of (January-February, July/August, and August consecutively.

While July, August and September are considered moderate season, (months) March, April, May and June are considered off-seasons to visit the place. In peak season, i.e., in October, November, December, January and February you can expect pleasant weather with cool temperatures weather, in the moderate season you will experience medium to heavy rainfalls along with humidity. In off-season the weather here is extremely hot and humid weather.

In terms of activities, tourists enjoy getting indulged in temple hopping and the morning and evening aartis in the peak season, whereas in moderate season skipping long queues at the temples are the frequently enjoyed activities. However, if you are travelling in off-season you can enjoy escaping the crowds and heavy off-season discounts.

Tourists love to enjoy Tarapith Temple, Bakreswar Temple, Nalhateshwari Temple.

Conclusion

The mysterious charm of Tarapith Temple and the places to visit in Tarapith is magnetic. The spiritual satisfaction that one gets after visiting these places to visit in Tarapith is unsurpassed. With easy commutation options and decent places to stay, you can enjoy a hassle-free to Tarapith Temple.