Maa Tara Chandi Temple, located in Sasaram, Bihar, India, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Maa Shakti or Maa Durga. It holds great significance as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, which are considered to be the holiest shrines dedicated to the goddess.
Legend has it that the temple is built on the spot where the “right eye” (Netra) of the corpse of Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva, fell. According to ancient scriptures, Lord Vishnu used his “Sudarshan Chakra” to sever Sati’s body, and her eye landed in Sasaram. This event led to the temple being known as Maa Tarachandi Shakti Peetha.
Maa Tara Chandi Temple is not only one of the oldest temples in Sasaram but also one of the most sacred. It is revered as one of the 51 Siddha Shakti Pithas in India. The temple is believed to be the divine abode of the goddess Durga Maa Tara Chandi.
Surrounded by the majestic Kaimur Hills, Maa Tara Chandi Temple offers a serene and spiritual atmosphere for devotees. The temple complex is also home to other attractions such as the Gupta Mahadev Temple, Parvati Temple, and ancient caves. Additionally, the town of Sasaram boasts two beautiful waterfalls, Manjhar Kund and Dhua Kund, which have the potential to generate electricity.
According to local legends, Maa Tarachandi appeared to Gautama Buddha in the form of a young girl when he visited the temple after attaining enlightenment. She guided him to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. This association with Gautama Buddha adds a unique historical and cultural significance to the temple.
Worship at Maa Tara Chandi Temple follows a satvik (pure) mode. It is believed that those who offer prayers here receive the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The temple is considered to be a place of immense spiritual power and is highly revered by Hindus.
The Shakti Peetha, or seat of Shakti, is a place of worship where consecrated ashes of the goddess Shakti or Sati are sprinkled. These ashes are believed to be scattered throughout the Indian subcontinent. In the case of Maa Tara Chandi Temple, the presence of the goddess is felt strongly, attracting devotees from far and wide.
Just 5 kilometers south of Sasaram, there is another temple dedicated to Goddess Tarachandi. Close to this temple, there is an inscription of Pratapdhavala on a rock, adding to the historical significance of the area. Devotees from all over gather in large numbers to pay their respects and seek the blessings of the goddess.
If you visit Sasaram, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the nearby tourist attraction, Dhuwan Kund. Located about 5.1 kilometers southwest of the town, this enchanting spot offers a tranquil escape amidst nature.
Whether you are a devotee seeking spiritual solace or a traveler intrigued by the rich history and cultural heritage of India, Maa Tara Chandi Temple in Sasaram is a must-visit destination. Experience the divine presence of Maa Shakti and immerse yourself in the sacred atmosphere of this ancient temple.
