Tara Temple is a historic temple located in the Puthia Upazila of Rajshahi district in Bangladesh. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Tara, who is considered to be a form of the goddess Kali. It is one of the most important temples in the country and is known for its impressive architecture and intricate terracotta ornamentation.
The temple was built in the 18th century by the local zamindar (landlord) of the Puthia Estate, Rani Bhawani. The temple complex comprises of a main temple, a nat mandir (dancing hall), a ratna mandap (jeweled hall), and a bhandar (storeroom). The main temple is built on a raised platform and is surrounded by four smaller temples. The temple is built in the Navaratna style, which means it has nine spires.
The walls of the temple are decorated with elaborate terracotta plaques depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and everyday life. The terracotta work is particularly noteworthy for its intricate details and delicate craftsmanship.
Tara Temple is a significant cultural and historical site in Bangladesh and attracts a large number of visitors every year, especially during the Hindu festival of Durga Puja.
Legend of Tara temple, Puthia
There are a few different legends associated with Tara Temple in Puthia, but one of the most popular stories is as follows:
According to the legend, Rani Bhawani, the local zamindar who built the temple, had a dream in which the goddess Tara appeared to her and instructed her to build a temple in her honor. The goddess appeared in the form of a young girl and told the Rani that she was to be worshiped in this form in the new temple.
The Rani was a devout Hindu and believed that the dream was a divine message, so she set about constructing the temple. She spared no expense in its construction and hired skilled artisans to create the intricate terracotta work that adorns the temple's walls.
When the temple was completed, a grand puja (worship ceremony) was held to consecrate it. According to the legend, during the puja, the goddess Tara once again appeared in the form of a young girl and blessed the temple and its devotees.
Since then, Tara Temple has been a place of worship and pilgrimage for Hindus in the region, and the goddess Tara is considered to be a powerful and benevolent deity who grants the wishes of her devotees.
Deities of Tara temple, Puthia
Tara Temple in Puthia is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Tara, who is considered to be a form of the goddess Kali. Tara is often depicted as a fierce goddess, with multiple arms and a third eye, and she is associated with protection, strength, and courage.
Apart from the main deity, there are several other smaller shrines within the temple complex dedicated to various other Hindu deities. Some of the most prominent ones include:
- Shiva: A small shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva can be found within the temple complex. Shiva is one of the most important Hindu gods and is associated with destruction and creation.
- Ganesha: A shrine dedicated to the elephant-headed god Ganesha can also be found within the complex. Ganesha is worshipped as the god of wisdom and is often invoked at the beginning of any new endeavor.
- Radha-Krishna: Another small shrine within the complex is dedicated to the divine couple Radha and Krishna, who are worshipped by devotees for their divine love and devotion.
- Hanuman: A shrine dedicated to the monkey-god Hanuman can also be found within the temple complex. Hanuman is revered for his strength and devotion to Lord Rama.
Overall, Tara Temple is a significant site of Hindu worship and devotion in Bangladesh, and it attracts many visitors who come to seek the blessings of the deities and to admire the temple's impressive architecture and intricate terracotta work.
Worship of puja timing Tara temple, Puthia
Tara Temple in Puthia is a popular site of Hindu worship and devotion, and it follows a specific schedule of pujas (worship ceremonies) throughout the day. The temple is typically open from early in the morning until late in the evening, with different pujas being performed at different times of the day.
The schedule of pujas at Tara Temple typically follows the following timings:
- Mangal Aarti: The first puja of the day is the Mangal Aarti, which is typically performed just before sunrise.
- Shodashopachar Puja: The main puja of the day is the Shodashopachar Puja, which is performed in the morning, usually around 10 am. This puja involves offering the deity 16 different items, including flowers, incense, and sweets.
- Bhog Aarti: The Bhog Aarti is performed in the afternoon, usually around 12 pm, and involves offering the deity a meal of traditional dishes.
- Sandhya Aarti: The Sandhya Aarti is performed in the evening, usually around 6 pm, and involves offering the deity lamps and incense.
- Shayan Aarti: The final puja of the day is the Shayan Aarti, which is performed just before the temple closes for the night, usually around 9 pm. This puja involves offering the deity flowers and sweets and bidding her farewell for the night.
It's important to note that the exact timing of the pujas may vary depending on the season and other factors, and visitors are advised to check with the temple authorities for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, during major Hindu festivals like Durga Puja, the temple may follow a different schedule of pujas and attract a large number of devotees.
How to go Tara temple from Rajshahi
To go to Tara temple in Puthia from Rajshahi, you can follow these steps:
- By Bus:
- You can take a bus from Rajshahi to Puthia, which is about 22 kilometers away from Rajshahi.
- There are several bus services available that operate between these two places. You can take a bus from the Rajshahi Bus Terminal or any other bus stop that is convenient for you.
- The journey may take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.
- By Car:
- You can hire a taxi or a private car to go to Puthia from Rajshahi.
- It will take around 30 minutes to reach Puthia from Rajshahi by car, depending on traffic.
Once you reach Puthia, you can easily locate the Tara temple. It is situated near the Puthia Rajbari (Palace) and is a popular tourist attraction in the area.
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