Maa Tarini Temple in Ghatgaon is a revered Hindu temple located in the Kendujhar (Keonjhar) district of Odisha. It is dedicated to Maa Tarini, a prominent goddess in Odisha, who is worshipped as a form of Shakti (the divine feminine power).
Maa Tarini is revered as the Queen of the Forest (Banadevi), symbolizing her connection to nature and the forest community. Maa Tarini is always shown with a red face, two large eyes, and a mark in the center that represents her nose and serves as a tilak. This simple design reflects the tribal traditions and their basic beliefs and rituals. The red color is made from natural dyes using iron ores or ocher, which are abundant in the region. Tribes likely used these dyes to decorate and worship their sacred idols.
In this form, she is very similar to the conception of the Goddess Kali at Kalighat. Although the two are embodiments of the same divinity, Kali is the goddess of death and destruction whereas Maa Tarini is the force of life. Two of the names of Kali are Maa Tara and Maa Tarini.
The history of the Maa Tarini Temple dates back to ancient times. According to legends, the deity was installed in 1480 by the then ruler of Keonjhar, *Sri Gobinda Bhanjadeo*.
During the *Kanchi War, the ruler of Puri, **Sri Purusottam Dev, appointed Sri Gobinda Bhanjadeo as the commander (*Senapati). Under his leadership, they defeated Kanchi, and King Purusottam Dev brought Princess Padmavati back to Puri. The King also wanted to bring *Maa Tarini*, along with Lord Madanmohan and Raghunathjew, to Puri. After praying to them, the deities came to Odisha.
As a reward for his loyalty and success, Sri Purusottam Dev offered to fulfill any wish of Gobinda Bhanjadeo. Gobinda Bhanjadeo requested to take *Maa Tarini* to Keonjhar. The King agreed but told him to seek Maa Tarini’s permission. Maa Tarini agreed but placed one condition: she would follow him to Keonjhar, but he must not look back to check on her.
As Gobinda Bhanjadeo traveled from Puri to Keonjhar, he heard Maa Tarini’s horse hoofs behind him. However, as they entered the forest of Keonjhar, the sound stopped. Fearing Maa Tarini had stayed behind, Gobinda Bhanjadeo turned back to look. At that moment, Maa Tarini turned into a stone at Ghatgaon, the place where the temple now stands.
Gobinda Bhanjadeo begged for Maa’s forgiveness, but she reminded him of the condition. She decided to remain in the forest and instructed him to worship her there. Since then, *Maa Tarini* has been worshipped in Ghatgaon, where she is revered as the *Queen of the Forest*.
Maa Tarini is a protective deity and her blessings are sought for prosperity, good health, and safety.
Magha Mela (in February) and Durga Puja/Navaratri are celebrated fervently. Chaiti Yatra, Patua Yatra, and Ashadhi Parba are the most popular and famous festivals in this place.
