Tarini

Tarini (Sanskrit: तारिणी, Tāriṇī) is a regional form of the Hindu Mother Goddess, primarily worshipped at the Tarini Temple in Ghatgaon, Odisha. Her name derives from the root 'tṛ' meaning 'to cross,' signifying her role as the one who helps devotees cross the ocean of worldly existence (saṃsāra). The Devi Mahatmya (5.23) describes the goddess as 'Tāriṇī' who delivers her devotees from all perils. While not directly mentioned in the earliest Vedic texts, her worship is rooted in the later Puranic Shakta tradition. The Skanda Purana (Prabhasa Khanda) mentions a goddess named Tāriṇī as a form of Parvati who grants liberation.

According to temple legends recorded in the local 'Tarini Purana' (a regional text), the goddess manifested at Ghatgaon to protect the people from demons and natural calamities. Iconographically, Tarini is depicted seated on a lion, holding a trishula (trident) and a lotus, adorned with a crown, and possessing three eyes. Her expression is both compassionate and powerful, symbolizing her dual nature as a nurturing mother and a fierce protector. The lion represents her mastery over the animalistic tendencies of the mind, the trishula signifies her control over the three guṇas (sattva, rajas, tamas), and the lotus denotes purity and spiritual enlightenment. The red cloth she wears is emblematic of her dynamic energy (rajas).

Principal myths associated with Tarini include her slaying of the demon Mahishasura, as recounted in the Devi Mahatmya, and her role as the consort of Shiva, who is worshipped alongside her in the temple. Regional traditions hold that Tarini is one of the 51 Shakti Pithas, where the heart of Sati fell. The temple at Ghatgaon is a major center of Shakta worship in Odisha, and the goddess is venerated during Navaratri, Tarini Puja, and annual temple festivals. Her worship extends to West Bengal and Jharkhand, where she is invoked for protection, liberation, and maternal grace. In Hindu cosmology, Tarini represents the dynamic aspect of the Supreme Goddess who sustains the universe and guides souls toward moksha.

The Bhagavata Purana (10.4.9) alludes to the goddess as the supreme power who delivers her devotees. Thus, Tarini embodies the essence of the Divine Mother as the liberator and protector of all beings.

Seated on lion. Holds trishula and lotus. Crowned, three-eyed. Compassionate yet powerful expression.