Maa Tara Chandi Temple

General information

• 

  Ideal Duration:

  1-2 Hours
• 

  Place Type:

  Religious / Pilgrimage Site
• 

  Entry Fees:

  No Fixed Entry Fee: As a place of active worship, there is no official ticketed entry fee; the temple operates entirely on voluntary donations (bhent) from devotees; Donation (Bhent) Small donations (like Rs.10 - Rs.100) are typically offered at the donation box or to the prie...

  Read More

  No Fixed Entry Fee: As a place of active worship, there is no official ticketed entry fee; the temple operates entirely on voluntary donations (bhent) from devotees; Donation (Bhent) Small donations (like Rs.10 - Rs.100) are typically offered at the donation box or to the priests for a special puja; during Navaratri, the demand for special, personal puja services increases, and the suggested donation for these services may be higher (Rs.200 - Rs.500);
  
  Cost of Offerings: Expenses mainly cover the purchase of offerings (flowers, coconuts, sweets, chunari), which are readily available outside the temple and can cost anywhere from Rs.50 - Rs.200 depending on the quantity; the entire cost of the visit is low and centered on the personal ritual of giving and devotion, a hallmark of Hindu temples.

  Read Less
• 

  Timing:

  Regular Timings: 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM (The temple opens extremely early for Mangala Aarti and remains open till late evening Shayan Aarti, with a short break in the afternoon, often between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, when the Garbhagriha may be closed);
  
  

  Read More

  Regular Timings: 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM (The temple opens extremely early for Mangala Aarti and remains open till late evening Shayan Aarti, with a short break in the afternoon, often between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, when the Garbhagriha may be closed);
  
  Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (4:30 AM to 7:00 AM) is the best time for a peaceful darshan (viewing of the deity), before the main crowds and market activity start, and for a cool climb up the hill; Evening (6:00 PM to 8:00 PM) is ideal for the Sandhya Aarti and the beautifully illuminated atmosphere;
  
  Peak Festival Rush: Avoid the immediate hours during Navaratri (especially between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM) if you dislike very large crowds, as the wait for darshan can be several hours long, making the off-season winter the most comfortable time.

  Read Less
• 

  Special Events:

  Sharad and Chaitra Navaratri: These are the two biggest annual festivals (September/October and March/April), when the temple sees a daily footfall of tens of thousands, with special night-long jagrans (vigils), elaborate Shringar (decoration) of the idol, and continuous bha...

  Read More

  Sharad and Chaitra Navaratri: These are the two biggest annual festivals (September/October and March/April), when the temple sees a daily footfall of tens of thousands, with special night-long jagrans (vigils), elaborate Shringar (decoration) of the idol, and continuous bhajan (devotional singing) programs, making it the most auspicious and crowded time to visit;
  
  Durga Puja/Dussehra: The main festival marking the victory of Durga, celebrated with special rituals, processions, and grand feasting, typically in October, marking the culmination of the Navaratri period;
  
  Kali Puja: The festival dedicated to Goddess Kali, a fierce form of Chandi, is also a time for special night-time puja and is celebrated with immense local enthusiasm and traditional rites, a significant, powerful night in the local spiritual calendar.

  Read Less
• 

  Best Photo Spots:

  The Towering Shikara Frame: The best shot is the exterior of the main temple, capturing the brightly coloured, multi-tiered Shikara (tower) against the sky, often best framed from a slight distance to include the entire temple platform and the massive Vahana (vehicle of the ...

  Read More

  The Towering Shikara Frame: The best shot is the exterior of the main temple, capturing the brightly coloured, multi-tiered Shikara (tower) against the sky, often best framed from a slight distance to include the entire temple platform and the massive Vahana (vehicle of the Goddess, e. g. , a lion sculpture) at the entrance;
  
  The Marketplace Vibe: Capture a photo focusing on the colorful, bustling marketplace and the flower/offering stalls at the gate, using the crowd and the vibrancy as the foreground for the temple's looming presence in the background, a dynamic street-photography style shot;
  
  The Hill Backdrop: Frame the temple structure with the green, sloping Chandan Shaheed Hill in the background, contrasting the sacred architecture with the natural environment and highlighting the geographical setting of the Shakti Peetha;
  
  Architectural Close-ups: Focus on the painted statues and detailed carvings of the various deities and mythical scenes on the outer walls and the temple entrance, emphasizing the artistic devotion and the intricate craftsmanship of the modern Shilpis (artisans);
  
  The Bells of the Mandapa: Capture a close-up of the hundreds of devotional bells hanging in the Mandapa (hall), often tied by devotees, emphasizing the spiritual soundscape and the collective faith, especially when they are swaying and catching the sunlight.

  Read Less