Tarapith

Tarapith is a famous Hindu pilgrimage in the state of West Bengal and a Shakti Peetha, believed to be the spot where Sati's third eye fell. Tara, another form of Sati, is worshipped in the temple. The town of Tarapith is a small, crowded rural town near the Dwarka river in Birbhum district and is also called the city of Tantra Mantra or black magic. Another legend tells the story of how Shiva had drunk the poison - Halahala, that would save the universe. To soothe his burning throat, Tara had breast-fed Shiva and nursed him. The history of the place is steeped in black magic and there is a huge cremation ground adjacent to the powerful Shakti peeth. Chanting can be heard at the cremation grounds at all hours and a sense of mystery engulfs the village.