Maa Tara Temple — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (India)

Location

The Maa Tara Temple is located in the sacred city of varanasi (kashi), uttar pradesh — one of the oldest continuously inhabited spiritual cities in the world. The Temple stands within the ancient lanes near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple complex, making it a part of the most powerful spiritual zone in kashi.

  • City: varanasi (kashi), uttar pradesh
  • Area: vishwanath gali / godowlia region
  • Nearby holy sites:
    • Kashi Vishwanath Temple
    • Maa Annapurna Temple
    • Manikarnika ghat
    • Dashashwamedh ghat

Located in the heart of kashi’s sacred corridor, the Temple rests in a spiritually charged atmosphere filled with prayers, bells, incense, and ancient vibrations.

History

Ancient roots in the Mahavidya tradition

The Maa Tara Temple in varanasi is one of the earliest centers of Mahavidya upasana, where Maa Tara, the Second Of The Dasa Mahavidyas, has been revered for centuries.
In kashi, Maa Tara is worshipped as:

  • The Mother of knowledge
  • The One Who Saves from fear
  • The Deliverer from darkness
  • The embodiment of compassion

Her worship in varanasi is mentioned in old tantric texts, which describe kashi as a city where Maa Shakti resides in countless subtle forms.

Connection to Maa Annapurna

The Temple is historically associated with Maa Annapurna, Who Represents the nourishing aspect of Maa Shakti.
In many traditions of kashi:

  • Maa Tara = The One Who Nourishes the soul
  • Maa Annapurna = The One Who Nourishes the body

Together, They Represent the complete care of The Divine Mother.

Tantric importance of kashi

Varanasi has been a home for sages practicing:

  • Tara sadhana
  • Tantric meditation
  • Mahavidya upasana

These traditions thrived along the ghats, particularly around manikarnika and dashashwamedh, where the energy of Maa Shakti is believed to be especially potent.

The present Temple

Though modest in size, the Maa Tara Temple carries immense spiritual depth.
The sanctum houses the beautiful Form Of Maa Tara, often decorated with:

  • Red and blue fabrics (traditional in Tara worship)
  • Lotus flowers
  • Silver ornaments
  • Sacred lamps

It remains a powerful center for devotees seeking wisdom, protection, and liberation.

How to reach Maa Tara Temple in varanasi

By air

  • Nearest airport: lal bahadur shastri international airport, varanasi
  • Distance: approx. 25–27 km
  • Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Taxis, autos, and app-based rides are easily available to reach godowlia or maidagin.

By train

Varanasi has two main stations:

  1. Varanasi junction (cantt station)
    • Distance: approx. 4–5 km from Temple lane
  2. Varanasi city station
    • Distance: approx. 2 km

Both stations are well connected to major cities in india.

By road

Varanasi is accessible through:

  • NH-19 (delhi–kolkata highway)
  • NH-31
  • Regional highways from prayagraj, lucknow, gorakhpur, and patna

Buses, taxis, and private vehicles frequently reach the city.