Tara Jayanti 2025: Celebrating the Divine Power of Goddess Tara
Tara Jayanti is an important Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Tara, one of the ten Mahavidyas and a powerful manifestation of Shakti. In 2025, Tara Jayanti falls on Sunday, April 6th. This sacred day is observed by devotees to seek the divine blessings of Goddess Tara for protection, wisdom, and liberation from worldly sufferings.
Tara Jayanti 2025 Date and Time
- Tara Jayanti Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025
- Navami Tithi Begins: 07:26 PM on April 5, 2025
- Navami Tithi Ends: 07:22 PM on April 6, 2025
- Panchang for Tara Jayanti Day: The day follows the Hindu calendar system, starting and ending with sunrise.
Note: All timings are in 12-hour notation with DST adjustment (if applicable). Hours past midnight are considered part of the next day as per Hindu tradition.
Significance of Tara Jayanti
Tara Jayanti is observed on Chaitra Shukla Navami Tithi, which is considered extremely auspicious in Hindu tradition. Goddess Tara is worshipped as the supreme divine mother who grants spiritual enlightenment and protects devotees from dangers.
Historical and Mythological Importance
According to Swatantra Tantra, Goddess Tara appeared on the banks of Cholana River (Cholata Sarovar) in the western region of Mount Meru. She is considered the Shakti (energy) of Lord Tarakeshwara Rudra, a powerful form of Lord Shiva.
The first person to perform Tara Sadhana was Maharishi Vasistha, who worshipped her using the tantric method Chinachara and attained Siddhi (spiritual perfection). Because of his devotion and accomplishment, he is known as Vasistharadhita.
Forms of Goddess Tara
Goddess Tara is worshipped in different divine forms:
- Ekajata – The one with a single braided hair, symbolizing focused spiritual power.
- Ugratara – The fierce form, worshipped to destroy negative forces.
- Neela Saraswati – A form that combines the wisdom of Goddess Saraswati and the power of Goddess Tara.
Temples and Shakti Peethas of Goddess Tara
Several Tara Shakti Peethas are considered highly sacred, including:
- Ugratara Shakti Peetha (Bihar): Located in Mahishi village, Saharsa district, this is where Maharishi Vasistha performed his Tara Sadhana.
- Tara Peetha (West Bengal): Situated on the banks of the Dwarka River, this is one of the most revered temples of Goddess Tara. It is believed that the eyes of Goddess Sati fell here, hence she is also called Nayantara (Goddess of Eyes).
Tara Jayanti Katha (The Legend of Goddess Tara)
A significant legend from the Mahakal Samhita narrates the appearance of Goddess Tara.
In ancient times, a powerful demon named Hayagriva terrorized the universe. To destroy him, Goddess Mahakali took on a blue form and became Goddess Tara. This divine night of Chaitra Shukla Navami is called Tara Ratri, marking the time when Goddess Tara manifested her immense energy.
A verse from the scriptures describes her arrival:
“Meroh Pashchimakule Nu Chotratakhyo Hrido Mahan। “Tatra Jajne Svayam Tara Devi Nilasaraswati॥”
Translation: “On the western banks of Mount Meru, near the great Cholana River, appeared the divine Goddess Tara, also known as Neela Saraswati.”
Goddess Tara is often depicted as a fierce deity with a sword, a severed head, and a dagger in her hands, along with an Abhaya Mudra, signifying protection and courage.
Worship and Rituals of Tara Jayanti
1. Welcoming Goddess Tara into Home
Devotees clean their homes and decorate their altars with blue flowers, lamps, and sacred symbols to invoke her divine presence.
2. Tara Puja Vidhi (Rituals)
The worship of Goddess Tara follows tantric and Vedic traditions. The puja includes:
- Placing an idol or image of Goddess Tara on a sacred altar.
- Offering blue flowers, kumkum, turmeric, and special prasad.
- Chanting Tara Mantras, including:
- “Om Tare Tuttare Ture Swaha” (a powerful Tara mantra for blessings)
- Performing aarti and homam (fire ritual) to seek divine grace.
3. Observing a Fast
Many devotees observe a strict fast on Tara Jayanti and break it only after the evening puja.
4. Tara Jayanti Offerings
Offerings to Goddess Tara include:
- Kheer (sweet rice pudding)
- Milk, honey, and coconut
- Neel Kamal (blue lotus) flowers
5. Special Prayers for Wisdom and Protection
Since Goddess Tara is the divine liberator, she is especially worshipped by spiritual seekers, tantriks, and those wishing to overcome obstacles.
Tara Jayanti and Modern Timekeeping
To align rituals with modern schedules, devotees use:
- 12-hour clock format for traditional puja times.
- 24-hour format for exact muhurat calculations.
- 24-plus hour tracking for night-long prayers and meditations.
Conclusion
Tara Jayanti is a spiritually powerful day dedicated to Goddess Tara, who symbolizes liberation, wisdom, and divine protection. Worshipping her on this day removes fear, enemies, and obstacles, while bestowing courage, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment.
By observing Tara Sadhana, fasting, and offering prayers, devotees receive the divine blessings of Maa Tara, ensuring prosperity, success, and ultimate salvation.
May Goddess Tara bless all devotees with wisdom, strength, and divine grace on Tara Jayanti 2025!
