Mahatara Jayanti or Maa Tara Jayanti falls on the ninth day (Navami) of the shukla paksha in Chaitra Month. This festival is dedicated to Goddess Tara. She is considered as one of the Ten Mahavidyas. On this day, Maa Tara appeared on the bank of the River Cholana in the western parts of Mount Meru.
मेरोः पश्चिमकूले नु चोत्रताख्यो हृदो महान्।
तत्र जज्ञे स्वयं तारा देवी नीलसरस्वती॥
चैत्रे मासि नवम्यां तु शुक्लपक्षे तु भूषते।
क्रोधरात्रिर्महेशानि तारारूपा भविष्यति॥
Devotees seek blessing from Maa Tara to attain spiritual awakening, seek knowledge and overcome any obstacle in their life. This auspicious day is for people who practise tantra sadhana. She is the ultimate power of Lord Shiva’s Tarkeshwar Avatar.
The Story Behind the Celebration of Maa Tara Jayanti 2025
Katha 1:
As per Mahakal Samhita, Goddess Tara appeared on the banks of river Cholana to kill a demon called Hayagriva. Goddess Tara is the Ugra form of Goddess Kali who took a blue form. This was the day of Chaitra Shukla Ashtami also known as Tara Ashtami. The night of Tara Jayanti is referred to as Tara- Ratri.
Katha 2:
Maharishi Vashista was the first person to perform Tara Sadhana. He worshipped the Goddess Tara using a tantric method called Chinachara. This was to attain the Siddhi. Due to Maharishi Vashista’s intense devotion and accomplishment, he was given the title of “Vasistharadhita”
Katha 3:
Maa Tara is linked with the story of Samudra Manthan. While the Devtas and Asuras were busy with the churning of the milk of Ocean. A dreadful poison known as Halahal poison arose from the ocean. Bhagwan Shiv consumed this deadly poison and kept it in his throat. During the process, Lord Shiva started feeling uncomfortable.
That’s when Maa Tara restored his health by entering his throat and taking away all his troubles. Due to this Devi Tara’s body turned blue due to which she is also adorned with the name “Neeltara”. Lord Shiva gave her a beautiful name “Mahaneela”.
Katha 4:
Another prominent story highlights how Goddess Tara rescued the Moon (Soma) from the grip of King Bali. Her efforts helped restore the cosmic balance of nature.
Katha 5:
Some other Vedic text says before the creation of the universe when the whole cosmos was in darkness only Maa Kali existed. This is when Goddess Tara appeared as a guiding star to enlighten the stuck souls. After this incident, she got the divine name “Mahatara Devi”.
It is believed that in this way those who worship Maa Tara stay away from all life troubles. This day is not only auspicious to seek her blessing but it is considered a great day to take Bholenath’s blessings as well. Some of the exclusive temples of Maa Tara are Shridham Maa Tripurasundari Temple, in Jhoteshwar Ashram, Maa Ugra Tara Temple in Mulijihar, Odisha and Maa Tara Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh.
Different Forms of Goddess Tara
Here is a list of some of the divine forms of Maa Tara:
- Neela Saraswati
Neela Saraswati is the goddess that forms a beautiful amalgamation of Goddess Saraswati and Maa Tara. She blesses her devotees with the power of Knowledge and Intelligence.
- Ekajata
The goddess can be seen in a single braided hair. If you want to see immense spiritual power and growth then it is recommended to pray to this form of Goddess Tara.
- Ugratara
The fierce form of Maa Tara. She is worshipped in the eastern side of India. The goddess is considered to help destroy negativity from the life of people.
Seven power of Maa Tara
Para
Paratpara
Ateeta
Chitpara
Tatpara
Tadteeta
Sarwateeta
Shakti Peethas and Temples Dedicated to Maa Tara
There are two Shakti Peethas devoted to Maa Tara.
- Tara Peeta in West Bengal: This Shakti Peeth is located on the banks of river Dwaraka. It is one of the divine temples of Goddess Tara. As per Bhrama Purana and Shakti Peetha Storam, Maa Sati’s eyes fell on this place. Hence, this place became famous by the name of Nayantara (Goddess of Eyes).
- Bihar’s Ugratara Shakti Peetha: This powerful Shaktipeeth is located in Mahishi Village of Saharsa District. A place where the sage Vashista performed his sadhana to attain solace and peace.
Astrological Importance of Maa Tara Jayanti
This festival is valuable for astrologers. During this day, the planetary position of Jupiter and other stars is favourable and brings opportunities for spiritual enlightenment and personal growth in people’s lives.
This day is perfect for meditation for Yogis. Alternatively, it serves as a crucial time to wake divine power from within. Performing Sadhana on this day brings positive affirmations and makes room for self evaluation.
Health and Spiritual Importance of Maa Tara Jayanti 2025
The Poojas and rituals performed during Goddess Tara Jayanti are not only enchanting but also pave the way to numerous health benefits.
- It nourishes the mind and inner soul.
- You will feel lighter and at peace.
- Meditation done on this day helps reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
- Gives mental clarity about things and promotes overall well-being.
- You get a sense of happiness and fulfilment.
Shubh Tithi of the Maa Tara Jayanti 2025
The auspicious Navami Tithi of Tara Jayanti starts on April 5 2025 at 7:26 pm and ends on April 6 2025 sharp 7:22 pm.
Pooja Vidhi and Ritual of Tara Jayanti 2025
Here is the pooja Vidhi that you need to follow to seek blessing from the divine mother.
Method 1: (Worshipping Maa Tara Yantra)
- Get up during the Bhrama Muhurt.
- Clean your house and take a bath.
- Wear clean white clothes and vow to keep the fast.
- As per Vastu Shastra sit for the pooja facing the west direction
- Purify a wooden stand (chowpai) by sprinkling a few drops of Gangajal on it.
- Spread a red or pink coloured cloth and keep the Tara Yantra on it.
- Also, keep a plate of rose petals near the yantra.
- Make heaps of rice around the yantra.
- Put clove on each rice.
- Light a ghee lamp and and chant “स्त्रीं हूं ह्रं हूं फट” mantra.
- Listen to Goddess Tara’s katha.
- End the ritual by doing Maa Tara’s Aarti.
- Do Visarjan of all the pooja material in flowing water.
- An alternative option is to keep it under a peepal tree
- You can also burry it in an isolated Land
Note: The yantra pooja must be performed at night hours.
Method 2: (Worshipping Maa Tara Idol)
- Get up during the Bhrama Muhurt.
- Clean your house and take a bath.
- Wear clean white clothes and vow to keep the fast.
- Purify a wooden stand (chowpai) by sprinkling a few drops of Gangajal on it.
- Place a clean red or pink cloth on it and keep the beautiful idol of Maa Tara.
- Start the ritual by doing Mata Abhisheka either by using pure cow’s milk, honey, ghee, yoghurt or kumkum and turmeric Abhisheka.
- Afterwards, offer blue flowers to the idol.
- Perform Homam at home to seek her blessings by chanting the mantra ॐ तारे तुत्तरे तुरे स्वाहा I
- Do aarti of the idol.
- Offer Naivedya such as sweet rice puddings (Kheer), coconut and honey.
- Give bhojan to Bhramans.
- Do Kanya pooja of nine young girls under the age group of 10.
- Offer them with food, clothes, Dakshina and enchanting presents.
- Do not forget to worship and give food to Mother Cow (Gau Mata).
Conclusion
Maa Tara Jayanti is an auspicious day. It is celebrated with immense devotion and love. On this day people visit Shaktipeethas to seek her blessing. Devi Tara is one of the fierce forms of Shakti. She is also one of the Dashmahadivyas. Worshipping her on this day helps remove obstacles, fears and enemies.
It brings courage, prosperity and spiritual enlightenment. The day is highly divine for both yogis and those seeking good health and mental being. By offering prayers, praying to Maa Tara’s idol and doing tantra sadhana one can help bring positive changes in their mind.
