Tara Tarini, one of the famous Shakti shrines in Odisha, is located on the banks of the Rushikulya, 35 km from Berhampur. Braving the scorching sun, out of devotion, devotees climbed the 999 steps to reach the 17th century temple to get their children tonsured and to offer the hair to the goddess, a tradition considered auspicious if performed on a Tuesday of the Odia month. "The first hair of the baby is offered to the goddess. It's an age-old tradition of our family," said Bijan Mishra of Hinjili. A company from Andhra Pradesh has been collecting the hair and has offered Rs 2.70 lakh this year. Last year, it was Rs 2.51 lakh, a temple official said.

"The district administration and temple authorities have made elaborate arrangements for the convenience of the pilgrims," said secretary, Tara Tarini Development Board, Pramod Kumar Panda. "Since many trees were uprooted due to Phailin cyclone, we have pitched tents on the way to the hilltop to offer resting places to the people," he added. Temporary health camps were put up and drinking water supply ensured. Fifteen platoons of police, additional SP (Ganjam) and three DSP-rank officers are camping on the temple premises to maintain law and order, said SP (Ganjam) Narasingh Bhol.

By Premji