SMASHAN TARA DEVI SADHANA
SMASHAN TARA : Cremation grounds are seen to be polluting most, thus Indian smashans are located far from the center of town. However both the Tarapith mandir and smashan are within the vicinity of the town centre. It is common belief that Goddess Tara’s footprints are preserved in the smashan. The smashan contains within it permanent huts and residences amidst banyan trees for sadhus and tantriks. Dogs are a common sight. Trishuls decorated with marigold garland and skulls are placed at the entrance. At the midnight hour, the aghori sits alone in the smashan. To his this is undeniably a sacred site. He is naked or digambra, fearless and unashamed .He performs his rituals and chants his mantra. He gazes in wonder at the resplendent form of his beloved goddess, Shamshan Tara –Tara of the Cremation Grounds. Maa , in her deep blue colour, with three eyes and four arms is said to arise amidst the blazing heat of the funeral pyre standing upon fire consumed skeleton of a male corpse l...