The Tara Devi Temple, situated on a hilltop 11 kilometers from Shimla amid a dense forest of oak and rhododendron, is known for the Tara Devi goddess and the breathtaking scenes and panoramic views it provides visitors. It gives a fresh and clean atmosphere to get rid of all worries, anxieties, and tensions away from the clutter of modern urban life, traffic, and a serene environment. It has become a haven for tourists who want to get lost in nature.
The तारा देवी Temple is accompanied by dense, green, lush pine trees, which provide an abundance of greenery. The cool breeze that blows there soothes the soul and refreshes the body and mind. The nearby deep valleys and lofty mountains surrounding the temple in the background provide a perfect picturesque view for photo enthusiasts and shutter burgers.
![Tara Devi Temple](https://realhimachal.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Tara-Devi-Temple-1-1024x576.jpg)
The Tara Devi temple is thought to be the epitome of Goddess Kali, who, according to legend, came here from Bengal to establish herself and shower her blessings on those who come to worship her in all her grandeur. The temple is known for its wooden architecture, beautiful carvings, and breathtaking designs carved into its wooden blocks.
The temple has something to offer everyone, from solace to freedom, from nature lovers to peace seekers. People looking for peace and harmony with nature frequently come here to soak up the natural aura of Tara Devi’s temple and let go of their worldly attachments.
- What Is Tara Devi's Temple's History?
- Why Godess Tara Devi Shimla Named as Tara
- Shimla's Tara Devi Temple's Architecture
- Tara Devi Temple Trek
- Best time to visit Tara Devi Temple
- While you are at or visiting to Tara Devi Temple, Shimla Travel Tip
- Tara Devi Temple Shimla, Entry fee and Hours
- How to reach the famous temple in Shimla
- Tara Devi Mandir is Hosting a Festival
- Tara Devi Temple Pooja Details
- Additional Prominent Temples within the periphery of Tara Devi
- Nearby Attractions of Tara Devi Temple
- Other Highlights
- F&Q's
What Is Tara Devi’s Temple’s History?
![Tara Devi Arial View](https://realhimachal.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Tara-Devi-Arial-View-1024x576.jpg)
Tara Devi Temple has been around for around 250 years. According to legend, the Sen dynasty brought Goddess Tara Mata from West Bengal to Himachal Pradesh. A Sen dynasty king once visited Bengal & returned with a small gold locket containing a gold-encased idol of Goddess Tara. This locket was worn on his upper arm by him. The locket was passed down through the generations.
Maharaja Bhupendra Sen, of the 96th generation, was involved in an unusual incident. While hunting in the dense forest, he saw Goddess Tara and Lord Hanuman, who told him to make Goddess Tara available to the public so that they could pray and worship her for her blessings.
According to the instructions, the Maharaja constructs a large temple for Goddess Tara and installs a wooden idol for the public to pay their respects and worship to obtain her blessings.
Maharaja Balbir Singh of the same dynasty had a vision of Goddess Tara, who revealed to him his desire to be established on the hilltop of TaravParvat. As a result, the Maharaja had her temple built on a hilltop and a beautiful Ashtdhatu idol installed (comprising eight rare elements). The model was established with great fanfare and spectacle, with a large procession leading the way. On the back of an elephant named Shankar, the Goddess idol was carried to the top of the hill. The Goddess was established amid the chanting of powerful mantras, bhajans, and other rituals, as per her wish for people to worship her and seek her blessings. The temple has stood on the hilltop in all its splendor and majesty from that day forward.
Why Godess Tara Devi Shimla Named as Tara
Tara goddess in Hindu and Buddhist tradition is No. 2 among Ten Great Wisdoms, called ‘Mahavidyas’- the mother of all energies. It has been said that the word ‘Tara’ comes from Sanskrit root , which implies to cross. Tara also means star in many Indian languages.
Shimla’s Tara Devi Temple’s Architecture
![Tara Devi](https://realhimachal.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Tara-Devi-1024x576.jpg)
The Tara Devi Temple, a Pahari-style architectural masterpiece, was completely rebuilt after the wood used in the construction changed texture due to prolonged exposure to the air. The temple’s restoration to its original state cost more than INR 6 crore.
The doors and wooden structure inside the temple have been meticulously designed with Goddess miniatures. Aside from that, you’ll notice a lot of gold and silver in a sacred setting. Another appealing feature of this religious site is its tranquility in Shimla’s serene environment. Simply entering the temple will fill you with positive energy.
Tara Devi Temple Trek
The trek is almost 2 hours long for the one side and if you want to come back on foot, it will take another 5-5.5 hrs with some rest time after sightseeing in Tara Devi Temple premises. The trek is not that of a steep climb & thus safe & best way to start trekking for amateur or untrained ones. Kids who enjoy outdoor activities will even love it too, this has the view and greenery amusement in ratio! Some sections here have also been covered with some stone steps, by the government and temple authorities. But that may not be right for the elderly or sick.
Best time to visit Tara Devi Temple
The Best time to visit Tara Devi Temple is during the months of March to June & September to December. During these months weather is pleasant & the skies are clear, offering excellent views of the surrounding mountains.
While you are at or visiting to Tara Devi Temple, Shimla Travel Tip
Do not take anything that is made of leather such as clutches, bags or shoes and wallet etc. Otherwise you will not be allowed in the temple.
Tara Devi Temple Shimla, Entry fee and Hours
Tara Devi Temple in Shimla does not charge an entrance fee. It is open from 06:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on all seven days.
How to reach the famous temple in Shimla
![How To Reach Tara Devi](https://realhimachal.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/TARA-DEVI-MAP-1024x556.jpg)
By Air: The closest airport to Taradevi Temple is Jubbarhatti Airport, 22 kilometers away. You can then look for a cab or a taxi from there.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Tara Devi Temple is Shimla Railway Station. People traveling from Chandigarh can take a toy train from Kalka Railway Station to Tara Devi Station, only a 10-kilometer drive away.
By Car: Another option for getting to Tara Devi Temple is to drive from Shoghi, which is well-connected to the rest of the city. Several private and public buses are available. You can also visit the temple while traveling along the Kalka-Shimla National Highway.
Because the temple is only 11 kilometers from Shimla, it is easy to get there by taking a state bus, taxi, or cab. Shimla is easily accessible by train from Kalka or via Chandigarh. Alternatively, one can fly into Chandigarh and take a cab from there.
Tara Devi Mandir is Hosting a Festival
![Shiv Temple Near Tara Devi](https://realhimachal.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Shiv-Temple-Near-Tara-Devi-1024x576.jpg)
Tara Devi Mandir is wonderful during Dussehra and Durga Ashtami. On such occasions, the temple hosts a large feast in honor of Goddess Mother Tara and a fair that attracts thousands of devotees.
The months of July and August and December and January are difficult to visit the Tara Devi temple due to rain and snowfall. The rest of the year is ideal from a tourism standpoint. Tara Devi temple opens at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 6.30 p.m.
Tara Devi Temple Pooja Details
- Mangala Aarti:- In between 6:30- 7:00 am
- Bhogh Aarti:- 12.00 Noon
- Shayana Aarti:- 5.00 p.m.
- Bhog :- 5.30 p.m.
- Temple Closed:- 6.00 p.m.
Additional Prominent Temples within the periphery of Tara Devi
Temple of Lankra Veer Maharaj
Famous hindu temple of Lankra veer maharaj in Tara Devi,Himachal pradesh. Lankar Veer Devta is the most worshipped god of upper shimla, he is called “The god of power, The god of strength,”. The deity of this temple is very famous in Tara Devi while the Bhandara (Annual programme) on Navratri also organised works here every year.
Temple of Batuk Bhairav
Batuka Bhairava (Sanskrit), also spelt as ‘Vatukabhairav’, is the most ferocious of all manifestations of Lord Shiva. This aspect of Shiva is shown with a fierce, naked youth complexion and hence is described. as accompanied by Dakinis (apparently young women) or surrounded by the Tantric tradition dog.
Dudhadhari Temple in Tara Devi
Dudhadhari temple is located behind Tara Devi Temple. It is said that it is important to visit this temple also because there is Vaishnav Avatar of Tara Devi.
It is said when a cow or buffalo has a baby in someone’s house, its first milk is offered to the Dudhadhari Temple. No one in the family uses milk unless it is 1st offered to the Dudhadhari Temple.
Shiv Temple near Tara Devi
There is a narrow trail that descends from the Tara Devi temple for Shiv Temple. We must take up a footpath in the forest. Recommended for nature lovers with good legs (it’s pretty steep).
This is one temple which wishes all religions to visit. From the top, you can get an unobstructed view that is absolutely breath-taking and shadowed by a tidy looking temple complex.
Nearby Attractions of Tara Devi Temple
- Jakhoo Temple
- Sankat Mochan Mandir
- Christ Church
- Reserve Forest Sanctuary
- The Viceregal Lodge
- Himalayan Nature Park
- Chail Sanctuary
- Kali Bari Temple
- The Ridge
- Scandal Point
Other Highlights
- People who want to organise a religious feast in Tara Devi temple wait for 8 years for their turn.
- On weekends, the number of devotees visiting this temple is between 12 to 15000.
- Tara Devi temple which was rebuilt in 2018 after three and a half years of construction & the statue Tara is also inaugurated, on July 20 with ninety priests.
- As per a few, she is the Goddess of stars and watches everyone from sky then blesses each.
F&Q’s
Q.1.What is Tara Devi famous for?
Ans:- Known for its cultural and religious significance, the Tara Devi Temple fills holiness in all enthusiastic spirits of those who genuinely follow “Maa” (Mother Goddess) or we say a beautiful place to witness on your Shimla tour.
Q.2.What is the story of Tara Devi Mandir Shimla?
Ans:- As per legend that it dates back to 250 years; and the king Bhupendra Sen had built this temple after the dream of Goddess Tara Devi told him to construct a temple there so People can get her blessings. He also placed a wooden statue of Goddess at this place.
Q.3.How old is Tara Devi Temple?
Ans:- The temple is 250+ years old.
Q.4.What is Tara Devi best known for?
Ans:- She assists individuals out of problems and brings prosperity. Second product of all the ten is Goddess Maa Tara. Tara – the star, which is a GLOW of light.