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.

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? 

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.

तारा देवी
तारा देवी

Shimla’s Tara Devi Temple’s architecture

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 Shimla, entry fee and hours

Tara Devi Temple in Shimla does not charge an entrance fee. It is open from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on all seven days.

How to reach the famous temple in Shimla

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 Temple Shimla
Tara Devi Temple Shimla

Tara Devi Mandir is hosting a festival.

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 7:00 a.m. and closes at 6.30 p.m.

Tara Devi Temple Pooja Details:

  • Mangala Aarti:- 8.00 a.m.
  • Bhogh Aarti:- 12.00 Noon
  • Shayana Aarti:- 5.00 p.m.
  • Bhog :- 5.30 p.m.
  • Temple Closed:- 6.00 p.m.

 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
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