Tara Devi Temple Shimla (Timings, History, Entry Fee, Images, Aarti, Location & Phone)
Located on Shimla’s western side, Tara Devi Temple enjoys a prime site surrounded by picturesque valleys. One of Shimla’s most well-known tourist destinations, it boasts a heavenly ambience that draws both locals and a sizable number of visitors during the holidays.
The serene environment of the temple, surrounded by a captivating view of the tall mountains, pine forests, and verdant surroundings, helps you forget about your daily concerns. This religious site, which is approximately 11 kilometers distant by car from the city center, is a veritable paradise for adventurers.
The Tara Devi Temple, a well-known tourist destination for your Shimla tour, is widely acknowledged for its spiritual significance and legacy. It provides devotees of “Goddess Tara” with a sense of holiness. Here, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery, inhale the pure, fresh air, or just stroll around the serene countryside that surrounds it. Additionally, it is the ideal location to visit in the summer and winter if you want to unwind and revitalize your senses while taking in the natural surroundings.
Architecture of Tara Devi Temple, Shimla
The Tara Devi Temple, a masterwork of Pahari architecture, has undergone a complete reconstruction because the wood used for its construction changed texture as a result of prolonged exposure to the air. Restoring the temple to its original state cost around INR 6 crore.
Goddess miniatures have been meticulously incorporated into the temple’s wooden framework and entrances. In addition, you will witness the extensive use of gold and silver in a hallowed location. This sacred site’s tranquility in Shimla’s lovely setting is another alluring feature. Simply enter the temple to experience the good energy that permeates the entire space.
History of Tara Devi Temple, Shimla
After nearly 3.5 years of arduous work, the temple, which is 1,851 feet above sea level, has finally regained its former splendor and attractiveness. Over a dozen craftspeople put in endless hours to replace the ancient building and enhance its wonders. While the Kinnauri artisans contributed to the silver work, the Rohru artisans worked on the woodcarving employing an age-old technique. Ninety priests carried out the necessary rites to reinstall the statue of Ma Tara on July 20, 2018. The idols of Maa Saraswati, Ma Kali, and Ma Bhagwati are now also present in the temple.
The temple has been around for 250 years, and its founding tale is a fascinating fable. It is often believed that the idol of Goddess Tara was transported to Himachal Pradesh from West Bengal.
According to popular belief, a Sen dynasty king once visited this region bearing a miniature idol of his own family deity in the shape of a gold locket. This was an ornament he wore on his upper arm. He fell asleep while hunting in and around Juggar’s vast jungle since he couldn’t remember how to get home. In his dream, Goddess Tara and her guardians, Lord Hanuman and Bhairav, asked him to reveal them to the public while he was asleep.
The Maharaja promptly made the decision to grant Ma Tara’s wishes and gave roughly 50 bighas of land for the temple’s construction. In order for people to pray and ask for favors, a temple was constructed there with a wooden idol of the deity.
A few years later, the Ma Tara longed to be on the Tarav Parvat hilltop in a vision given by another ruler of the same dynasty. The temple was soon moved there, and in 1825, a splendid deity crafted of “Ashtadhatu” was placed in a lavish ceremony. Since then, Sen dynasty members have continued to observe the ancient customs and worship their family goddess annually on Asthami Day.
Entry Fee and Timings of Tara Devi Temple, Shimla
There is no entry fee to visit Tara Devi Temple in Shimla. It is open from 7 AM in the morning to 6:30 PM in the evening for all the days of the week.
Travel Tip for Visiting Tara Devi Temple, Shimla
Avoid carrying leather items with you, such as wallets, purses, shoes, purses, and clutches. You won’t be permitted to enter the shrine otherwise.
