Introduction
Himachal Pradesh is a land of Gods. Here you can find everything from the smallest shrines to the most ancient Hindu temples. One such revered place is the Tara Devi Temple. It is located near Shimla and lies overlooking the surrounding from the top.
Tara Devi Mandir is dedicated to Goddess Tara—one of the forms of Shakti. Also, a form of Goddess Durga. The word Tara means star. So, for devotees, the Goddess Tara is a symbol of light in the darkness to overcome obstacles.
Learning About Tara Devi Temple
The Tara Devi temple is one of the most visited sites near Shimla. The place is a heritage in the realm of ancient spirituality. Moreover, the whole place is beautiful, offering some of the most stunning views of the mountain ranges. So, if you’re a nature lover, looking for a place to seek peace and natural solace, the Tara Devi temple is a serene location.
Every year, many pilgrims travel to Tara Devi for blessings. You can even find foreign travellers exploring the culture of the region. Again, there are some trails where you can explore nature, by being away from the crowd.
Historical Background of Tara Devi Mandir, Himachal Pradesh
The original temple is believed to be over 250 years old. This makes the construction from the 18th century. Since then, there have been many changes for preservation and facilitative reasons. The original construction was under the leadership of King Bhupendra of the Sen dynasty. He had a divine vision to propagate ancient religious values in the region.
Mythology of the Tara Devi Temple Shimla
The original idol is from West Bengal and is revered in the centre of the Temple. Some sources suggest that the construction took place because of the divine epiphany of King Sen. Also, the top of the hill was chosen as an ideal location for setting up the building for the pilgrims and worshippers.
Architectural Evolution Over Centuries
The infrastructure is heavily inspired by the mountainous wooden style. There are also intricate carvings on the walls. The originality of the Tara Devi temple costs a lot of money to preserve the original artistry. This helps to pay tribute to the gold and silver decorations inside.
Location & Setting of Tara Devi Temple
The place is 11-15 Km from Shimla. It is located on Tara Parvat from where you can get the views of mountain tops like Churdhar. The temple itself is approximately 1800 meters above sea level. Moreover, you can find the beautiful deodar and pine forests in the vicinity. Thus, it creates a serene ambience for the traveller.
The Nearby Environment
As discussed earlier, you can find beautiful views of the Himalayan ranges. Even from the temple, the whole city of Shimla is visible, especially the Shree Hanuman’s idol at Jakhu. Around the temple, there is a quiet atmosphere that is ideal for the following activities.
- Meditation.
- Prayer.
- Photography.
- Community events.
- Festivals and more.
Religious Significance of Deity Tara Devi
A revered form of Durgra/Shakti, Tara devi embodies wisdom and protection for the pilgrims. She is considered one of the Mahavidyas in the Shakta tradition. Moreover, you can find the enchanting spiritual energy around the temple.
For these reasons, the devotees come to the palace to seek blessings and peace. In Himachal Pradesh, there’s a tradition of each place having its family deity or kuldevi—Tara Devi is worshipped as a clan deity of the Sen dynasty.
Architectural Highlights of the Tara Temple
The entire temple is full of pahari or local woodwork. As discussed earlier, you can find interesting carvings on the wall as well. There’s a hidden and mythological meaning behind those engravings, which you can learn from the locals. Even the doors and some panels feature miniature representations of various goddesses.
Metal work and Visible Ornaments
There is also elegant metalwork with gold and silver in the inner sanctum. This adds charm and beauty to the idols and the temple. Furthermore, the Ashtadhatu idol is visually stunning and is one of the most sacred elements of the Tara Devi.
In the span of some years, all this is fully restored by the local committees. This means that the whole structure never gets old. The restoration procedure is done in a way that maintains both the authenticity and the beauty.
How To Reach Tara Devi Mandir
You have many different options for reaching the temple. The most obvious is the road. The Kalka-Shimla highway is the most common way to travel to the temple. If you’re at Shimla, you need merely a 20-minute drive to reach the temple top.
- Road
- Train
- Air
If you want to take advantage of public transport, opt for a train. It will take you to the temple. The heritage route of Kalka-Shimla is an experience in itself. The toy train travellers can get out of the Tara Devi station before trekking their way to the mountain. Additionally, there are endless bus services on both local and highway routes as well.
Air Transport and Hiking Options
Jubbarhatti Airport, or the Shimla Airport, is approximately 22 km away from the temple. If you’re arriving by air, you can easily find a cab or a bus directly to the temple. As a pilgrim, it is possible to find special taxis that take you to the different local temples.
You can also trek your way to the top of the temple. It is a great option for nature lovers who want to look at the mighty Himalayan range. At the same time, it is a great physical activity which offers satisfaction and nature’s peace.
Tara Devi Temple Timings & Entry
The temple is open daily from 5 in the morning to 7 at night. This time varies from day to day. Therefore, you can be an hour late to the temple. Apart from the timings, there is no additional entry or parking fee in the area.
You can easily park your vehicle on the mountain top near the temple. There is a dedicated parking space for small and large vehicles. Coming to the dressing and entry guidelines, please dress modestly and avoid any leather items, whether it’s shoes, bags, belts or wallets.
Rituals and Worship Practices at Tara Devi Mandir Himachal Pradesh
The daily routine at the temple generally starts with the morning aarti or prayer ceremonies. Numerous pilgrims get together in prayer in front of the sacred fire and idols.
Here, the devotees present their offerings to the Goddess. It includes flowers, sweets, clothes, and even incense sticks. During this time, many travellers feel a sense of peace and prosperity in the present moment.
Major Festivals & Celebrations at Tara Devi
All the major Hindu festivals are celebrated at the Tara Devi temple. The most notable ones are the Navratri celebrations. This happens twice a year—once in the spring and again in the autumn. The energy is high during this time with heightened fervour. During this, you can find the following rituals or activities taking place in the temple.
- Durga Saptashati
- Mahashivratri.
- Community feasts.
- Kirtans.
Ashtami Fair & Wrestling Tradition
It is a traditional and annual fair that takes place on Ashtami. During this period, there is an energetic atmosphere in the local areas with plenty of cultural festivities. There are even wrestling matches where local athletes compete with each other.
Devotee Gatherings & Pilgrimage Days
During the weekends, there’s an additional rush of pilgrims and travellers. Therefore, it is advisable to be early during these times. Also, the special religious events draw larger crowds in the region, which may affect your trip if you don’t appreciate big crowds.
Nearby Attractions of Tara Devi Mandir
Shimla is one of the most famous nearby attractions. You can go to Shimla and explore the historic summer capital of the colonial era. In Shimla, there are several tourist attractions that take up a whole day for exploration.
Some of the attractions are listed and briefly discussed below.
- Jakhu Temple: Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, with its own panoramic views of Shimla.
- Kali Bari Temple, Shimla: A Bengali-style shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali.
- Shimla Ridge & Mall Road: Colonial-era attractions and central shopping areas perfect for sightseeing.
Nature Walks and Forest Trails
If you want to find peace and move away from the crowd, you can explore the pine and cedar forests. There are endless trails where you can go on peaceful excursions. Just make sure to study the trails before venturing into the wilderness. It is advisable to consult an experienced person and inform guides before entering the forest by yourself.
Essential Tips for Visitors/Tourists
The best time to visit Tara Devi is during spring and autumn. During this time, the Sun is bright and shiny, giving you a beautiful view of the mountain ranges. Moreover, you don’t have trouble driving through the snow or black ice of winter.
Throughout the year, there are many ongoing festival celebrations that you can enjoy with the welcoming locals. Therefore, you don’t have to carry a lot of stuff with you. Just bring decent clothing with comfortable shoes, and dress according to the weather. You can easily find food, water and a proper washroom near the temple.
The Importance of Dressing Modestly and Respecting the Local Traditions
Please dress modestly and respect the local customs. Even if you’re a traveller, you should respect the boundaries of the locals. They are welcoming, but that doesn’t mean you test the patience and hospitality of the people. So, behave like a civilised human being to enjoy your experience.
As far as roads are concerned, you can easily reach the temple top. Just drive slowly, as there are several hairpin bends with some narrow sections. The drivers who are accustomed to driving at a fast pace should adjust to the terrain, as you can find many vehicles coming from the opposite side.
Final Thoughts on Tara Devi Temple
Tara Devi Mandir is a place of spirituality, history, culture and nature. You can find the different elements that leave you in amazement as a traveller or a pilgrim. However, before visiting such places, you need to respect the local culture by understanding the religious significance. So, the next time you’re around Shimla, you should definitely visit Tara Devi.
FAQs
What is the distance from Shimla to the Tara Devi temple?
The temple is around 11 Km or 6.83508 miles from Shimla.
Is Tara Devi a Shakti peeth?
Tara Devi is a shakti peeth among the others in Himachal Pradesh.
What is the story of Tara Devi?
What are the blessings of Tara Devi?
The following aspects are the blessings of Tara Devi.
- Protection.
- Healing.
- Prosperity.
- Enlightenment.
What are the four most powerful Shakti peeths?
The four powerful shakti peeths are listed below.
- Tara Tarini.
- Bimala.
- Kamakhya.
- Dakshina Kalika.
Which planet does Maa Tara control?
The planet Jupiter is associated with the Maa Tara temple.
What are the colours of Tara Devi?
You can find the idol of Tara Devi in different colours, mostly green and white.
Are Tara and Durga the same?
The origin of the two goddesses is the same.